Correspondence: 7 Jul 06
Australian Government
Box 7788 Canberra Mail Centre ACT Telephone 1300 653 227 TTY 1800 260 402
Dear Mr Brooker
FUTURE PLANNING FOR SONS AND DAUGHTERS WITH SEVERE DISABILITY
I refer to your earlier contact with the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs regarding the Prime Minister's announcement on 13 October 2005 of a package worth more than $200 million to assist parents and immediate family wishing to make private financial provisions for the current and future accommodation and care of a son or daughter with severe disability.
As you may be aware, the major component of the package will allow parents and immediate family members from 20 September 2006, to place up to $500,000 into a trust for the future care and accommodation of a person with severe disability, without being affected by social security means test and gifting rules.
Legislation enabling the establishment of the Special Disability Trusts has recently been passed by Parliament.
Enclosed is some information regarding how the Special Disability Trusts will operate. These questions and answers can also be found on the Department's website and will be regularly updated. Updates can be found on http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/disabilities/carers-future_planning.htm.
The Department is also in the process of developing a model trust deed and a future care information package. A copy of these products will be forwarded to you once they become available.
For further information email your questions to special.disabilitv.trusts@facsia.gov.au or phone 1800 051 549. Thank you for your interest in this measure.
Yours sincerely
Ben Wallace |
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