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Financial and legal help with aged care homes
The financial decisions you make – for instance about how you pay an accommodation bond (more information) or charge (more information) – may impact upon your pension, aged care fees and tax. You may want to seek financial information to help you make decisions that are best for your particular circumstances.
Financial Information Service
A free financial information service is available through Centrelink (more information) . This service provides information about using your money to best advantage and how the pension income and asset tests work. It also provides basic information on taxation issues.Anyone can use the confidential, free, information service which can help you make informed decisions about investment and financial issues for your current and future needs.
The service does not:
- provide financial advice or financial counselling,
- recommend any particular type of investment or financial planner,
- tell you how to invest your money (the decision on how to invest is up to you), or
- decide on the exact amount of a payment from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs you may get (but they can give you an estimate).
- They may be able to answer your questions by phone. Call 13 23 00 and ask for the Financial Information Service.
- The service holds financial and lifestyle seminars and workshops across Australia. They often invite expert speakers who cover issues like financial strategies, investing, housing and estate planning, and wills. These are free, and usually advertised in local papers. During the seminar you will have the opportunity to ask questions. Look in your local newspapers for details, or phone 13 63 57 to make a seminar booking or to find out what seminars are coming up in your area.
- You can make an appointment for an interview. At the interview you can discuss what you want to achieve for your financial future, ideas on how you might get there, and how these ideas might work depending on your situation. You can also get information about how to choose a financial planner. To make an appointment or ask for material on investment planning and lifestyle, phone 13 23 00.
Other government help
The Australian Government has a range of income and other support services for older Australians.Read more: About government help
Rights and responsibilities
Each aged care home has different routines and environments. No matter which home you choose, your rights and responsibilities will remain the same. These are outlined below in the Charter of Residents’ Rights and Responsibilities (more information).Read more: About rights and responsibilities
Legal issues
There are several important matters to consider about the management of your affairs before and after you enter an aged care home.Read more: About Legal issues
How to make a complaint
The Australian Government provides or supports a number of schemes to help make sure that people living in aged care homes receive quality care. The broader community — including family, friends and visitors as well as staff, doctors and volunteers — also has a responsibility to ensure that homes are accountable, and that all older Australians receive quality care.Read more: About how to make a complaint
Common questions on this topic:
- What happens if I can't afford to pay my fees once I'm in an Aged Care home?
- I need financial advice to sort out my affairs. Is there someone who can help me?
See more common questions on this topic | See all common questions
