THE BUDGET 2014/2015 - HOW IT MAY EFFECT YOU AND YOUR PARTNER 

Written By: Vice President of the ACT TPI Association

1.      Reviews of Income Support Payments.  There will be additional reviews of income support payments – e.g. Service Pension.  The reviews will be increased from 12,000 to 20,000 reviews per financial year.  These reviews do not involve DVA disability pensions.

2.   Invalidity Payments under SRCA and MRCA.  Veterans’ incapacity payments for disabilities accepted under SRCA and MRCA, will be reviewed by a medical specialist after 12 months of payments.  This is in line with Centrelink Disability Pensions.  These reviews will not affect members receiving any rate of disability pension, including the Special Rate pension under the VEA, or the Special Rate of Disability Pension under the MRCA.

3.      Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC).  From 20 Sep 14, the index will be measured annually against the income limit movement by the CPI.  This will result in additional retirees becoming eligible for CSHC.  This will allow more retirees access to medicines listed on the Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme at a concessional rate.  The CSHC is subject to an adjustable taxable income test and include untaxed superannuation income in the eligibility assessment.  Income will also include untaxed superannuation income in the assessment of income to determine eligibility from 1 January 2015.