STARTING POINT – Help, Services and Perks!

Over 60s continue to be active and make valuable contributions to their communities long after they retire.

What now?

Not sure what’s available for you now that you’re 60 plus? The links and information below are by no means comprehensive but will give you some idea on what is available. Check out some of these links.

1. The Commission for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income :
   
   

helps you to prepare financially for retirement through independent information and tools. www.sorted.org.nz or you can order a booklet “Sorted – Your guide to getting there” by ringing 0800 SORT MONEY (0800 767 866). This booklet is also available through ANZ and National Bank branches.

1. New Zealand Superannuation:
   
   

Are you entitled to fortnightly New Zealand Superannuation payments? When can you start getting Superannuation payments? How much will you get?

Go to www.workandincome.govt.nz/online-services/superannuation/index.html

You can also call Work and Income on 0800 552 002 to arrange an appointment.

1. Taxation:
   
   

Superannuation is taxed before you get it, but you still need to pay tax on any other income that you receive. Apply to Inland Revenue to get a “Summary of Earnings” or a “Personal Tax Summary”. Call: 0800 227 774

1. Kiwisaver:
   
   

This is a voluntary savings initiative with membership benefits. When you qualify for Superannuation at age 65 (or when you have been in the scheme for five years, whichever is later) you become eligible to withdraw all your savings as a lump sum. There are also conditions under which you may be able to withdraw all or part of the savings earlier if you are purchasing your first home, emigrating, suffering financial hardship or have a serious illness.

www.kiwisaver.govt.nz

1. Community Services Card:
   
   

You must be on a low-to-middle income to get the Community Services Card. The card gives you help with the costs of healthcare including visits to the doctor, prescriptions. To get more information visit the government site.

www.workandincome.govt.nz/individuals/a-zbenefits/community-services-card.html

or ring 08000 999 999 to ask for an application form (or download it from the website).

1. SuperGold Card:
   
   

This is a concession card for New Zealand residents who are 65 years old and over. Some businesses offer discounts, you can use public transport during off-peak times for free and you may be eligible for discounted services from your local council.

www.supergold.govt.nz

1. Disability allowance:
   
   

This is a weekly payment for people who have regular on-going health or disability costs eg. Doctor’s visits, medicine. To find out more about this allowance go to:

www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/contact-us/index.html

or ring 0800 559 009 if you are under 65, or 0800 552 002 if you are over 65.

1. Accommodation Supplement:
   
   

This is a weekly payment helping people with rent, board and other essential housing costs. To see whether you qualify for this assistance you can go to the accommodation supplement calculator at www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz/calculator/index.jsp or contact Work and Income on 0800 559 009. You need to have your client number on hand. You will find the number on your Community Services Card or in any letters you have received from Work and Income.

1. Retired and going overseas:
   
   

You may be able to continue receiving New Zealand Superannuation or the Veteran’s Pension. This depends on where you go to and how long you have lived in New Zealand. You must apply to Work and Income before you leave New Zealand.

1. Getting support while you are living in your home:
   
   

Community care helps older people to stay in their own homes so delaying going into residential care. If you need help with housework, personal care, meals, help getting in and out of bed, showering, getting in groceries. To find out if you are eligible please contact either your local doctor or a Needs Assessment service Coordination (NASC) Agency.

The New Zealand Home Health Association is the national organization which represents providers on home health care services. For more information about the providers go to:

www.nzhha.org.nz or telephone (04) 472 3196

1. Retirement Villages:
   
   

To stay in your own home or move to a retirement village? That is the question facing a lot of us. Buying into a retirement village is different from buying a house. Each village has its own type of accommodation, support, car, legal and financial structures, philosophy and management. There are costs on entry and exit.

Before agreeing to buy into a village get some advice from a lawyer with experience in retirement villages and also involve your family or friends. Read through the “Occupation Right Agreement” which sets out the terms of occupation. For more details go to:

www.cflri.org.nz/retirement-villages/legislation/guide-rv-act/entering-occupation-right-agreement

1. Long term residential care in a rest home or hospital:
   
   

See your local GP first if you are considering long term residential care. They can then refer you to the “Specialised older persons health services” in your DHB area. These services can assess you with regards to health, rehabilitation and support.

1. Legal arrangements:
   
   

Wills: these are a good idea for people over 18 years of age. A will allows you to choose people or organisations you want to inherit your estate. You need to appoint an Executor – a person who carries out your instructions regarding division of your estate. This person can be a family member, a friend or a solicitor. Usually people revise their wills every five years or after major life changes. Your solicitor or the Public Trust (a Crown owned organization) can assist you in making your will. If you don’t have a will, when you die your estate will be divided according to government legislation.

1. Planning a funeral:
   
   

Not something we really want to think about, but death and taxes are realities of life. You can find information from

the Citizen’s Advice Bureau – www.cab.org.nz/Pages/home.aspx and

the Funeral Director’s Association – www.fdanz.org.nz/about-fdanz-funeral-directors.aspx

Disclaimer: 60 Plus Connect makes every effort to give you correct information. However, it does not accept any liability for errors contained in the text. Readers are advised to personally follow up information on the websites sited.