Current News
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Residential Care Subsidy changes
On 1 July 2020, some key annual changes to the Residential Care Subsidy came into effect.
If you need long-term residential care in a rest home, you may now qualify for the Residential Care Subsidy. The asset thresholds have increased to:
To find out if you are eligible, go to the Work and Income website at www.workandincome.govt.nz
On 1 July 2020, some key annual changes to the Residential Care Subsidy came into effect.
If you need long-term residential care in a rest home, you may now qualify for the Residential Care Subsidy. The asset thresholds have increased to:
- $236,336 for a single person
- $236,336 for a couple where both partners are in long-term residential care
- $236,336 for a couple where one person is in long-term residential care, including the value of their house and car
- $129,423 for a couple where one partner is in long-term residential care, not including the combined value of their house and car (the house is only exempt when it is the main place where your partner who is not in care, or a dependent child, lives).
- $1,027 for a single person
- $2,054 for a couple who are both in long-term residential care
- $3,081 for a couple where one partner is in long-term residential care.
To find out if you are eligible, go to the Work and Income website at www.workandincome.govt.nz
Photo Identification with the Kiwi Access Card
Hospitality New Zealand is proud to introduce the new Kiwi Access Card, which has had a significant design upgrade to ensure that it has state of the art security features.
The new Kiwi Access Card will have a positive impact for people who do not have, or are not eligible for a driver licence or passport. The Kiwi Access Card will allow people to be able to prove who they are, so that they can do things like open bank accounts and pick up prescriptions.
The Kiwi Access Card will replace the 18+ Card from 14 January 2019. It can be used as a proof of age and identity throughout New Zealand, and is available to both nationals and foreign visitors
For further details
Hospitality New Zealand National Call Centre
0800 500 503
www.hospitality.org.nz
The new Kiwi Access Card will have a positive impact for people who do not have, or are not eligible for a driver licence or passport. The Kiwi Access Card will allow people to be able to prove who they are, so that they can do things like open bank accounts and pick up prescriptions.
The Kiwi Access Card will replace the 18+ Card from 14 January 2019. It can be used as a proof of age and identity throughout New Zealand, and is available to both nationals and foreign visitors
For further details
Hospitality New Zealand National Call Centre
0800 500 503
www.hospitality.org.nz
Cheaper Visits to the Doctor
From 1 December, changes to Community Services Card benefits mean many Community Service cardholders will pay less to visit their doctor.
If your SuperGold card has "CSC" on the back you can use it for health services as well as SuperGold discounts. You can get lower cost visits to your general practice for health, injury, and more.
Many medical practices are now offering lower fees for enrolled Community Services Card holders and more will join in March and April next year.
Make sure you always carry your card to make it easy to get the benefits, like paying less to see your doctor. You can also use your card for any children in your care who are under 18 (13 and under are already free).
If you don't have a Community Services Card, it's worth checking if you can get one. You can find out more through the
Work and Income website
If your SuperGold card has "CSC" on the back you can use it for health services as well as SuperGold discounts. You can get lower cost visits to your general practice for health, injury, and more.
Many medical practices are now offering lower fees for enrolled Community Services Card holders and more will join in March and April next year.
Make sure you always carry your card to make it easy to get the benefits, like paying less to see your doctor. You can also use your card for any children in your care who are under 18 (13 and under are already free).
If you don't have a Community Services Card, it's worth checking if you can get one. You can find out more through the
Work and Income website
Shining a Light on Financial Abuse
Most of us will never experience elder abuse. But roughly one in ten people over 65 are not so lucky. For many, it starts with financial abuse.
It’s simply not easy to identify. That is why the Office for Seniors have published a new booklet, ‘Financial Abuse of Seniors’, which describes the warning signs, gives tips on how to protect yourself, and looks at common stories of abuse.
We need to empower older people to protect their own finances and property.
You can download a copy of the publication at www.superseniors.msd.govt.nz
It’s simply not easy to identify. That is why the Office for Seniors have published a new booklet, ‘Financial Abuse of Seniors’, which describes the warning signs, gives tips on how to protect yourself, and looks at common stories of abuse.
We need to empower older people to protect their own finances and property.
You can download a copy of the publication at www.superseniors.msd.govt.nz
Care and Assistance
There are additional cost implications if you or your spouse need home support services, or are needs-assessed for residential care while you are living in a retirement village
See the CFFC flowchart explaining different types of care costs for different types of accommodation. It includes tips and links to further sources of information.
https://cffc-assets-prod.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/Uploads/Retirement-Villages/Resources/Care-pathways-for-retirement-village-residents-diagram-May-2017.pdf
See the CFFC flowchart explaining different types of care costs for different types of accommodation. It includes tips and links to further sources of information.
https://cffc-assets-prod.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/Uploads/Retirement-Villages/Resources/Care-pathways-for-retirement-village-residents-diagram-May-2017.pdf
Anti Virus Protection
Remember the old adage "If it looks too good to be true - it usually is!"
Don't rush in to opening an attachment - take your time - common sense is important.
Windows 10 has built in protection with Windows Defender. You can also install a third-party program, free or paid for, but you must have only one such program
Look here for Anti Virus Protection and Advice
Don't rush in to opening an attachment - take your time - common sense is important.
Windows 10 has built in protection with Windows Defender. You can also install a third-party program, free or paid for, but you must have only one such program
Look here for Anti Virus Protection and Advice
Rates Rebate Applications
We can now ensure that retirement village residents are recognised as paying rates and those who are entitled to, can apply for a rates rebate, regardless of the billing practice of the local authority.
Residents must be resident in the village as at 1 July 2018 (and the same date in subsequent years) to qualify.
The operator will provide a certificate of eligibility for the date requirement and a statement of how much the resident pays in rates on an annual basis. The resident attaches that certificate to their rebate application form (the same that all applicants use) and send it to the local Council. The Council reviews the application and advises the resident if they qualify. They will also determine the amount of the rebate and advise the resident.
There are two options to make the rebate - the operator's rates bill is reduced by the sum of all residents' rebates and the operator is then responsible for making the rebate payment to the residents, or secondly (and this is by far our preferred option), the resident provides the Council with their bank account details and the Council credits the rebate directly into their account. That saves the operator some potentially messy administration and ensures the resident's privacy is protected around income etc.
Residents need to re-apply each year.
Look here for the Internal Affairs simple on-line rates rebate calculator:
https://www.dia.govt.nz/web/submitforms.nsf/RatesRebateCalc?OpenForm&i=27000&d=0&r=1600&calc
Residents must be resident in the village as at 1 July 2018 (and the same date in subsequent years) to qualify.
The operator will provide a certificate of eligibility for the date requirement and a statement of how much the resident pays in rates on an annual basis. The resident attaches that certificate to their rebate application form (the same that all applicants use) and send it to the local Council. The Council reviews the application and advises the resident if they qualify. They will also determine the amount of the rebate and advise the resident.
There are two options to make the rebate - the operator's rates bill is reduced by the sum of all residents' rebates and the operator is then responsible for making the rebate payment to the residents, or secondly (and this is by far our preferred option), the resident provides the Council with their bank account details and the Council credits the rebate directly into their account. That saves the operator some potentially messy administration and ensures the resident's privacy is protected around income etc.
Residents need to re-apply each year.
Look here for the Internal Affairs simple on-line rates rebate calculator:
https://www.dia.govt.nz/web/submitforms.nsf/RatesRebateCalc?OpenForm&i=27000&d=0&r=1600&calc
Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) Legislation Changes
EPA
Like a Will, it's not something you should put off. It's not something you leave until it's needed – because by then it's too late."
There are two types of EPA – one is about your property, the other is about how you'll be cared for if you lose the mental capacity to make decisions for yourself
Choose someone you trust to act in your best interests. Make sure they have the skills to do the job
You can make changes to your enduring power of attorney at any time. Changes must be in writing, signed and witnessed. But get legal advice first.
You can access the new EPA forms from the SuperSeniors website.
Travelling Overseas
One of the questions a lot of seniors ask is 'how long can I go overseas for and how does leaving New Zealand affect my NZ Super?'
If you're planning on going overseas for a few days or a couple of weeks, your NZ Super or Veteran's Pension payments won't be affected and you don't need to contact Senior Services.
You can find our more on the SuperSeniors website. You can tell Senior Services about your overseas trips using the Overseas travel dates online formhttps://msdsupport.custhelp.com/app/forms/oversea_travel, this will save you a phone call.
If you're planning on going overseas for a few days or a couple of weeks, your NZ Super or Veteran's Pension payments won't be affected and you don't need to contact Senior Services.
You can find our more on the SuperSeniors website. You can tell Senior Services about your overseas trips using the Overseas travel dates online formhttps://msdsupport.custhelp.com/app/forms/oversea_travel, this will save you a phone call.
Superannuitants After Tax Income
The Family Incomes Package announced in the budget will change the after tax income for around 750 thousand New Zealand Superannuitants.
For more information go to the SuperSeniors website
For more information go to the SuperSeniors website
Lending Money to Family
One of the main forms of elder abuse in New Zealand is financial abuse. Children or grandchildren often believe they're entitled to an early inheritance and fail to repay loans. If you lend money to a family member it, may not come back to you when you need it. For example you may suddenly need money for surgery.
If you're thinking about lending money to family members you should seek legal advice on your options. Some law firms provide discounts to SuperGold Card holders.
If you're thinking about lending money to family members you should seek legal advice on your options. Some law firms provide discounts to SuperGold Card holders.
New Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS)
Elder abuse is a serious and growing problem in all our communities throughout New Zealand. The Government has launched a new service to directly address this disturbing issue. Given New Zealand’s ageing population, we need a fresh approach and effective and accessible help wherever and whenever victims need it.
From July 1 the new Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) will put the victims of elder abuse first. The cornerstone of EARS is a free and confidential 24/7 helpline, 0800 32 668 65 (0800 EA NOT OK). Registered nurses will be on the other end of the phone to listen and advise anyone who needs information or support about elder abuse – whether they are the victim or someone who’s concerned it might be happening to a friend or family member. Callers will then be referred to local elder abuse services to get the help they need.
Full details are available on the website: www.superseniors.msd.govt.nz.
From July 1 the new Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) will put the victims of elder abuse first. The cornerstone of EARS is a free and confidential 24/7 helpline, 0800 32 668 65 (0800 EA NOT OK). Registered nurses will be on the other end of the phone to listen and advise anyone who needs information or support about elder abuse – whether they are the victim or someone who’s concerned it might be happening to a friend or family member. Callers will then be referred to local elder abuse services to get the help they need.
Full details are available on the website: www.superseniors.msd.govt.nz.
Thinking of Living in a Retirement Village
The updated booklet “Thinking of Living in a Retirement Village” is available to download from the CFFC website here: http://www.cffc.org.nz/retirement/retirement-villages/
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