Astonishing someone wants to keep milking the tax payer and is prepared to give significant sums away to a child to be able to continue to do so. Nice one Paula..

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

Not to mention the fact that the adult daughter isn't talking to them and "can't be trusted" just because she moved to another country.

You have to wonder what messed up family dynamic she's fortunate enough to have escaped!

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

Typical gimme-gimme mentality! With $400,000 in the kitty, why not take responsibility for yourself instead of asking the taxpayers to keep funding you.

Reminds me of a former neighbour who had a huge amount of cash literally buried in the backyard because "getting my pension is my right!!!"

Then there used to be those no-interest-earning bank accounts (which the banks loved); deeming rates took care of that. Sadly, her mindset is NOT in the minority.

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

Whilst I understand many people's anger at what they consider ostensibly rorting of the system, I think it is worth taking into account this person's disability status, deep grief at recently losing both parents as well as sadness at the current estrangement with a daughter.

Fear of not having a consistent income can only really be understood by those who have actually experienced it. I hope Paula is able to get some free financial advice from a community financial adviser who may well recommend a legitimate strategy to enable this family to continue to have a steady income stream.

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

Paula should talk to a Financial Information Service Officer at Centrelink before making any decisions, as they can discuss the implications of different scenarios on her payments.

There are implications around gifting for example.

I wish this service was promoted more because I see so much misinformation and wrong advice given to people about Centrelink on social media and by financial advisers.

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

Hopefully she's as candid with them as she is here so they can put a big red flag on her file and keep watch where it goes, because it irks me that even with $400k (which, if done properly, will set you up VERY nicely for a long time), she even thought about "how can I hide it", rather than "how can I get off welfare ?". OK, you're on a DP, fair enough. But deliberately rorting the system ? This mentality makes me sick.

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

Well said Judith. Her situation really isn't much different than what most pensioners, particularly wealthy ones on all accounts, are doing to move cash or assets around to ensure they at least get the part pension.

Having a disability in your 30's where you are unlikely to work again would be truly difficult, $400k really isn't that much when you factor in how long we currently live for and what her earning potential would be. I second the other opinions to speak to Centrelink or a free financial adviser. I hope you and your family heal from your pain and find viable solutions.

On a personal note I left home at 19 in not so great a way, 19 is super young! Super super young so please be patient with your daughter and realize she's probably still figuring herself out and will come round. Best wishes for your health and family.

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

Paul makes the statement that "First, no, you can't give it to your son. Pension payments have "deprivation" provisions if you give it away like this". This is untrue- The fact is - they can give the money to the son, but it will be counted by Centrelink for 5 years.

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

I'd be very interested to know where you get 6% to 8% a year in a super fund?

Also, $400,000 is nothing, if you spend just $20,000 a year (and they still have a 13yr old) it takes just 20 years for it to begone - who here of the people judging this family survives on $385 a week??? (which is what $20,000 a year works out to be???)

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

"I'd be very interested to know where you get 6% to 8% a year in a super fund?"

I'm with Australian Super and it returned more than 20% last financial year. https://www.australiansuper.com/superannuation/superannuation-articles/2021/07/member-returns-year-fy21

So literally any half decent fund should be returning a measly 6%.

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

You're assuming they leave the $400,000 buried in a jam jar in the backyard.

Invested in anything they will have more to spend. Term deposits, a cheap investment property, shares, peer to peer lending, super...

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

To all those talking about rorting the system, I hear you. But you are probably forgetting that Paula had to give up work, and with her husband as a full time carer also would have needed to give up their career. None of us are in there shoes so, we should probably avoid any judgment. Government has plenty of compliance resources, if there is any rorting time would catch up. Although, to qualify for DP Paula would have needed to do enough to prove that she qualifies. Her response on giving it away is likely coming from her knowledge that $400k wouldn't last a lifetime, and she maybe aware of how difficult it is to get DP. Not having financial freedom can be fearful.

I am not in Paula's, and hope not to be in her shoes, because I wouldn't be able to walk a mile.

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

Agreed. I'm sure anyone in this position, unable to work and with your partner as your carer, would aim to retain any regular income streams as much as they possibly could.

The question is simply asking what's possible and within the rules. I commend Paula for exploring all of her options during a time that has clearly been turbulent and traumatic.

Shame on those who have commented without any kind of empathy and a total lack of consideration around the reality of Paula and her husband's financial future and their inability to earn a full time salary.

It's very easy for those making hurtful remarks to sit there on their high horse and criticise this questioner's attempt to become more educated and informed around the rules and regulations that could either set her family up for a reasonable financial future or see them financially flop because she didn't explore her options when she had the chance.

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

It's an appalling attitude!

Take some responsibility for you self, rather than the rest of us paying for you

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

Most balance funds have returned that on a regular basis, do some Googling.

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.

Like something money pad school

Reply to article

For original story, Click Here.