Media Release: Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
A message from the Minister
June 07 I am pleased to introduce this information pack to assist parents and families who are caring for their son or daughter with a severe disability.
Over the years many representations have been made to the Government by these parents and a common question asked is; 'What will happen when I am no longer able to care for my child?'
Some ageing parents have the financial means to make prjvat!3 firianci?1 provisIOns for the cur'rent arid future care and accommodation and support needs of their son or daughter'. However the social security rules in the past may have discouraged them from doing so.
From 20 September 2006 parents and immediate family members will be able to establish a trust for the current and future care and accommodation of the person with severe disability, without being affected by social security means test and gifting rules. This means the trust will not impact on the beneficiary's income support payment, such as Disability Support Pension, nor will the gift impact on the gifter's pension or Department of Veterans' Affairs service pension or income support supplement if they are of age pension age.
Two booklets have been developed to assist families. One booklet, Getting Things Sorted, provides information on the means test concessions including;
Copies of the booklet, Getting Things Sorted, can be obtained by ringing 1800 050 009 and quoting the product number FaCSIAO161.06.09.
The second booklet, Planning for the Future for Families of People with Disability (soon to be released), provides information on several important planning topics including:
I encourage parents and families considering planing for the future to read these booklets, as I believe they are important tools in helping parents achieve their goals. I trust you will find these booklets useful.
Mal Brough |
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© Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Association 2008  |