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Compensation and Support Reference Library
Departmental Instructions
1997
- C33/1997 THE 1997 JUNE AMENDING LEGISLATION (AL)/STATUTORY INCREASE RUN
DATE OF ISSUE: 13 JUNE 1997
THE 1997 JUNE AMENDING LEGISLATION (AL)/STATUTORY INCREASE RUN
Overview............................................................53
What will happen in this June AL...........................................53
Who we are writing to and information they will receive...........................53
Number of Pensioner Households..........................................53
Processing Details.....................................................53
Issues requiring State Office action.........................................53
Contact numbers.......................................................53
ATTACHMENT A - PARAGRAPH SEQUENCING......................................53
ATTACHMENT B - PARAGRAPH CONTENTS........................................53
ATTACHMENT C - SAMPLE ADVICES..............................................53
ATTACHMENT D - NEW INCOME LIMITS - EFFECTIVE 1 JULY 1997...................53
ATTACHMENT E - MEDICARE LEVY EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE......................53
Overview
Simpler advices this year |
This year the content of the Quarterly Advice letter is simpler than in previous years. |
No OBLIGATIONS |
The previous policy of a minimum period of providing full obligations and assessment information every 12 months, has been extended to:
This decision was made by the Repatriation Commission on 15 April 1997. Obligations will not, therefore, be included in the June advice letters. |
No GLOBAL reassessments |
As a result of changes to extended deeming, a global reassessment of income support pensions in respect of managed investments and shares will normally only occur in the quarterly processing in March and September. A global reassessment will not occur in this June AL run. |
Group Certificates (GCs) for TAXABLE pensioners |
All income support pensioners whose pensions are taxable, will receive a letter and an attached GC unless tax deductions were made during the year. The GCs for pensioners who have had tax deductions, will be sent to State Offices for checking prior to mailing. All GCs will include the period (in days) the pensioners are exempt from paying the Medicare Levy. |
NON TAXABLE pensioners |
Those pensioners whose pensions are not taxable (e.g., service pension on grounds of permanent incapacity and under 65 years of age) will receive an advice letter only if they are receiving pension at less than the maximum rate. |
Payment Boxes |
The letters to all reduced rate income support pensioners will include a payment box notifying of a small increase as a result of CPI adjustments to income and asset test thresholds. |
Medicare Levy Exemption Certificates (MLEC) |
A separate MLEC will be sent to all pensioners who held a gold treatment entitlement card in 1996/97 (i.e. disability pensioners; war widow/ers; non-taxable income support pensioners). These pensioners will not receive an advice letter. |
Telephone Allowance (TA) |
The letters will inform pensioners entitled to the telephone allowance about their June quarterly payment. |
Treatment Eligibility |
The letters will inform pensioners who gain or lose full treatment eligibility as a result of the quarterly processing. |
Content of Advice Letters |
Details of the content of the letters is at ATTACHMENTS A, B, and C. |
What will happen in this June AL
Events covered by the 1997 June AL processing |
The following events will be covered by the June '97 AL processing:
- deeming thresholds, - Income Free Area (IFA) and Asset Free Area (AFA) limits; and - asset threshold for treatment eligibility;
|
NB: As at today, the Legislation has not been passed and DSS are still working on the basis that it will be passed prior to 20 June. |
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Changes in Treatment eligibility |
A relatively small number of veterans will have their eligibility for treatment changed as a result of this AL. These pensioners fall into one of three groups: |
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* NB: These pensioners were advised about the 'saved' arrangement twelve months ago |
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Who we are writing to and information they will receive
If income support pension is TAXABLE |
- an advice letter and an attached group certificate which will include the number of MLE days recorded (including where the number of days equals 'zero'). The CPI adjustment to the limits will not vary the total pension amount for maximum rate pensioners. Their advice letter will, therefore, not include a payment box.
- an advice letter (with a payment box) and an attached group certificate which will include the MLE days recorded. However, if tax deductions have been made during the year, the group certificate will be not be attached to the advice letter and will be forwarded to State Offices for reconciliation of the amount of tax deducted. |
If income support pension is NON-TAXABLE |
- a MLE Certificate only.
- an advice letter including a payment box but NO group certificate; and - a separate MLE Certificate (i.e. it will not be included as part of the advice letter). |
MLE certificates only |
Disability pensioners, War widows not in receipt of ISS, and SP(Invalidity) who are on maximum rate, will receive a Medicare Levy Exemption Certificate only. |
Inserts |
Each envelope will include three inserts:
(contact Tony May (06) 289 6608)
(contact Mark Baker (06) 243 4371) |
NB: Sample copies of the DSH and AWM inserts have been forwarded to the A/Ds Income Support for information. |
Number of Pensioner Households
Household numbers (to receive GCs and/or MLE Certificates)
Type |
NSW |
VIC |
QLD |
SA |
WA |
TAS |
AUST |
SP |
66,532 |
45,096 |
41,110 |
20,161 |
19,054 |
8,824 |
200,777 |
ISS |
23,230 |
16,976 |
12,154 |
5,790 |
4,704 |
2,412 |
65,266 |
Other Gold card holders* |
18,230 |
12,288 |
8,740 |
3,620 |
3,613 |
1,513 |
48,004 |
Total |
107,992 |
74,360 |
62,004 |
29,571 |
27,371 |
12,749 |
314,047 |
*Note: These figures include DP 'only' gold card holders who are not in receipt of SP, and war widows who are not in receipt of ISS. |
Processing Details
Processing weekend |
The following will be conducted on the weekend of 13 -15 June 1997:
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*Note: The fortnightly run for deprived assets, profit or fees, DTSP, FIs, MIs and Shares will not be carried out for pay period 53 (3 July 1997). |
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SSO's to issue local ADP processing timetable |
Detailed information regarding ADP Processing has been issued to State Systems Support Officers in a separate memorandum. The Systems Support Officers will be issuing a local processing timetable and should be consulted on any related matters. |
Key processing dates for AL:
Date |
Event |
Thursday 12 June 1997 |
Fortnightly cut off for pay period 53 (3 July 1997) |
Thursday 12 June to Sun 15 June. |
AL/SI Processing (as above) |
Sunday 15 June |
Quarterly Advices processing runs. |
Monday 16 June until cut-off for pay period 54 |
Examiner action on manual schedules for SP |
From 18 June to 30 June. |
Quarterly Advices to be printed at Mailing Houses and lodged progressively with Australia Post |
Mailing Houses |
Two mailing houses will be used for the June mailout:
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Leigh Mardon |
Leigh Mardon will print, add inserts, and mail all advices and GCs for:
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Lane Print Group |
Lane Print Group will print, add inserts, and mail all advices and GCs for:
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Lane Print Group will also print and mail Medicare Levy Exemption Certificates for all States. |
Issues requiring State Office action
Despatch cases processed in advance |
Cases processed in advance for 3 July 1997 should have the daily advice despatched prior to the Quarterly Advice being sent. |
Hold Daily payment advices |
Daily payment advices produced after the processing run on 13-15 June 1997 for pay period 53 (3 July 1997), should be held until confirmation is received from the Quarterly Advices Project Officer in National Office to release such advices. This will ensure that pensioners who have pension variations processed for pay-day 3 July 1997 will receive their daily advice after the quarterly advice rather than in advance of it. |
Process only manual and essential cases |
To minimise the number of daily advices to be held whilst quarterly advices are processed, it is suggested that only manual cases (and essential cases) be processed for payday 3 July 1997. |
Continue general processing for following payday |
General pensions processing can continue but should be submitted for the subsequent payday i.e. pay period 54 -17 July 1997. |
Reprints of selected advices |
Any requests for reprints of individual Quarterly Advices should be referred through System Support Officers to the Mainframe Support Help Desk on (06) 289 6799. |
Reprints of GCs |
System Support Officers will receive a formatted Group Certificate in Word for Windows for any reprints. |
Check and mail tax deducted cases |
The GCs for pensioners who have had tax deductions will be sent to the System Support Officers in each State to arrange checking and mailing. |
Sort and mail Special Register and Overseas cases |
The output for Special Register and Overseas cases will be sent to the System Support Officers for referral to the Payment Administration areas for sorting and mailing. |
Monitoring of enquiries |
Arrangements have been made with the PABX network manager to automatically monitor incoming phonecalls over a four week period from 16 June to 11 July. It would be appreciated if Assistant Directors Income Support could provide a brief report* outlining the general nature and volume of the enquiries received over the 4 week period ending 11 July. The report can be addressed to John Stevens in Queensland. This will ensure that your comments and any problems are addressed for next June's AL run. |
*NB: Report based on anecdotal information from staff will suffice and detailed statistical information is not required. |
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Contact numbers
National Office Contacts |
Phone number |
|
John Stevens |
(07) 3223 8568 |
Q-B-BPRIS |
Peter Read |
(06) 289 6426 |
C-C-BD-02 |
Masuda Sheikh |
(06) 289 6442 |
C-C-BD-03 |
Tracey Cunningham |
(06) 289 6398 |
C-C-BD-07 |
Murray Chynoweth* |
(06) 289 6799 |
C-C-BD-08 |
*NB: Murray will be available at the phone number indicated above but will be physically located at Lane Print Group in Adelaide for the duration of the mailout. |
JOHN STEVENS
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
ATTACHMENT A - PARAGRAPH SEQUENCING
Paragraph |
To whom |
State Office address and phone no. |
All * |
Date |
All |
File Number |
All |
Name and address |
All |
Salutation |
All |
Opening Paragraph |
All |
Group Certificate Paragraph |
Taxable payments only |
Pension assessed under the Income Test |
Income tested |
Pension assessed under the Assets Test |
Assets tested |
IFA/AFA /Deeming Changes |
All |
Your payment is unchanged |
Maximum rate pensioners |
Your payment is increased |
Reduced rate pensioners |
Payment Box |
Reduced rate pensioners |
Telephone Allowance |
All eligible for payment |
Saved Treatment |
1996 Saved treatment cases coming off |
Saved Treatment - reverting to white card |
1996 Saved treatment cases coming off but retaining treatment for A/Ds.** |
Treatment Eligibility |
Those gaining eligibility as result of AFA increase |
Losing Treatment |
Those losing treatment after changing from income to assets tested |
Closing Paragraph |
All |
Signature Block (State specific) |
All |
*WA have specified 09 366 8548 as the main contact number for that State.
This number is for use only in the June advices.
** SP/DP with DP <50%; Section 85/2 cases.
NO ADVICE LETTER TO CLIENTS IN RECEIPT OF MAXIMUM RATE NON-TAXABLE PAYMENTS.
ATTACHMENT B - PARAGRAPH CONTENTS
Opening Paragraph
I am writing to you about your income support pension.
Group Certificate paragraph - FOR TAXABLE ISP RECIPIENTS ONLY
Group Certificates
As it is the end of the 1996/97 financial year Group Certificates are being issued. You will need this information if you are required to lodge a tax return. If no tax deductions have been made from your income support pension for the 1996/97 financial year, your original Group Certificate has been included with this letter. If tax deductions have been made on your behalf, the Group Certificate will be mailed separately. You should contact your local Taxation Office if you have any questions about taxation.
If you have been eligible for full treatment at departmental expense during the past financial year, you do not have to pay the Medicare Levy for that period. The period for which you have been exempt from the levy appears on your Group Certificate.
Income Test
Your income support pension is currently assessed under the income test on the basis of income deemed from your financial assets and income from other sources.
Assets Test
Your income support pension is currently assessed under the assets test on the basis of the total value of your assets excluding the home in which you live.
IFA/AFA/Deeming changes
CPI changes to the Income and Assets Tests
Recent increases in the Consumer Price Index have been applied to the following income and assets limits for income support pension:
- Income Free Area - this is the amount of income you can have before your pension is reduced below the maximum rate payable;
- Assets Free Area - this is the amount of assets you can have (besides your family home) before your pension is reduced below the maximum rate payable; and
- Deeming Thresholds - these are the amounts of financial assets you can have before the higher deemed interest rates are applied to the assessment of income support pension.
The new limits are set out in the attachment headed “New Income Limits and New Assets Limits”
Maximum Rate Pensioners
As you are currently in receipt of the maximum rate of income support pension, these changes do not affect the amount of pension you receive.
Reduced Rate Pensioners
Your income support pension has been increased as a result of these changes.
PAYMENT DETAILS PARAGRAPH FOR REDUCED RATERS - USUAL
PAYMENT BOX FOR REDUCED RATERS - USUAL
Payment Details
The fortnightly rate of pension you will receive from 3 July 1997 is shown below.
PAYMENTS TO XX XXXXX XXXXX
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT$XXX.XX
This is made up of :
- - XXXXXXX$XXX.XX
- - XXXXXXX$ XX.XX
Telephone Allowance
Your quarterly telephone allowance will be paid on 3 July 1997, together with your fortnightly rate of pension. The rates of telephone allowance are:
- World War 1 - $42.50
- General Rate (single income support pensioners, war widow(er)s and recipients of certain rates of disability pension) - $15.40
- Married Rate - $7.70 each for income support pensioner couples.
Saved treatment cases who are losing eligibility - single
Medical Treatment
The extension of the deemed income rules to other financial assets from 4 July 1996 meant that you would have normally lost your treatment eligibility as there was an increase in your income from financial assets. However, a decision was made to 'save' your eligibility for treatment benefits until 30 June 1997 to allow you time to make alternative health care arrangements if required. Accordingly, from 1 July 1997 you are no longer eligible for treatment benefits. Your gold card should not be used from this date and should be returned to your nearest DVA office as soon as possible.
The income limits for treatment benefits are listed in the attachment headed “New Income Limits and New Assets Limits”.
Saved treatment cases who are losing eligibility - married
Medical Treatment for [CLIENT NAME]
The extension of the deemed income rules to other financial assets from 4 July 1996 meant that you would have normally lost your treatment eligibility as there was an increase in your income from financial assets. However, a decision was made to 'save' your eligibility for treatment benefits until 30 June 1997 to allow you time to make alternative health care arrangements if required. Accordingly, from 1 July 1997 you are no longer eligible for treatment benefits. Your gold card should not be used from this date and should be returned to your nearest DVA office as soon as possible.
The income limits for treatment benefits are listed in the attachment headed “New Income Limits and New Assets Limits”.
SOME SAVED TREATMENT CASES MAY REVERT TO A WHITE CARD BECAUSE OF THEIR ACCEPTED DISABILITIES OR 85/2 BENEFITS.
Saved treatment cases who are reverting to a white card - single
Medical Treatment
The extension of the deemed income rules to other financial assets from 4 July 1996 meant that you would have normally lost your full treatment eligibility as there was an increase in your income from financial assets. However, a decision was made to 'save' your eligibility for treatment benefits until 30 June 1997 to allow you time to make alternative health care arrangements if required. Accordingly, from 1 July 1997 you are no longer eligible for treatment benefits. Your gold card should not be used from this date and should be returned to your nearest DVA office as soon as possible.
The income limits for treatment benefits are listed in the attachment headed “New Income Limits and New Assets Limits”.
You are still eligible for treatment of your service related disabilities. A white card which covers treatment for these conditions will be issued shortly.
Saved treatment cases who are reverting to a white card - married
Medical Treatment for [CLIENT NAME]
The extension of the deemed income rules to other financial assets from 4 July 1996 meant that you would have normally lost your treatment eligibility as there was an increase in your income from financial assets. However, a decision was made to 'save' your eligibility for treatment benefits until 30 June 1997 to allow you time to make alternative health care arrangements if required. Accordingly, from 1 July 1997 you are no longer eligible for treatment benefits. Your gold card should not be used from this date and should be returned to your nearest DVA office as soon as possible.
The income limits for treatment benefits are listed in the attachment headed “New Income Limits and New Assets Limits”.
You are still eligible for treatment of your service related disabilities. A white card which covers treatment for these conditions will be issued shortly.
Gaining treatment eligibility - single
Medical Treatment
You are now eligible to receive full medical and hospital treatment through this Department. Eligibility for treatment is based on income and asset limits. These are:
Income Test — Assets Test
per fortnight — Homeowners — Non Homeowners
Partnered (combined)[Updated Income & Assets Limits appear here]
Single Veterans[Updated Income & Assets Limits appear here]
$52.00 is added per fortnight to the income test limits for each dependant child/student under 25.
A Gold Repatriation Health Card will be sent within the next four (4) weeks. Instructions on its use and the benefits available will also be supplied with the card. In the meantime, if you require any medical treatment before receiving the card, the doctor should contact the Department to confirm your eligibility.
If you have paid for any privately arranged medical treatment since [EFFECTIVE DATE], the Department will consider refunding reasonable expenses if you cannot recover the expenses from other sources, such as a medical/hospital benefits organisation or Medicare. To claim a refund you should contact this office for an application form.
The Gold Card entitles you to a higher level of treatment than the White Card that you currently hold. You should return the White Card to this office.
Gaining treatment eligibility - married
Medical Treatment For [CLIENT NAME]
You are eligible to receive medical and hospital treatment through this Department for most conditions whether or not they are war-caused. Eligibility for treatment is based on income and asset limits. These are:
Income Test — Assets Test
per fortnight — Homeowners — Non Homeowners
Partnered (combined)[Updated income and assets limits appear here]
Single Veterans[Updated income and assets limits appear here]
$52.00 per fortnight is added to the income test limits for each dependant child/student under 25.
A Gold Repatriation Health Card will be sent within the next four (4) weeks. Instructions on its use and the benefits available will also be supplied with the card. In the meantime, if you require any medical treatment before receiving the card, the doctor should contact the Department to confirm your eligibility.
If you have paid for any privately arranged medical treatment since [EFFECTIVE DATE], the Department will consider refunding reasonable expenses if you cannot recover the expenses from other sources, such as a medical/hospital benefits organisation or Medicare. To claim a refund you should contact this office for an application form.
The Gold Card entitles you to a higher level of treatment than the White Card that you currently hold. You should return the White Card to this office.
LOSING TREATMENT ELIGIBILITY AS A RESULT OF CHANGING FROM THE INCOME TEST TO THE ASSETS TEST
Single veteran reverting to white card
Medical Treatment
Eligibility for treatment benefits available with the Gold Card is dependant on income and assets limits. Currently different income test limits and assets test limits apply for treatment benefits. These limits are set out in the attachment headed “New Income Limits and New Assets Limits”.
As a result of the CPI adjustments to the income test and assets test limits, your pension is now assessed under the assets test. This means that, although your rate of service pension has increased, you are no longer eligible for the treatment benefits associated with the Gold Card. You should return the card to this office as soon as possible.
You are still eligible to receive treatment through the Department for your service related disabilities. A white card which covers treatment for these conditions will be issued shortly
Married veteran reverting to white card
Medical Treatment for [CLIENT NAME]
Eligibility for treatment benefits available with the Gold Card is dependant on income and assets limits. Currently different income test limits and assets test limits apply for treatment benefits. These limits are set out in the attachment headed “New Income Limits and New Assets Limits”.
As a result of the CPI adjustments to the income test and assets test limits, your pension is now assessed under the assets test. This means that, although your rate of service pension has increased, you are no longer eligible for the treatment benefits associated with the Gold Card. You should return the card to this office as soon as possible.
You are still eligible to receive treatment through the Department for your service related disabilities. A white card which covers treatment for these conditions will be issued shortly
Single veteran, no other eligibility
Medical Treatment
Eligibility for treatment benefits available with the Gold Card is dependant on income and assets limits. Currently different income test limits and assets test limits apply for treatment benefits. These limits are set out in the attachment headed “New Income Limits and New Assets Limits”.
As a result of the CPI adjustments to the income test and assets test limits, your pension is now assessed under the assets test. This means that, although your rate of service pension has increased, you are no longer eligible for the treatment benefits associated with the Gold Card. You should return the card to this office as soon as possible.
Married veteran, no other eligibility
Medical Treatment for [CLIENT NAME]
Eligibility for treatment benefits available with the Gold Card is dependant on income and assets limits. Currently different income test limits and assets test limits apply for treatment benefits. These limits are set out in the attachment headed “New Income Limits and New Assets Limits”.
As a result of the CPI adjustments to the income test and assets test limits, your pension is now assessed under the assets test. This means that, although your rate of service pension has increased, you are no longer eligible for the treatment benefits associated with the Gold Card. You should return the card to this office as soon as possible.
Closing paragraph
If you have any questions about any of the above matters, please contact the department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Signature Block (State specific)
Yours sincerely
Gary Collins
Deputy Commissioner
ATTACHMENT C - SAMPLE ADVICES
MARRIED; MAX RATE SP; GROUP CERTIFICATE ATTACHED
Image
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Commonwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs |
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STATE OFFICE |
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AMP Place |
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10 Eagle Street |
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Brisbane QLD |
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Postal Address: |
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JOHN VETERAN |
GPO Box 651 Brisbane QLD 4001 |
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SIMONE VETERAN |
||||||||
24 JUNIOR RD |
Telephone: |
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WODEN QLD 4111 |
Metropolitan residents: (07) 3223 8333 |
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Country residents: 1800 113304 |
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Interstate residents: 1800 777634 |
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Facsimile: (07) 3223 8585 |
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16 June 1997 |
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_ |
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YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX321546 |
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Dear Mr and Mrs Veteran
I am writing to you about your income support pension.
Group Certificates
As it is the end of the 1996/97 financial year Group Certificates are being issued. You will need this information if you are required to lodge a tax return. If no tax deductions have been made from your income support pension for the 1996/97 financial year, your original Group Certificate has been included with this letter. If tax deductions have been made on your behalf, the Group Certificate will be mailed separately. You should contact your local Taxation Office if you have any questions about taxation.
If you have been eligible for full treatment at departmental expense during the past financial year, you do not have to pay the Medicare Levy for that period. The period for which you have been exempt from the levy appears on your Group Certificate.
Income Test
Your income support pension is currently assessed under the income test on the basis of income deemed from your financial assets and income from other sources.
CPI changes to the Income and Assets Tests
Recent increases in the Consumer Price Index have been applied to the following income and assets limits for income support pension:
- Income Free Area - this is the amount of income you can have before your pension is reduced below the maximum rate payable;
- Assets Free Area - this is the amount of assets you can have (besides your family home) before your pension is reduced below the maximum rate payable; and
- Deeming Thresholds - these are the amounts of financial assets you can have before the higher deemed interest rates are applied to the assessment of income support pension.
The new limits are set out in the attachment headed “New Income Limits and New Assets Limits”.
As you are currently in receipt of the maximum rate of income support pension, these changes do not affect the amount of pension you receive.
Telephone Allowance
Your quarterly telephone allowance will be paid on 3 July 1997, together with your fortnightly rate of pension. The rates of telephone allowance are:
- World War 1 - $42.50
- General Rate (single income support pensioners, war widow(er)s and recipients of certain rates of disability pension) - $15.40
- Married Rate - $7.70 each for income support pensioner couples.
If you have any questions about any of the above matters, please contact the department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely
Gary Collins
Deputy Commissioner
SINGLE, REDUCED RATE;
SAVED TMT COMING OFF
Image
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Commonwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs |
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STATE OFFICE |
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AMP Place |
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10 Eagle Street |
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Brisbane QLD |
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Postal Address: |
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PETER WRITE |
GPO Box 651 Brisbane QLD 4001 |
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C/- PAMELA'S GARAGE |
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MARALAL 4777 |
Telephone: |
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Metropolitan residents: (07) 3223 8333 |
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Country residents: 1800 113304 |
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Interstate residents: 1800 777634 |
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Facsimile: (07) 3223 8585 |
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16 June 1997 |
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_ |
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YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX45454 |
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Dear Mr Write
I am writing to you about your income support pension.
Group Certificates
As it is the end of the 1996/97 financial year Group Certificates are being issued. You will need this information if you are required to lodge a tax return. If no tax deductions have been made from your income support pension for the 1996/97 financial year, your original Group Certificate has been included with this letter. If tax deductions have been made on your behalf, the Group Certificate will be mailed separately. You should contact your local Taxation Office if you have any questions about taxation.
If you have been eligible for full treatment at departmental expense during the past financial year, you do not have to pay the Medicare Levy for that period. The period for which you have been exempt from the levy appears on your Group Certificate.
Income Test
Your income support pension is currently assessed under the income test on the basis of income deemed from your financial assets and income from other sources.
CPI changes to the Income and Assets Tests
Recent increases in the Consumer Price Index have been applied to the following income and assets limits for income support pension:
- Income Free Area - this is the amount of income you can have before your pension is reduced below the maximum rate payable;
- Assets Free Area - this is the amount of assets you can have (besides your family home) before your pension is reduced below the maximum rate payable; and
- Deeming Thresholds - these are the amounts of financial assets you can have before the higher deemed interest rates are applied to the assessment of income support pension.
The new limits are set out in the attachment headed “New Income Limits and New Assets Limits”.
Your income support pension has been increased as a result of these changes.
Payment Details
The fortnightly rate of pension you will receive from 3 July 1997 is shown below.
Payments to PETER WRITE
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT |
$XXX.XX |
|||
This is made up of :- |
||||
- Service Pension |
XXX |
|||
- Pharmaceutical Allowance |
XX |
Telephone Allowance
Your quarterly telephone allowance will be paid on 3 July 1997, together with your fortnightly rate of pension shown above. The rates of telephone allowance are:
- World War 1 - $42.50
- General Rate (single income support pensioners, war widow(er)s and recipients of certain rates of disability pension) - $15.40
- Married Rate - $7.70 each for income support pensioner couples.
Medical Treatment
The extension of the deemed income rules to other financial assets from 4 July 1996 meant that you would have normally lost your treatment eligibility as there was an increase in your income from financial assets. However, a decision was made to 'save' your eligibility for treatment benefits until 30 June 1997 to allow you time to make alternative health care arrangements if required. Accordingly, from 1 July 1997 you are no longer eligible for treatment benefits. Your gold card should not be used from this date and should be returned to your nearest DVA office as soon as possible.
If you have any questions about any of the above matters, please contact the department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely
Gary Collins
Deputy Commissioner
MARRIED, REDUCED RATE SP NON-TAXABLE
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Commonwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs |
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STATE OFFICE |
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AMP Place |
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10 Eagle Street |
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Brisbane QLD |
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Postal Address: |
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DAVID FIRST |
GPO Box 651 Brisbane QLD 4001 |
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PREMALA FIRST |
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ISHARNA ROAD |
Telephone: |
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MUTHAIGA 4226 |
Metropolitan residents: (07) 3223 8333 |
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Country residents: 1800 113304 |
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Interstate residents: 1800 777634 |
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Facsimile: (07) 3223 8585 |
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16 June 1997 |
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YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX23456 |
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Dear Mr and Mrs First
I am writing to you about your income support pension.
Assets Test
Your income support pension is currently assessed under the assets test on the basis of the total value of your assets excluding the home in which you live.
CPI changes to the Income and Assets Tests
Recent increases in the Consumer Price Index have been applied to the following income and assets limits for income support pension:
- Income Free Area - this is the amount of income you can have before your pension is reduced below the maximum rate payable;
- Assets Free Area - this is the amount of assets you can have (besides your family home) before your pension is reduced below the maximum rate payable; and
- Deeming Thresholds - these are the amounts of financial assets you can have before the higher deemed interest rates are applied to the assessment of income support pension.
The new limits are set out in the attachment headed “New Income Limits and New Assets Limits”.
Your income support pension has been increased as a result of these changes.
Payment Details
The fortnightly rate of pension you will receive from 3 July 1997 is shown below.
Payments to DAVID FIRST and PREMALA FIRST
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT |
XXX.XX |
XXX.XX |
||
This is made up of :- |
||||
- Service Pension |
XXXXX |
XXXXX |
||
- Pharmaceutical allowance |
XXX |
XXX |
||
Telephone Allowance
Your quarterly telephone allowance will be paid on 3 July 1997, together with your fortnightly rate of pension. The rates of telephone allowance are:
- World War 1 - $42.50
- General Rate (single income support pensioners, war widow(er)s and recipients of certain rates of disability pension) - $15.40
- Married Rate - $7.70 each for income support pensioner couples.
If you have any questions about any of the above matters, please contact the department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely
Gary Collins
Deputy Commissioner
ATTACHMENT D - NEW INCOME LIMITS - EFFECTIVE 1 JULY 1997
INCOME FREE AREA - SERVICE PENSION |
OLD RATE |
NEW RATE |
||||
Single |
$98.00 |
$100.00 |
||||
Partnered - combined |
$172.00 |
$176.00 |
||||
INCOME FREE AREA - INCOME SUPPORT SUPPLEMENT |
OLD RATE |
NEW RATE |
||||
Single |
$553.40 |
$555.40 |
||||
Partnered - combined |
$852.00 |
$856.00 |
||||
INCOME LIMIT AT WHICH SERVICE PENSION CEASES |
OLD RATE |
NEW RATE |
||||
Single |
$804.40 |
$806.40 |
||||
Partnered -combined |
$1343.20 |
$1347.20 |
||||
Illness separated - combined |
$1584.80 |
$1588.80 |
||||
Illness separated - each |
$792.40 |
$794.40 |
||||
Maximum Rent Assistance Income Limits |
||||||
Single |
$954.00 |
$956.00 |
||||
Partnered - combined |
$1484.40 |
$1488.40 |
||||
INCOME LIMIT AT WHICH |
OLD RATE |
NEW RATE |
||||
INCOME SUPPORT SUPPLEMENT CEASES |
||||||
Single |
$793.60 |
$795.60 |
||||
Partnered - combined |
$1332.40 |
$1336.40 |
||||
Maximum Rent Assistance Income Limits |
||||||
Single |
$943.20 |
$945.20 |
||||
Partnered - combined |
$1473.60 |
$1477.60 |
||||
INCOME CUT OFF LIMITS FOR TREATMENT BENEFITS* (SERVICE PENSION) |
OLD RATE |
NEW RATE |
||||
Single |
$246.00 |
$246.00 |
||||
Partnered - combined |
$428.00 |
$428.00 |
||||
*for conditions not accepted as service related. $52.00 per fortnight is added to the income limits for each dependant child/student under 25. |
||||||
DEEMING THRESHOLDS |
OLD RATE |
NEW RATE |
||||
Single |
$30,000 |
$30,400 |
||||
Partnered - combined |
$50,000 |
$50,600 |
||||
NEW ASSETS LIMITS EFFECTIVE 1 JULY 1997
ASSETS FREE AREA - |
OLD RATE |
NEW RATE |
||
SERVICE PENSION |
||||
HOMEOWNERS |
||||
Single |
$124,000 |
$125,750 |
||
Partnered - combined |
$176,000 |
$178,500 |
||
NON-HOMEOWNERS |
||||
Single |
$212,500 |
$215,750 |
||
Partnered - combined |
$264,500 |
$268,500 |
||
ASSET FREE AREA - |
OLD RATE |
NEW RATE |
||
INCOME SUPPORT SUPPLEMENT |
||||
HOMEOWNERS |
||||
Single |
$200,000 |
$201,750 |
||
Partnered - combined |
$289,500 |
$292,000 |
||
NON-HOMEOWNERS |
||||
Single |
$288,500 |
$291,750 |
||
Partnered - combined |
$378,000 |
$382,000 |
||
ASSETS LIMIT AT WHICH SERVICE PENSION CEASES |
OLD RATE |
NEW RATE |
||
HOMEOWNERS |
||||
Single |
$241,750 |
$243,500 |
||
Partnered - combined |
$371,500 |
$374,000 |
||
NON-HOMEOWNERS |
||||
Single |
$330,500 |
$333,500 |
||
Partnered - combined |
$460,000 |
$464,000 |
||
ASSETS LIMITS AT WHICH INCOME SUPPORT SUPPLEMENT CEASES |
OLD RATE |
NEW RATE |
||
HOMEOWNERS |
||||
Single |
$240,000 |
$241,750 |
||
Partnered - combined |
$369,500 |
$372,000 |
||
NON-HOMEOWNERS |
||||
Single |
$328,500 |
$331,750 |
||
Partnered - combined |
$458,000 |
$462,000 |
||
ASSETS CUT OFF LIMITS FOR TREATMENT BENEFITS * (SERVICE PENSION) |
OLD RATE |
NEW RATE |
||
HOMEOWNERS |
||||
Single |
$141,250 |
$143,250 |
||
Partnered - combined |
$201,500 |
$204,500 |
||
NON-HOMEOWNERS |
||||
Single |
$229,750 |
$233,250 |
||
Partnered - combined |
$290,000 |
$294,500 |
||
*for conditions not accepted as service related |
||||
ATTACHMENT E - MEDICARE LEVY EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE
Medicare Levy Exemption
Dear Beneficiary
If you lodge an income tax return for 1996/97, please attach the lower certificate of this sheet to your return. It shows the number of days you were exempt from paying the Medicare Levy because you were eligible for full treatment at the expense of this Department.
If you have any general enquiries, please contact your nearest DVA office. You should contact your local Australian Taxation Office with any enquiries about taxation.
Yours faithfully
Deputy Commissioner
IF YOU LODGE AN INCOME TAX RETURN, RETAIN THIS COPY FOR YOUR RECORD.
Image
|
Commonwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs |
Medicare Levy Exemption Certificate (copy)
YourThe number of days you are
File No.eligible for Medicare Levy
isExemption during
1996/97 is
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
↑
IF LODGING AN INCOME TAX RETURN, DETACH HERE AND PIN THIS SHEET TO YOUR RETURN
Image
|
Commonwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs |
Medicare Levy Exemption Certificate
YourThe number of days you are
File No.eligible for Medicare Levy
isExemption during
1996/97 is