The pension changes from 1st January 2015 you need to know

The only constant in life is change, especially in the case of the rule book for the Age Pension!

What is changing?

The rules that deal with the treatment of incomes being paid from your super pension (i.e. account-based income stream within superannuation) are changing from 1^st January 2015.

From 1^st January 2015, these income streams will be placed into the category of ‘financial investments’ and treated in the same way as a bank account (i.e. with deeming), rather than with the current favourable treatment. The current treatment has meant that only a small amount of income that you draw (if any) is assessed against your Centrelink Age Pension.

However, it’s not all bad news. If you are a current age pensioner with an existing super pension product, nothing should change as ‘grandfathering’ (i.e. passing-on of existing rules) will apply. But make sure you’re happy with your current provider, as a move to a new one, will trigger a reassessment under the new rules.

So, who will be affected by the change?

People granted a pension or allowance from Centrelink after 1^st January 2015, will be assessed under the new rules.

Does the change apply to the Low Income Health Care Card?

I’m afraid it could be bad news if you hold one of these cards. You will be assessed under the new rules with no concession for existing super pension products. This is likely to mean that a few existing card holders over the age of 65 will be in for a nasty surprise once their card is reassessed in 2015.

What can you do if you lose your Low Income Health Care Card?

If you are of pension age (currently 65), you can actually apply for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. It has a more generous income threshold, making it generally easier to qualify for the card.

What do you think about these changes to the rules? Do you expect to be affected? Share your thoughts below.

Information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. Before making any decision based on this information, you should assess your own circumstances or seek advice from a financial adviser. Wally David is an Authorised Representative (318432) of Wealth Managers Pty Ltd, AFSL No. 232701.