Deeming is a set of rules used to assess income from financial investments for social security and aged care purposes. Deeming assumes that financial investments earn a certain rate of income, regardless of the amount of income they are actually earning. If income support recipients or aged care residents earn more than these rates, the extra income is not assessed.
When a couple is entering into Residential Aged Care consideration needs to be given to the timing of their move and the impact this can have on their means assessment.
Post 1 July 2014 a person's ability to contribute towards the cost of their accommodation and care is subject to a means test which incorporates both assets and income. Refer to Residential Aged Care Means Test Factsheet. The reforms removed the distinction between low care and high care, creating a single payment structure for aged care residents.
An insurance or investment bond is an investment which has features similar to a managed fund in terms of an investment whilst also being a life insurance policy. Centrelink assess financial assets held in a Trust structure differently to those held in a client's own name.
An annuity provides guaranteed regular payments for a set period of time in exchange for an initial capital investment. Unlike market linked retirement income streams, annuities give clients certainty - they know how much they will get and how long it will last.
Neither the Aged Care Income Assessment (for determining an Income Tested Care Fee in Home Care) or the Combined Income and Assets Assessment (for determining someone’s ability to contribute towards the cost of Residential Aged Care) are compulsory. People who choose not to submit an assessment are referred to as “Means Not Disclosed” and can be charged their cost of care.
