Chapter 3 - Living arrangements
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Singles and couples pension rates
If you are single, widowed or divorced
If you are married
If you have or have had a marriage-like (de facto) relationship
War widows and widowers receiving the income support supplement
- Residential circumstances
If you own your home
If you pay rent for your accommodation
Moving into independent living units (retirement village)
Moving into a residential aged care home (formerly referred to as a hostel or nursing home)
Special provisions for the veteran community in determining daily care fees and income tested fees
What is respite care?
If you need emergency care
If you live in a remote area
If you move interstate
If you travel or move overseas
This chapter explains how personal and residential circumstances can affect service pension, social security age pension (paid by DVA) and income support supplement, and your obligations if you are receiving any of these payments.
Personal Circumstances
The term ‘personal circumstances’ refers to whether you are single or married or living in a marriage-like (de facto) relationship or separated from your partner.
Singles and couples pension rates
There are two rates:
- the singles rate; and
- the couples rate.
The rate paid for each member of a couple is less than the rate paid to a single person because couples can share some household costs. A war widow receives a different maximum rate of income support pension from the maximum rate of service pension or social security age pension (paid by DVA). In some situations, war widows may receive a different maximum rate of income support supplement because of their circumstances.
Details of the current rates of pensions and allowances are available from your nearest DVA office.
| Fact Sheet IS30 |
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| Pension Rates, Limits and Allowances Summary (PDF version) |
| Pension Rates, Limits and Allowances Summary (HTML version) |
If you are single, widowed or divorced
You can be paid the singles rate if
- you are not married; and
- you are not living in a marriage-like relationship.
If you are married
If you are married and live with your partner
- You can be paid the couples rate if you are legally married and living with your partner.
If you are married and do not live with your partner
- If you have to live separately because one or both of you is too frail or ill to stay at home and the separation is likely to continue indefinitely, you will each be paid at the singles rate. You need to let us know that you are living apart because of ill health as soon as possible so that we can increase your pension promptly. If you or your partner have been admitted into an approved residential aged care facility, (previously known as hostel or nursing home), on a permanent basis you are considered to be living apart because of your health. If you are not sure if you should be paid the singles rate contact your nearest DVA office.
- If you or your partner have been assessed as requiring respite care and it is for at least 14 consecutive days, you may be paid at the singles rate. For payment to be made at the singles rate you need to let us know within 3 months that you or your partner have entered approved respite care.
- If you are separated for reasons other than illness and you do not enter another relationship, you will be paid at the singles rate.
- If you were married to a veteran from whom you have separated and you enter into another relationship, you lose your eligibility for a partner service pension. You will need to apply to Centrelink for a pension unless you enter into a new relationship with another eligible veteran. In this instance you may be eligible for a partner service pension and should contact your nearest DVA office.
- If you are married to a veteran and divorce, you lose your eligibility for a partner service pension. You will need to apply to Centrelink for a pension.
If you are a widow or widower of a veteran (but not a war widow or widower)
- If you are a widow or widower of a veteran (but not a war widow or widower) and you remarry or enter a marriage-like relationship, you lose your eligibility for the partner service pension. You will need to apply to Centrelink for a pension.
If you have or have had a marriage-like (de facto) relationship
If you have a marriage-like (de facto) relationship and live with your partner you can be paid the couples rate.
Some of the factors we consider when deciding whether two people are living in a marriage-like relationship are whether you:
- think of yourselves as a couple;
- share financial and household responsibilities;
- undertake joint social or leisure activities;
- appear as a couple to the general community.
If you have a marriage-like (de facto) relationship and do not live with your partner it is important to note:
- If you have a marriage-like relationship and you separate for personal reasons, the veteran retains the service pension but the partner loses eligibility and will need to apply for a Centrelink pension.
- If you and your partner have to separate because one or both of you is too frail or ill to stay at home and the separation is likely to continue indefinitely, you will both be paid at the singles rate. You need to let us know that you are living apart because of ill health as soon as possible so that we can increase your pension promptly.
- If you or your partner have been assessed as requiring respite care and it is for at least 14 consecutive days you may both be paid the singles rate. For payment to be made at the singles rate you need to let us know within 3 months that you or your partner have entered approved respite care.
War widows and widowers receiving the income support supplement
If you remarry or enter a marriage-like relationship, the rate of your income support supplement may be affected by your new partner's income and assets.
| Obligations |
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| Your obligations in relation to personal circumstances. |
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you live overseas or receive remote area allowance) of the event if:
If your partner dies it is best to notify DVA immediately. Telling us as soon as possible will avoid the possibility of any overpayment and allow us to make a bereavement payment in some cases. Social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) - note that the obligations are the same as above except
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Residential Circumstances
This section explains how different residential circumstances can affect your income support pension and what happens when you change where you live.
The term ‘residential circumstances’ refers to whether:
- you own your home;
- you have a right to live in a home through a life interest;
- you pay for your accommodation ie rent or board and lodgings;
- you are moving into a residential aged care facility (formerly known as hostel or nursing home);
- you need respite care or live in other care situations;
- you need emergency care;
- you live in a remote area;
- you are moving interstate; or
- you are travelling or moving overseas.
If you own your home
You are considered to be a home owner if:
- you own or are paying off a mortgage on your home; or
- you have paid for a right or interest and have security of tenure and your contribution is above a specified limit (refer to 'Granny Flats' below); or
- your entry contribution for retirement village accommodation is above a specified limit.
(Refer to the tables in this chapter for examples of where you would be considered to be a home owner).
Assets test
If you own your home, and live in it the value of your home is not counted
as an asset.
Mobile and relocatable homes and caravans
If your principal home is a caravan, mobile home or a house boat and you have security of tenure you are considered to be a home owner and the value of your home is
not counted under the assets test. You may be eligible for rent assistance
if you pay site or mooring fees.
Granny flats
If you live in accommodation where you have the right to the accommodation
for life or a life interest in another person’s private home, the
‘granny flat’ rules may apply. Some examples of granny flat
accommodation are where:
- the title of your principal residence has been transferred to a relative but you have retained the right to live there for the rest of your life; or
- you have provided funds to build a granny flat on a relative’s property and have the right to live there for the rest of your life; or
- you provide some or all of the funds used to purchase a property registered in a relative’s name but where you have the right to live for the rest of your life.
Generally this type of accommodation is arranged with a relative but
could also be with a friend. If you have no formal agreement, a statement
by the relative or friend who has provided this type of accommodation
will be accepted as proof of your right to the accommodation.
If you live in granny flat accommodation, you may still be classified
as a home owner depending on the amount you have paid to secure your accommodation.
In some circumstances it may be necessary to apply a test to see if the
amount paid is ‘reasonable’. This is referred to as the Reasonableness
Test. If you have transferred the title of your home or your contribution
is in excess of the construction costs, the test may be applied. For further
information you should contact your nearest DVA office.
Retirement village
If you live in a retirement village, you may still be classified as a home owner depending on the amount of entry contribution you paid. The cost of entering a retirement village varies and depends on the facilities and services offered. There are some examples later in this chapter which provide more information about the rules regarding home ownership and entry contribution, and how they may apply to your residential situation.
Care situation (in hospital or private residence)
If you own your home and move to a care situation, your former home is exempt for up to 2 years. Care situations include, nursing home type care in a hospital, respite care and residence in a facility principally for persons with a mental disability. There is more information later in this chapter about respite care.
You are also considered to be in a care situation if you are receiving community based care. Generally, this type of accommodation is where you remain in your home and receive substantial care from a relative or friend. It also applies where you move into their private residence to receive substantial care.
You may be eligible for rent assistance if you are required to pay rent in your care situation even though you still own a home. For further information, contact your nearest DVA office.
| Obligations |
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| Your obligations if you own your home |
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you live overseas or receive remote area allowance) of the event if:
Social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) - note that the obligations are the same as above except
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| Obligations |
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Your obligations if you:
|
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you live overseas or receive remote area allowance) of the event if:
Social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) - note that the obligations are the same as above except if you receive remote area allowance you need to tell us of the event within 14 days not 28 days. |
| Obligations |
|---|
| Your obligations if you live in a retirement village |
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you live overseas or receive remote area allowance) of the event if:
Social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) - note that the obligations are the same as above except
|
If you move or make a change to your residential situation and you sell your home and/or buy another home it is important that you contact your nearest DVA office and provide details of the property transactions.
Changing situations which could affect your pension
If you own your home and want to know how your pension would be affected
in different situations, use the following table as a guide.
| If You... | own your home |
| and decide to... | sell your home |
| and | buy or build another home to live in |
| then | this becomes your new principal residence. The amount of the proceeds from the sale of your former home that will be used to buy or build another home to live in are exempt under the assets test, until you buy or build your new home, for a period of up to 12 months. Until the sale proceeds are used they will be deemed to be earning income. Until your new home is acquired, you may be eligible for rent assistance as a temporary renter.If you are experiencing delays beyond your control in acquiring a new home, the asset exemption may be extended for up to an additional 12 months. |
| If You... | own your home |
| and decide to... | sell your home |
| and | rent (with no intention of buying another home) |
| then | the proceeds from the sale of your home are counted as an asset and are deemed for pension purposes. You may be eligible for rent assistance. (See What is deeming? in Chapter 4 - Your Income and Assets) |
| If You... | own your home |
| and decide to... | sell your home |
| and | move in with family or friends |
| then | the proceeds from the sale of your home are counted as an asset and are deemed for pension purposes. If you pay rent or board, then you may be eligible for rent assistance. |
| If You... | own your home |
| and decide to... | sell your home |
| and | move into a self care retirement village |
| then | if you pay $121,000 or less (or do not pay any) entry contribution then the amount you pay is counted as an asset and you may be eligible for rent assistance for the service fees you pay (you are not considered to be a home owner). If you pay more than $121,000 as an entry contribution, you are considered to be a home owner and the amount you pay is not counted as an asset. You will not be eligible for rent assistance for the service fees you pay. Any excess proceeds from the sale of your home are counted as an asset and are deemed for pension purposes. |
| If You... | own your home |
| and decide to... | move, but do not sell your home |
| and | move into community based care such as with family or friends because you need to receive a substantial amount of care |
| then | your former home can continue to be regarded as your home and you can continue to be regarded as a home owner for up to 2 years. If you rent out your former home, the rent is counted as income for pension purposes. Contact your nearest DVA office for more information about any rent assistance payable. (See Chapter 4 - Your Income and Assets, under real estate and rental income for details of how rental income is counted for pension purposes). |
| If You... | own your home |
| and decide to... | sell your home at a later date or there is a delay in selling |
| and | in the meantime you move into a self care retirement village |
| then | if you pay $121,000 or less entry contribution the amount you pay is counted as an asset and you may be eligible for rent assistance for the service fees you pay (you are not considered to be a home owner). If you do not pay an entry contribution you may be eligible for rent assistance for the service fees you pay (you are not considered to be a home owner). If you pay more than $121,000 as an entry contribution you are considered to be a home owner and the amount you pay is not counted as an asset. You will not be eligible for rent assistance for the service fees you pay. Note: Your former home will be counted as an asset for pension purposes. |
| If You... | own your home |
| and decide to... | move and there is a delay in selling your home |
| and | you move into the home you are purchasing |
| then | your former home will become assessable under the assets test and the home you moved into will become your principal home and is therefore not counted as an asset. If your former home is rented then the rent is counted as income for pension purposes. |
| any | loan you may have taken out to purchase your new home will only be a deductible asset if it is secured against your former home that is no longer exempt. |
| If You... | own your home |
| and decide to... | move, but do not sell your home |
| and | move in with family or friends |
| then | your home is counted as an asset for pension purposes. If it is rented then the rent is counted as income for pension purposes. If you pay rent or board, you may be eligible for rent assistance. (See Chapter 4 - Your Income and Assets, under real estate and rental income for details of how rental income is counted for pension purposes). |
| If You... | own your home |
| and decide to... | stay in your home |
| and | buy another home as an investment |
| then | the investment home is counted as an asset for pension purposes. If you take out a mortgage to purchase the investment property the mortgage will only be used as a deduction or part deduction from the amount secured against the investment property. If it is rented, the rent is counted as income for pension purposes. |
| If You... | own your home |
| and decide to... | temporarily leave your home |
| and | you intend to return to your home within 12 months |
| then | your home continues to be regarded as your home and you continue to be regarded as a home owner for up to 12 months. If your home is rented while you are absent from it, the rent is counted as income for pension purposes. |
| If You... | own your home |
| and decide to... | temporarily leave your home because it was lost or damaged (including by a disaster) |
| and | you intend to repair or rebuild your existing home; or buy or build a new home |
| then | your former home can continue to be regarded as your home and you continue to be regarded as a home owner for up to 12 months. If your former home is uninhabitable, you may be eligible for rent assistance as a temporary renter. The amount of compensation or insurance proceeds that you intend to use to repair, rebuild, buy or build your home to live in are exempt under the assets test, until your home is completed, for a period of up to 12 months. If you are experiencing delays beyond your control in acquiring your home, the asset exemption may be extended for up to an additional 12 months. |
Note: If you take out a mortgage when purchasing another property or a bridging loan, the loan can only be used as a deduction against the property it is secured against. If the property the loan is secured against is your principal home and therefore exempt from the assets test, the loan cannot be used as a deduction under any circumstances.
Note: There may be changes to your residential circumstances that vary from the above situations. For example family members may come to live with you in your home or you may sell your home and move in with them. This may involve a change in the title of the home.
You should contact your nearest DVA office to discuss your particular circumstances and check how these changes may affect your pension.
If you pay rent for your accommodation
Assets test
If you do not own your home, the value of the assets you can have before
your pension is reduced below the maximum rate is greater than for someone
who owns their home.
Rent assistance
If you do not own your home and are paying rent, you may be eligible for
rent assistance. (See Chapter 6 - Benefits and Services).
| Fact Sheet :IS74 |
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| Renting & Rent Assistance (PDF version) |
| Renting & Rent Assistance (HTML version) |
Changing situations which could affect your pension
If you pay rent and you want to know how your pension would be affected
in different situations, use the following table as a guide.
| If You... | rent |
| and decide to... | move |
| and | buy a home to live in |
| then | the home that you buy becomes your principal residence
and is therefore not counted as an asset. If you have been receiving rent assistance, you are no longer eligible for rent assistance. |
| If You... | rent |
| and decide to... | move |
| and | rent somewhere else |
| then | depending on the amount of rent you pay, and provided the rent is not to a government authority, you may be eligible for rent assistance. |
| If You... | rent |
| and decide to... | move |
| and | move in with family or friends |
| then | if you pay rent or board, you may be eligible for rent assistance. |
| If You... | rent |
| and decide to... | move |
| and | move into a self care retirement village |
| then | if you pay $121,000 or less entry contribution
then the amount you pay is counted as an asset and you may be eligible
for rent assistance for the service fees you pay (you are not considered a home owner). If you do not pay an entry contribution you may be eligible for rent assistance for the service fees you pay (you are not considered to be a home owner). If you pay more than $121,000 as an entry contribution, you are considered to be a home owner and the amount you pay is not counted as an asset. You will not be eligible for rent assistance for the service fees you pay. |
| Obligations |
|---|
| Your obligations if you pay rent for your accommodation and receive rent assistance |
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you receive remote area allowance) of the event if:
Social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) - note that the obligations are the same as above except
|
Moving into independent living units (retirement village)
This form of accommodation offers serviced units with meals provided in a community dining area and other services such as laundry. The units are designed for one person, however couples requesting this type of accommodation are generally co-located in separated units.
If you are a couple and move into this type of accommodation because one or both of you is too frail or ill to stay at home and the situation is likely to continue indefinitely you will each be paid the singles rate. If your move to this type of accommodation is not because one or both of you is too frail or ill to stay at home, you will continue to be paid the couples rate.
Moving into a residential aged care facility (previously known as a hostel
or nursing home)
If you need to move into a residential aged care home, either for a short
time or permanently, you will continue to receive your income support
pension.
Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
Entry to residential aged care facilities is arranged through an assessment
by an Aged Care Assessment Team. The Team will assess your needs and decide
which level of care you need. The Team may include a doctor or other health
professional who specialises in aged care. You or your doctor can arrange
for an assessment.
An Aged Care Assessment Team may also help you find a residential aged care facility that best suits your needs.
Aged Care Assets Assessment
ACAT will also provide you with a form to request an aged care assets assessment from either DVA or Centrelink. The assets assessment is not compulsory. It identifies whether you have concessional or assisted resident status to receive an Australian Government subsidy for your care.
A concessional resident cannot be asked to pay an accommodation bond or accommodation charge, while an assisted resident may be asked to pay a small accommodation bond or charge. If you do not have concessional or assisted resident status you will need to negotiate with the care provider the amount of accommodation bond or charge you will pay. If you are paid an income support pension by DVA you should lodge your request for an assets assessment with DVA.
Note: If you are only receiving disability pension or war widow's pension you should lodge your request for an assets assessment with Centrelink.
Changing situations which could affect your pension
If you want to know how your pension would be affected in the most common
situations, use the following table as a guide.
| If You... | own your home |
| and decide to... | sell your home |
| and | move into an Australian Government-subsidised residential aged care facility |
| then | the proceeds from the sale of your home are counted
as an asset and are deemed for pension purposes. If you are moving into low level care or an extra service place, you may have to pay an accommodation bond. If you are moving into high level care, you may have to pay an accommodation charge. |
| If You... | own your home |
| and decide to... | move, but do not sell your home |
| and | move into an Australian Government-subsidised residential aged care facility |
| then | you may be asked to pay the care provider:
Regardless of whether you paid an accommodation bond, accommodation charge or were not required to make an accommodation payment, the value of your former home will not be counted as an asset for pension purposes for:
Note: If your partner vacates the home for any other reason you should contact your nearest DVA office as the former home may be counted as an asset for pension and aged care purposes. Any rent received may also be income for pension and aged care purposes. Where you are renting out your former home and either paying an accommodation charge OR paying all or part of an accommodation bond by periodic paymentsThe value of your former home is not counted as an asset for as long as:
Any rental income received from your home is not counted as income for pension and aged care purposes for that period. Note: The exemption does not apply if the accommodation bond agreement is for a lump sum payment only. Any rent you receive from your home may be counted as income for pension or aged care purposes. If you and your partner are both in residential aged care, you may wish to contact your nearest DVA office to find out which exemption applies. |
Note: At the end of the exemption period as set out in the above table the value of your former home will count as an asset and depending on the current market value could affect the rate of your pension. Your income support payment could be cancelled if your assets, including the current market value of your former home exceed the higher assets value limit (see Chapter 4 - Your Income and Assets). Cancellation of your income support payment could also affect how your aged care fees are calculated. If you want to discuss your circumstances and the impact this event could have on your income support pension you should contact your nearest DVA office approximately 6 months before the end of the exemption period. We can then let you know the implications of including the value of your former home in the assessment of your income support pension. Given this information you may wish to seek further financial information (see Chapter 6 - Benefits and Services).
Note: If you move into a residential aged care facility to receive care that does not attract an Australian Government subsidy, the effect on your pension may be different.
If you are living with a close relative in your home and you have to move into a residential aged care facility you should contact your nearest DVA office to check how your circumstances will affect your income support pension and the calculation of your aged care fees.
| Obligations |
|---|
| If you are an aged care resident or in a care situation, you are still considered to be a home owner. |
This is for a period of two years provided you continue to own the property regarded as your family home. You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you receive remote area allowance) of the event if:
Social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) - note that the obligations are the same as above except
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| Obligations |
|---|
| If you are in residential care and continue to pay an accommodation charge and rent your former home, or pay an accommodation bond by periodic payments and rent your former home, you will be regarded as a home owner for as long as you are paying the accommodation charge provided you continue to own the property regarded as your family home. |
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you receive remote area allowance) of the event if:
Social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) - note that the obligations are the same as above except:
|
| Fact Sheet: HSV05 |
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| Care in Nursing Homes and Hostels - An Overview (PDF version) |
| Care in Nursing Homes and Hostels - An Overview (HTML version) |
Fees and charges
When you enter a residential aged care home, you may be required to pay an accommodation payment - an accommodation bond or an accommodation charge.
An accommodation charge is a daily amount you may be asked to pay in addition to your daily care fees when you enter high level care. An accommodation bond is an amount you may be asked to pay when you enter a low level care or an extra service place. The bond is like an interest free loan to the aged care home and you may pay it in a lump sum, by periodic payment, or combination of lump sum and periodic payment.
The amount of your accommodation payment depends on your assets. The assets assessment is carried out by DVA on behalf of the Department of Health and Ageing. If you are identified as a concessional resident you will not be asked to pay an accommodation bond or charge. An assisted resident may be asked to pay a small accommodation bond or charge. If you are not a concessional or assisted resident you will need to negotiate your accommodation bond or charge with the provider of aged care.
Note: An accommodation charge or any periodic or lump sum accommodation bond is not counted as income or as an asset for income support pension purposes.
Note: Residents who first entered care prior to 1July 2004 can only be required to pay an accommodation charge for 5 years. Residents who first entered care after 1 July 2004 can be required to pay an accommodation charge indefinitely.
For more information about concessional and assisted residents refer to 'Aged Care Assets Assessments' earlier in this Chapter or contact your nearest DVA office.
In addition to an accommodation bond or an accommodation charge, all residents pay a basic daily care fee towards their care and living expenses like meals, laundry, heating/cooling, and nursing and personal care.
If you are receiving an income support pension at less than the maximum rate, in addition to the daily care fee you may also have to pay a daily income tested fee. If you are regarded as blind for income support pension purposes you may be required to pay a daily income tested fee. Self funded retirees may also be required to pay the daily income tested fee.
The income tested fee you pay is determined by your income and the level of care you need. The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing applies an income test to determine the amount of daily care fee. Extra service residents are usually charged a higher daily fee (extra service amount) in return for a higher standard of accommodation and services. Extra service places do not provide a higher level of care.
Special provisions for the veteran community in determining daily care fees and income tested fees
Veterans
If you are a veteran with qualifying service and receive a disability
pension, your disability pension is not counted as income by the Department of Health and Ageing when determining the daily
care fee you are required to pay.
War widows and widowers
If you are a war widow or widower and receive either an income support
supplement from DVA or an income support pension from Centrelink together
with a war widow's pension from DVA, a discount may be applied to the
amount of income assessed. This discount will only be applied where your
income support pension or supplement is limited to a certain rate, usually
$163.20 or less per fortnight. This is so that you are not disadvantaged
in comparison with other income support pensioners whose rate of pension
is not limited to a certain rate.
Australian ex-prisoners of war
DVA will pay the standard daily care fee on behalf of Australian ex-prisoners
of war in residential aged care. They are also exempt from paying
income-tested daily care fees. They may be required to pay an accommodation bond or accommodation charge and if applicable any extra service fees that may apply to their residential care.
Note: For more information about residential aged care, contact the Department of Health and Ageing on Freecall 1800 500 853.
What is respite care?
Respite care provides relief for a carer who has responsibility for the ongoing care and support of a person who is in ill health or disabled. It means that if you are a carer and you need a break, the person you are looking after will be cared for while you are away or if you are the person being cared for, you will be looked after while your carer takes a break.
Respite care may be provided in a residential aged care facility or at home. An Aged Care Assessment Team or health professional will assess whether you need respite care.
If you are receiving an income support pension at the couples rate and are assessed as needing respite care and it is for at least 14 consecutive days, and the respite care is in an approved institution, you may be able to receive the single rate of pension. You should notify your nearest DVA office that respite care has been approved. Payment at the singles rate can be made as long as you tell us within 3 months from the date approved respite care commenced.
Respite care in a residential aged care facility
This form of respite care provides short term care in a residential aged
care facility for people who are being cared for and whose carer is in need
of a temporary break from the caring role. This care may be used on a
planned or an emergency basis when a carer is unavailable for any reason.
It is usually provided in a residential aged care facility or if these facilities
are not available hospital accommodation may be used.
A person assessed as needing respite care can receive this in a residential aged care facility for up to 63 days in one financial year for the cost of a daily care fee. DVA will pay the daily care fee for up to 28 days of the 63 days for:
- All Gold Card holders;
- Australian veterans with a White Card;
- Commonwealth and allied veterans with a White Card where the need
for care relates to an accepted disability.
After 28 days in any one financial year the person receiving the care is responsible for paying the daily care fee.
If you are an Australian ex-prisoner of war receiving respite care, DVA will pay your daily care fee for the length of your stay.
Respite care in your home
In-home respite care allows carers to have a break while someone else
comes into the home to look after the person needing the care. This type
of care is provided through general community programs such as Home and
Community Care (HACC).
DVA may pay for in-home respite care, if you are entitled, have been assessed as needing it and community in-home respite programs are unable to meet your needs. In-home respite care is also available if your carer has a DVA health care entitlement. You may use your 28 days (DVA paid) care as a combination of residential and/or in-home respite care. Seven hours is equal to one day for in-home respite care.
If you need care in an emergency
Sometimes assistance is needed because of a crisis - if your carer is suddenly or unexpectedly unable to continue looking after you and general community services are not available.
If the only alternatives are admission to hospital or your being left without adequate care, DVA may pay for you to be properly cared for at home until general community services can be arranged or until your usual carer is able to resume the caring role. Financial limits apply in these situations. Your doctor will make the arrangements directly with the care provider who will notify DVA.
| Fact Sheet: HSV06 |
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| Respite Care (PDF version) |
| Respite Care (HTML version) |
If you live in a remote area
If you live in a remote area of Australia and you receive an income support pension, you may be eligible for a remote area allowance. The allowance is paid in addition to your income support pension and is not subject to the income or assets test. To qualify, your permanent residence must be in a remote area as defined by the Australian Taxation Office. You may remain eligible for a remote area allowance for up to eight weeks while you are temporarily absent from the remote area, even if you are overseas.
The current fortnightly rates of the Remote Area Allowance are:
- Couples - $15.60 each person
- Singles - $18.20
- Children - $7.30 each
| Obligations |
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| Your obligations if you receive the Remote Area Allowance |
You need to tell us within 28 days of the event if:
Social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) - note that you need to tell us within 14 days of the above events, not 28 days. |
If you move interstate
Your pension
You need to tell DVA in the State you are leaving of your change of address.
If your move is to be permanent, we will transfer your pension payment
to your new State. This can take a few weeks to finalise but we will continue
to pay your pension into your bank account. If you change your bank account,
keep your old account open until your pension is being paid into the new
account.
Your health care
You can use your Gold or White Card in the new State and when payment
of your pension has been transferred, a new card (with your new file number
on it) will be sent to you. You will need to nominate a new Local Medical
Officer.
Your
concessions
You will not be able to use your Pensioner Concession Card interstate
so a new card will be issued as soon as your pension payment is transferred.
If you need a new card before your pension is transferred, contact your
nearest DVA office.
| Obligations |
|---|
| Your obligations if you are moving interstate |
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if
you receive remote area allowance) of changes to your living arrangements,
including if:
Social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) - note that the obligations are the same as above except
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If you travel or move overseas
Is your pension payable overseas?
Generally speaking, we can continue to pay your pension while you are
overseas.
You will need to keep an account open in Australia for your pension payment because we cannot make the payment in another country. Note that your bank may charge you fees to access an Australian account if you are living overseas.
What benefits are not payable overseas
If you move overseas permanently, the following allowances will cease
immediately after departure from Australia:
- Pharmaceutical allowance;
- Telephone allowance;
- Rent assistance;
- Remote area allowance;
- Seniors concession allowance; and
- Utilities allowance.
If you are only travelling overseas temporarily:
- Pharmaceutical allowance continues for 26 weeks after departure from Australia;
- Telephone allowance continues for 26 weeks after departure from Australia;
- Rent assistance continues for 26 weeks after departure from Australia;
- Remote Area Allowance continues for 8 weeks after departure from the remote area;
- Seniors concession allowance will be paid if it was due for payment within 13 weeks after departure from Australia;
- Utilities allowance will be paid if it was due to for payment within 13 weeks after departure from Australia.
When you return to Australia, and advise DVA of your return, your allowances will recommence.
Note: There is a form available when travelling overseas (Notification of Overseas Travel). Contact your nearest DVA office if you intend travelling overseas.
| Fact Sheet: IS77 |
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| Travelling Overseas (PDF version) |
| Travelling Overseas (HTML version) |
Health care overseas
DVA will only cover health care costs for the treatment of your accepted
disabilities. You will need to advise DVA, prior to your departure
of your intention to travel or live overseas if you wish to claim any
DVA health benefits while overseas.
Note: Any health care costs accepted by DVA will be limited to the costs usually associated with your care provided in Australia. Health care costs will not be met where your main reason for travel is to obtain health care overseas.
Travel insurance
We recommend that you consider hospital and medical insurance cover.
If you travel in countries which have reciprocal health care arrangements
with Australia, you may wish to use these arrangements.
Note: For information about reciprocal health care arrangements,
contact your nearest Medicare office.
| Obligations |
|---|
| Your obligations if you are travelling overseas |
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you receive remote area allowance) of departure if you are going overseas, even if only for a short time. Social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) - Your obligations are the same except that if you receive remote area allowance, you need to tell us within 14 days not 28 days of departure if you are going overseas, even if only for a short time. |