Q I AM 61 and have unexpected health bills due to breast cancer. I can't get a disability pension or health care card. If I was age pension age I could apply for a Seniors Health Care Card as my income is less than $53,000 per annum and I would then have no out-of-pocket health expenses. As my doctor feels breast cancer is treatable he won't tick the box "terminal" on the Centrelink disability form. My super fund pays me a disability pension of $31,000. Can I put $10,000 per annum back into super and claim the low income health care card with $21,000 income?
A YOU can certainly make a contribution to super. However, the income test for the low income health care card is $28,704 a year but this includes concessional contributions to super. Therefore, on that basis it appears you would not qualify.
Q I HAVE organised our wills with a solicitor and there is a reference to stamp duty. Does stamp duty apply to the sale of your home or is it on homes you buy?
A STAMP duty is a state tax - the amount depends on which state the transaction is completed. But generally speaking there is stamp duty payable by a purchaser but no stamp duty payable by a seller.
Q AS A a retiree with $150,000 to invest I have already spent a couple of thousand dollars on bank advice with nil return. How can I be confident in finding a suitable, honest adviser to suit my situation. At present I use term deposits but could do better I think. My savings are slowly dwindling.
A SEEK out recommendations from people you know who have advisers that have given them great support and outcomes. Check out advisers on online forums such as www.adviserratings.com.au or Google search. Also, you can check the ASIC website (asic.gov.au) for anyone you are considering to see if they have any prior negative history
- Do you have a question? Send to Q&A, PO?Box 130, Wyong NSW 2259 or email edit@thesenior.com.au A selection of questions will be covered in this column. Personal replies will not be given.