Latest news with #CarerPayment
7NEWS
16-05-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Centrelink, Australia Post warn customers about fake information scam
Centrelink has released a warning about prevalent scams targeting customers on Friday. It noted fake information on dodgy websites and social media accounts, threatening penalties and account cancellations. 'These unofficial websites and social media accounts are sharing information about Centrelink payments that isn't real,' Services Australia said. 'This is called clickbait. Clickbait is usually misleading and made to get your attention.' Bogus claims include Centrelink pensioners being asked to provide extra documents to meet new requirements and undergo new eligibility and verification processes. The clickbait websites and social media accounts also mention cash relief in the form of one-off payments. 'They offer varying amounts of money, including $750, $1800 and $4100,' Services Australia said. 'These payments don't exist.' When talking about one-off and bonus payments, the fake sites and social media accounts might say they'll help with the cost of living, and offer relief to people getting an Age Pension, Carer Payment or Carer Allowance, or anyone with a concession card. Services Australia said that people falling for these scams were exacerbating the issue. 'People are sharing these websites on social media, thinking the information is real,' it said. One way to rule out potentially fake website is to check the URL for '. 'If the website URL doesn't end in . then it isn't an official government website. It could be a scam,' Services Australia said. 'The only genuine Services Australia and myGov websites are and Sophisticated scam techniques Centrelink is not the only government-facilitated service that has recently released a warning. Australia Post alerted people on Friday about a scam it said has affected nine out of 10 Australians. The scam is part of the 'Darcula phishing-as-a-service operation', the national postal service said. 'Darcula's sophisticated techniques bypass telecommunications and network filters to send scams over iMessage and Rich Communication Services (RCS), making them harder to block.' Australia Post surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1000 Australians in April this year, and found that nine out of 10 Australians had received a scam text. Three quarters of that have specifically been hit with a text from scammers impersonating Australia Post. The latest fraudulent texts from Australia Post impersonators claim a delivery has failed due to an invalid postal code. This lures recipients into clicking malicious links which take them to websites, where they are prompted to hand over personal information. The survey also showed that '85 per cent (of respondents) are more concerned about scams today than they were 12 months ago.' Australia Post chief information security officer Adam Cartwright said: 'Scammers prey on busy lifestyles and the excitement and urgency in waiting for a package.' 'The safest way to track your deliveries is directly through the official AusPost app. If you're expecting a parcel, don't click on suspicious links or respond to unexpected messages — always check the app first.'
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Centrelink issues urgent Age Pension eligibility change warning: 'Double check'
Services Australia has warned Australians to "protect themselves" by not falling for misinformation they might see online. Scammers have been trying to con people into thinking there have been big changes to the Age Pension. However, the government body said the payment system hasn't been altered. Services Australia urged people to "double-check" everything they read to make sure its real. "There are no changes to eligibility for Age Pension, and no changes to document verification for pensioners," it said. ATO issues superannuation warning for retirees over June 1 rule 'change' Retirement warning as controversial $3 million superannuation tax change looms: 'Be proactive' Commonwealth Bank customer rages over threat to cut access to his money: 'Seven day deadline' Scammers might use websites that look eerily similar to Services Australia or Centrelink, however, checking the URL can usually separate the real from the fake. "If a website URL doesn't end in . then it isn't an official government website," it said. "We'll always let you know when there are changes to any of our payments or services." Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen told Yahoo Finance these websites are designed to suck people in with flashy headlines. 'Their main purpose is likely gaining advertising revenue through website traffic, rather than phishing for personal information,' he said. Services Australia has noticed an uptick in the number of these scam sites claiming there are changes to things like eligibility or verification processes, as well as new bonuses, cash relief, or "one-off" payments. They will use words like "cost of living" and target those with a Concession Card or those on the Age Pension, Carer Payment or Carer Allowance. They're designed to lure in people who might be in desperate need of a lift in their payments, with big promises of up to $4,100 being offered. However, these payments don't exist. "They might also threaten you with penalties if you don't meet the new requirements," Services Australia warned. "They'll tell you they'll cancel your payments or that you'll get a fine or debt. This isn't true." It added that if you're ever unsure about information you see online, you can search the Services Australia website for any updates. You can also call Services Australia or message the body on social media. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) issued a similar warning this week after noticing scammers trying to trick people into thinking there have been changes to superannuation. Several online articles have claimed super preservation and withdrawal rules are changing on June 1. But, again, this is fake news. "The maximum preservation age (the age when you can access your superannuation savings on retirement) is 60 for anyone born from 1 July 1964,' ATO deputy commissioner for superannuation Emma Rosenzweig said. 'Always consider the source of information you see, and if in doubt go to trusted sources such as the ATO website your super fund website, your registered tax agent or licensed financial adviser. 'Beware of websites that might be trying to harvest your personal information such as your TFN, identity details or mygov login details.'
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Centrelink cash boost to hit accounts in days: 'Critical'
Centrelink recipients will notice their payments will go up slightly from this week. Numerous social security payments get indexed twice a year in March and September to keep pace with inflation. Payments like JobSeeker, the Age Pension, and Commonwealth Rent Assistance will all go up on Thursday, March 20. Social Services minister Amanda Rishworth said the small boost would hopefully help recipients battle against the cost-of-living crisis. 'Indexation is a critical part of our social security safety net,' she said. 'For pensioners and other payment recipients receiving this financial boost, this will help ease some pressure.' Major Centrelink warning over $1,000 cash boost: 'Left out of pocket' Woolworths worker justifies $50,000 pay cut after quitting to avoid return to office: 'Rather be happy' Rare new gold 50c coins for Australians worth $20: 'Beauty'JobSeeker The government has declared that a single person on JobSeeker will receive an extra $3.10 per fortnight, taking their total to $781.10. Couples will receive an additional $2.80 from Thursday, which will take their fortnightly payment to $715.10. Over the course of a year, JobSeekers will receive an extra $72.80 to $80.60 extra. Their energy supplement of $8.80 will remain the same. More than 850,000 are on the payment designed to help Aussies get by while they look for a job and it's the second-largest payment after the Age Pension. Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment The maximum single rate of pension for those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment will increase by $4.60 to $1,149 a fortnight. For partnered pensioners, the maximum rate of pension will increase by $3.50 to $866.10 a fortnight, or by $7 ($3.50 per person) to $1,732.20 a fortnight for pensioner couples combined. These figures both take into account the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement. "We've spent the past three years strengthening our social security system, so that it helps Australians at whatever age or stage they're at in life," Rishworth said. Other Centrelink payments ABSTUDY: is going up between $2.80 to $3.30 per fortnight Parenting payment: between $2.80 to $4.30 Rent Assistance: between $0.50 to $1.12 The full list of payment changes and income limits can be found here. JobSeeker compliance changes Fewer JobSeeker recipients will be cut off from this month. Under the changes, job seekers who are newly registered with Workforce Australia or Disability Employment Services won't face compliance action if it's the first time they haven't met a requirement. Job seekers who have been working 30 hours a fortnight for two months will also be exempt from being cut off from the Centrelink payment if they miss an appointment with their employment service provider. Services Australia said its staff members would investigate the situation first, rather than the payment automatically getting suspended. 'Our staff will investigate all compliance actions in the 'penalty zone' before a financial penalty can be applied,' it said. Carer Payment work changes Carers will be able to work more flexible hours without having their payment impacted from March 20. Under the new rules, carers can work 100 hours in a four-week period, instead of the current 25 hours per week. 'You will still report your hours each fortnight, but you will not have to report study, training, volunteering or travel time,' Services Australia said. 'If you sometimes work more than 100 hours, you'll still be able to use respite days so you can keep your payment.'Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Critical' Centrelink cash boost announced for millions: 'Ease some pressure'
The government has revealed how much Centrelink recipients can expect to receive after their payments get indexed later this month. Social security payments go through two rounds of indexation each year in March and September. In less than two weeks, payments like JobSeeker and the Age Pension will be adjusted to keep pace with inflation. Social Services minister Amanda Rishworth said this month's payment boost will no doubt help recipients battle against the cost of living. 'Indexation is a critical part of our social security safety net,' she said. 'For pensioners and other payment recipients receiving this financial boost, this will help ease some pressure.' Centrelink warning over common mistake that could impact your payments: 'We don't' Property manager breaks down in tears as tensions between tenants and landlords intensify Woolworths, Coles warned over following Aldi, Kmart low cost trend: 'People don't like change' More than 850,000 are on the payment designed to help Aussies get by while they look for a job. It's the second-largest payment after the Age Pension. On March 20, a single person will get a $3.10 boost to their fortnightly payments, while couples will see a $2.80 jump. It takes their total fortnightly payments to $781.10 and $715.10, respectively, which is annual bump of $80.60 and $72.80. There are roughly 2.64 million pensioners in Australia and they'll be getting the biggest jump. Those on the maximum single rate will get an extra $4.60 per fortnight, while couples will receive an additional $3.50 each. That will bring fortnightly instalments to $1,149 and $866.10, respectively. The $4.60 bump will also be applied to people on the Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment. "We've spent the past three years strengthening our social security system, so that it helps Australians at whatever age or stage they're at in life," Rishworth said. ABSTUDY is going up between $2.80 to $3.30 per fortnight Parenting payment: between $2.80 to $4.30 Rent Assistance: between $0.50 to $1.12 The full list of payment changes and income limits can be found here. Fewer JobSeeker recipients will be cut off from this month. Under the changes, job seekers who are newly registered with Workforce Australia or Disability Employment Services won't face compliance action if it's the first time they haven't met a requirement. Job seekers who have been working 30 hours a fortnight for two months will also be exempt from being cut off from the Centrelink payment if they miss an appointment with their employment service provider. Services Australia said its staff members would investigate the situation first, rather than the payment automatically getting suspended. 'Our staff will investigate all compliance actions in the 'penalty zone' before a financial penalty can be applied,' it said. Carers will be able to work more flexible hours without having their payment impacted from March 20. Under the new rules, carers can work 100 hours in a four-week period, instead of the current 25 hours per week. 'You will still report your hours each fortnight, but you will not have to report study, training, volunteering or travel time,' Services Australia said. 'If you sometimes work more than 100 hours, you'll still be able to use respite days so you can keep your payment.'
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Major Centrelink payment change just weeks away: '$18.6 million'
Services Australia has revealed that the Carers Payment is set to undergo a significant change from next month. The Centrelink subsidy is delivered to tens of thousands of Australians who are providing constant care for someone for at least six months. At the moment, a recipient on this payment is only allowed to work or study for up to 25 hours every four weeks. But the government body is quadrupling this allowance, with the change set to kick in on March 20. "You will still report your hours each fortnight, but you will not have to report study, training, volunteering or travel time," Services Australia said."If you sometimes work more than 100 hours, you'll still be able to use respite days so you can keep your payment. The 2024-25 federal budget had $18.6 million allocated to this change, which will be rolled out over five years. Centrelink cash boost coming in weeks for millions of Australians Dark side of RBA interest rate cut millions are waiting for: 'Disaster' $3,000 superannuation boost Aussies urged to cash in on: 'More money to retire on' The funding boost was designed to give carers "greater flexibility and choice to structure their work commitments around their caring role".The government acknowledged that the 25-hour rule greatly limited carers in how much work or study they could undertake, which also restricted their ability to get better employment in the future. A 2023 study found that 47 per cent of carers on the Centrelink payment said they were doing less paid work than what they would like to, and more than 67 per cent reported low satisfaction with the current rules. Services Australia estimated that 31,000 Carer Payment recipients currently work and will likely benefit from the change next month. However, it warned that if you work more than 100 hours during the four-week reporting period then your payments could be suspended for up to six months. People wanting to get the Carers Payment will have to undergo income and assets tests, which will determine how much they're eligible to receive from Centrelink. The tests get recalculated on January 1 each year and they are currently at: Income must be less than $140,795 a year before tax Assets must be worth less than $868,500 The maximum base rate for a single person on the Carer Payment is $1,047.10. It's $789.30 for each person in a couple or $1,578.60 combined. To access this payment, you and the person you care for need to be Australian residents. You are also allowed to receive payments if you're caring for more than one person, but there are different rules that apply, which you can find out about here. The person needing care has to require it for at least six months, or they are at the end of their life. Care can include: Physical help, such as needing to be lifted or help to get dressed Guidance, such as support shopping and taking the right medication Supervision, to support independence and in to access your portfolio
