Talking about our death to a partner or family member is hard thing to do and not pleasant as death is something we prefer did not happen. However, we see many clients who after the death of a partner/spouse were left financially worse off, when it could have been avoided by some discussion and actions […]

Given that most people would prefer to remain at home, the government have decided to increase the subsidy to enable this to happen, which also happens to be cheaper for the government than subsidising residential aged care. The changes to Home Care costs are a significant change compared to the current home care costs. The […]

From the 1st November 2025, new residents moving into residential aged care on a permanent basis will be subject to the new fee structure. Any resident who is permanent prior to the 1st November will be grandfathered under the current rules. Here is a summary of the changes coming 1st November 2025. ACCOMMODATION COSTS Current […]

Balance now offers a convenient and cost-effective video appointment Australia wide for people moving into residential aged care. Having helped 30,000 over the past 25 years with retirement village and aged care we wanted to provide a financial service that wouldn’t charge over $2,000 like most financial planners in this space. If your loved one […]

In helping our clients move into aged care, on occasions we see their wills to ensure that whatever strategy they adopt to pay for their aged care does not conflict with their testamentary intentions.  However, we frequently come across problems in the will that have not been picked up that may cause a problem after the […]

If both members of a couple are in aged care and one of them were to pass or if one is in care and the other at home (but the one at home passes first) then if they have left assets to the survivor, then the aged care fees for the survivor are highly likely to increase significantly. […]

The proposed changes to aged care fees aired to the public on the 12th of September will bring quite radical change to the aged care system. This will deliver more funding from the Government to the aged care system (which is drastically needed by facilities).  However, it will also cost the residents more money as […]

How can you transfer assets to your family without affecting your pension OR enable you to receive some pension? A Granny flat right might be the answer AND there does NOT need to be any Granny flat built! Imagine if you needed more support or care, or wanted to be closer to your family BUT […]

Are you not getting the right amount of pension? Are you having problems getting your pension entitlements fixed, or getting the pension at all? Are you having trouble getting aged care fees corrected? Is it possible to get more? Do you think you might be entitled to some pension? Understanding Centrelink & DVA policies, procedures […]

When someone moves into an Aged Care facility and sells their home to pay the Accommodation Payment as a Refundable Accommodation Payment (RAD, or Lump sum), if they have residual funds left over after paying the RAD, then there may be an impact on: Age Pension and Service Pension The residual funds left over after […]