How to do it – your way

The latest edition of the Age Pension Guide is now available through the Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss’s office.
Mr Truss said the guide was popular with local pensioners, because of the simple way it explained the terms and conditions that applied to the Age Pension.
“The Age Pension rules can be confusing and complicated for many people. This guide is designed in an easy to use format to help pensioners understand their entitlements,” Mr Truss said.
“It also reassures pensioners that despite misleading claims to the contrary, there have been no cuts to pensions by the Coalition Government. The Age Pension will continue to increase twice per year, as it has done in the past, when payment rates are updated on 20 March and 20 September.”
Mr Truss said pensioners were also better off because they continued to receive the carbon tax compensation even though Labor’s carbon tax had been abolished – saving the average household $550 a year.
“The guide provides important updates on income and asset tests, as well as deeming and other provisions, which are adjusted from time to time,” he said.
“These changes can affect the amount of assistance that pensioners are entitled to receive and it is helpful for people to have access to the latest information about the support that is available, and where it is available from.
“There is also useful information in the guide about a range of other issues relating to pensions, including the pension bonus and work bonus schemes, the carer payment and allowance, as well as health and discount cards that are available to pensioners.”
The guide is available free of charge and can be ordered by telephoning 1300 301 968, or downloaded from the website www.warrentruss.com.au.