Relevant legislation:
Social Security Act 1991 (Cth)
Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 (Cth)
Aged Care Act 1997
Loans, gifts, mortgages and property transfers can affect how Centrelink views assets and income. This can then affect pensions, benefits, tax entitlements and future aged care fees and charges. Centrelink rules are complex and should be studied carefully. You may also need to refer your client for advice.
- Financial Information Service Officers (FISO) in Centrelink. Anonymous inquiries can be made but information you provide is not confidential. FISOs can also help people to assess aged care fees.
- Social Security Rights Victoria is a community legal service specialising in the impact of social security law.
- The National Information Centre on Retirement Investments Incorporated (NICRI) is a free, independent, confidential service for people with modest savings. It gives people information to help them make the best decisions they can about financial planning, superannuation, reverse mortgages.
For information on Centrelink issues, see
Financial Information Service Fact Sheets, including ‘Gifting’ and ‘Granny Flats.’
Rob Phillips, 2008, Older Residents and the Law: Accommodation, Care and Legal Rights in Victoria, 2nd ed., Victoria Law Foundation. See pp. 9 –18 on pensions, reverse mortgages, superannuation and financial planning advice; pp. 43–79 on residential aged care.
FaHCSIA’s Accommodation Choices booklet has information about aged care options and contains other valuable information and referrals.