LYING in bed, listening to the rain falling on the roof, I started thinking, as you do, about the changes in lifestyle and thought processes that I had to make since my wife passed away.
The many different things that have to be attended to, and to initiate the various protocols that society and the law sees fit to be accomplished as soon as possible at the end of one’s life.
I got to thinking about the generosity of our government – sure, there are many that would say “not enough”, and in some circumstances, especially for those who at this stage are paying large rents and are getting on in years, they may be right.
But for those who have weathered the storms of life, are now retired and receive a pension, the government is very generous at this time in our lives.
Coming back from a full couple’s pension to a single pension, there is a downside of about $500 to what you may have been receiving as a couple. However, before you start thinking about this difference, think about the savings from other avenues of payments you make. Just one instance is that there will be at least a 40% saving in your private health cover going back to a single, Things like food, water, and other lower living costs seem to all make up the difference.
Going in to Centrelink, I found the transition to a single pension quite easy to do. A death certificate was not required, and I suspect that the authorities know full well when someone passes away. Medicare was advised as well in that process.
Not only was this easily accomplished, but I was advised of a compensation payment of around $3000 to cover some of the funeral costs, which was unexpected, not having ever been in that situation before.
I would think that it would be very hard for a wife to lose her partner. Not only in terms of loneliness but maybe on the financial side as well.
Should the partner be the main person paying the bills and attending to banking and financial matters, then it would be difficult for the remaining partner, not knowing much about them.
A good soilicitor would be the best one to call in that situation. If you need anything to do with this, they can help you.
A new will, probate, share advice, birth certificate, name change on property deeds, Enduring Power of Attorney, Advance Heath Directive. Anything at all.
Sure it costs, but well worth it when considering the peace of mind this will give you at this trying time.
Many people are unaware of the many things that the government can help you with. Money to tide you over should things get too difficult, short-term loans – just go online, it’s a mine of information.
There are even a couple of people working with West Moreton Health that can assist in filling out your POA and HD forms to send away. All for free.
If you need help, find someone to call, generally it will be free advice.
Ring My Aged Care and go from there.
