We have heard that many centrelink clients have been dropping off the concessions list regarding Cost of Living Allowance because of minor changes to their details.
If you have changed your provider, your address or your details to your provider (some providers are insisting on full names on the account), then it is worth checking with the concessions Hotline 1800 307 758. You may need to re-register and this process apparently can take a few weeks.
The Cost of Living Allowance is to assist SA residents who are on concessions, centreline payments or can meet the low income eligibility such as Single-$16629.60, Single with children-$17765.80 or Partnered-$30555.20).
You can apply online or via post and before Oct 31.
If you’re an avid foodie you will no doubt be eager to find out who will win tonight’s Masterchef grand final. This series has been a cracker. The level of cooking has been as exceptional as the advertising promised. Such cooking wizardry combined with the unbelievably stocked Masterchef pantry full of every protein and staple possible makes a lot of volunteers in a soup kitchen heart miss a beat with envy. Cooling ice cream in a hurry using nitrous seems unfathomable or even ridiculous at times.
A lot of families can only dream of using such expensive ingredients as Wagyu beef and lobster, or grimace when seeing large quantities of expensive quality produce trimmed to a small portion just to serve Gary, George and Matt. We can only hope that the rest of the portions are used and not end up in the scrap bucket. As real chefs I am sure these judges would demand it not go to waste.
It makes me wonder what these talented amateur cooks could do using a mystery box of ingredients from the food recovery services such as Food Bank, Oz Harvest and Second Bite. These services and the long list of charities, churches and adventurous individuals do a fantastic job of getting unused produce to those in need through services such as Emergency Relief and Community Meals. You can find these organisations and your closest service location in the FOOD section of the Affordable SA App.
Masterchef sponsors Coles do offset such extravagance with the advertising of $10 meals by the surfing Curtis Stone and many of the other supermarket chains such as Woolworths, Foodland and Aldi are all equal in their generosity in giving to the food redistribution services and we should recognise all of them. Bakers delight and many small local suppliers are in there as well. Lending a hand to help people who need it.
The ABC recently published a story about a food expert feeding her family for only $40 a week http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-23/money-saving-expert-feeds-family-for-40-dollars-a-week-heres-how/8727940
Many South Australians are doing it tough with world record high costs for utilities and basic necessities. There are concessions available for low income earners but these are dwindling when compared to the increases experienced in recent years.
As South Australians we cant help smiling with joy to see our own Lady of the Barossa, Maggie Beer bursting with her special blend of enthusiasm and the love of the high quality produce we enjoy in SA. Our Maggie appeared only briefly in this Masterchef series, as she is busy with her most recent project to raise the quality of Aged Care meals in SA and across the country.
So who ever wins tonight’s battle lets remember that food is a valuable resource and should be shared, no matter how humble, not just in the fine dining restaurants but with family and those you love. And sometimes shared with complete strangers who just need a bit of a helping hand.
Welcome to the start of the new financial year. A time when anyone connected to the financial parts of an organisation has finally emerged from a month long lockdown in their offices and hordes of personal assistants are nursing their blistered heels after a frantic week of parading up and down the quickly emptying aisles of their local “Officeworks” store.
A time when the purchasing Bombay doors of large companies opened briefly to drop large bundles of cash and then closed again with an almighty crash to signal the close of business for the financial year. Belts will once again be tightened and the "blood from a stone" attitude resume until around this time next year.
We have seen some pretty poor examples of the wealthy and big companies not paying what is considered their fair share. Certainly the Government’s recent ads on the Tele would have us believe that those big companies will soon be held accountable and destined to start helping to fix our national debt rather than just contributing to the size of it. At the very least these ads promise us that someone soon will be experiencing the rough end of the Taxation pineapple.
The depiction of a child’s wooden toy railway with steel balls being sent this way and that will no doubt strike fear into those reaping tax free profits in Australia. The cynic in me wonders if we'll just end up paying more for Netflix and other entertainment whilst the rich get to keep their fancy yachts in the Bahamas.
It is said that death and taxes are the certainties in this world and we seem to have an equally unhealthy fear of both. If you can afford it there is almost a status symbol in paying an expert to rifle through your shoebox of crumpled receipts in managing your tax. Most people just want some reassurance that they have not missed out on a legitimate benefit or have not done something wrong and are prepared to pay for that reassurance. If you can’t afford an expert you can try to negotiate the system but to many, doing your tax has the same attraction as public speaking. A few do it well but most are scared witless.
So it is no surprise that to a young student or someone facing their first year of negotiating their tax return, the whole experience may seem a little overwhelming and possibly setting them up for a lifetime of tax anxiety (just like the rest of us). But there is help for those who earned around $60,000 or less (some eligibility criteria apply). Many part time working students and young members of the workforce fall neatly into this category.
The ATO has for many years had in place a Tax Help program so that low-income earners can get help doing their Tax for free. All across Australia the ATO in conjunction with a range of community centres, social support groups and organisations, have registered and accredited volunteers to help. These volunteers are usually based in community centres or local hubs and are available in Adelaide and a range of regional centres.
Tax help is available from July to October. Phone 132861 to find your closest point of tax assistance.
With our State and Federal governments unveiling a bit of a spending spree last week it is unlikely we will see the cost of living moving down for the average family. In SA transport, motor vehicle registration, driver license renewals and speeding fines are up and water services another utility that will increase to create a tighter grip on our belts and make our blood pressure rise.
If you’re already struggling to make ends meet even before your received your last power bill then it is time to reconsider your finances more widely. Being in debt creates stress and is not helpful to your health and well-being. Staying healthy is one strategy in dealing with the things that life throws at us but quickly forgotten when it is a struggle just to put food on the table. It's not just the physical issues of suffering hardship but the mental strain and emotional anguish of our well being that's at stake. It is a lot harder to make decisions when your financial environment keeps you awake at night and is a constant in your thinking. Feeling more in control of your finances and debt can be better than any prescription or sleeping pill.
Winter is here and flu season is starting to take hold. Keeping warm is a big issue when it comes to home heating costs and staying healthy. The recent increases to energy costs is equivalent to us needing to turn off the power one in five days just to be where we were last year, and this is after previous increases that have families paying almost double what they used to pay. It can never be overstated that many don’t even have access to a house or accommodation to stay warm and organisations and charities such as The Salvos are pleading for more help with blankets and items to help the homeless survive this winter.
There are ways to save on energy costs and many South Australian families are well versed in saving power wherever they can. If you have not considered how you can save regarding your utilities then these last increases signal that it’s well and truly time to start looking at strategies that may help. Getting the most of home insulation and preventing energy leaks or using more energy efficient appliances based on your needs can save a lot of money. Some of our financial counsellors are always singing the praise of using individual heating blankets over normal heaters. An outlay of around $34 can save much more in just a few weeks. See the attached pdf for more hints on saving energy and see the costs of various heating units.
There are also many concessions and services available to South Australians that can provide assistance but finding them is not always easy. That’s why the Affordable SA App was created and our team can refer you to those services as follow up to a consultation. “You don’t know what you don’t know” is our mantra and knowing what services are available, if you are eligible and how they can help is a good start in renewing your finances or regaining some control. For example around 30% of eligible people do not access the dental concessions or the opportunities available to them. Dental assistance will be a bit of a focus for us in the coming weeks so please stay in touch.
You can get an initial appointment with a financial counsellor within two weeks, so you can start the new financial year with a better financial outlook and a lot less worry. They can help you take control of your debt as well as consider the options, concessions and assistance that could be available to you. Financial Counselling is free, confidential and independent. The National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit, community based service that is available to people in Australia experiencing financial difficulty. South Australians ringing the National Debt Helpline can access a financial counsellor who knows and lives in South Australia. The number to ring is 1800 007 007.
Many people are feeling the anxiety of receiving their next winter energy bill. Paying for utilities has always been a large factor in costs associated with a household but the huge increases over recent years have made it a horror story for a lot more families across South Australia. There is only so much reduction you can do regarding heating and power consumption to keep your family out of the cold and many more families and individuals are facing greater hardship with the very real prospect of disconnection because they simply do not have the money to pay. Even those with some financial capacity and or budgeting strategies have not been able to plan for the latest shocking hike to kilowatt costs.
You may be able to access EEPS assistance if you are experiencing significant financial difficulties and have had your electricity disconnected or are at risk of disconnection. Payments of up to $400 for low-income households and applicants are available for an emergency electricity payment once every three years. Emergency Electricity Payment Sheme assistance is only accessible through the assistance of financial counsellors, who will assess your financial situation before lodging an application.
Our Financial Counsellors are currently dealing with an increased volume of EEPS assistance requests and preparing for more as the effects of the price rises expects to impact more widely on a greater number of South Australians. Financial Counselling is free, confidential and independent. The National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit, community based service that is available to people in Australia experiencing financial difficulty. South Australians ringing the national helpline will be transferred to a financial counsellor who knows and lives in South Australia, and is as local to the caller as possible. If you require assistance from a financial counsellor please contact the National Debt Help Line 1800 007 007 (Mon to Thurs: 9.30am–8pm and Friday: 9.30am-4.30pm) or go to the Affordable SA App or visit the Affordable Living SA website to see more information and services available in South Australia that can be of assistance. For more information on how to apply for EEPS call the Concessions Hotline or visit the sa.gov.au website or follow the links below.
The aim of this week focusing on Men's issues is to raise the awareness and support the health and wellbeing of the men in your workplace or local community.
The startling fact is that on average five men a day are taking their own lives. Why is it that men are happy to talk about players match fitness but less likely to talk about their own health or mental well-being?
Over recent years there has been an increase in the amount of support services for men. It’s been a recognised struggle in getting men to make the step in using these services but one that is changing as we negotiate a way through the barriers of things unsaid and into the indirect problem solving of men.
This week we take the opportunity to look at some of the services out there to assist men.
The MensLine is a professional telephone and online support and information service for Australian men. Available 24/7 on 1300 789 978. It features videos, online counselling and forums to help assist men in a range of issues.
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds, along with assistance in promoting young peoples’ wellbeing. This year Headspace has been focusing on what goes unsaid between young men and their dads. Especially when it comes to mental health issues. The headspace Fathers campaign aims to open up the conversation between fathers and sons and raise awareness about the support services available.
Beyond Blue - deals with depression and anxiety. It also includes “Dadvice” help for new fathers. Babies change everything, and this site brings home the issues a bloke faces being a new Dad with personal video diaries and humorous videos of comedian dads. Even if your not a dad its a very good laugh and eye opener to the world of fatherhood.
The Men’s Shed - The rise and success of the men’s shed not only passes on real life skills to younger men and women but it’s a way of talking over problems with a few mates while doing something constructive.
If your finances have disappeared down a rabbit hole and you are considering one of the payday lenders, the best advice is to reject them all and move on to better options.
The Checkout Team take a seat at this expensive Mad Hatter's tea party to serve you all the facts and reveal that it's no laughing matter.
Ring the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 and speak to a Financial Counsellor. Download the Affordable SA App and find real alternatives to your debt woes.
OK, it’s officially cold in South Australia. Winter is pushing at every door and window of my house as I try to find a warm place to soak up what sun there is coming through the windows.
In my house I am known as the energy Nazi. My mission is to patrol the house at regular intervals seeking those abusing the imposed energy conservation limits. I am constantly turning off lights and closing doors particularly to colder areas such as the laundry and managing the distribution of heat between all family members on a needs and priority basis. Accompanying my actions is the stern tone of my voice as I explain once again to my teenagers that energy is money. Once again falling on deaf ears it would seem, as the laundry door is open again! At least this vigilance activity gets the blood circulating through my cold extremities before heading back to the fireplace where I can resume watching the equivalent of $20 notes burning and going up the flue.
There are plenty of people in warm offices telling us what we should be doing regarding energy consumption. Most of it actually pretty good advice but some would have us confined to one room or walking around the house dressed like an Arctic explorer complete with snowshoes. If you’re alone then some suggest the electric lap blanket that for $34 can provide cost effective personal comfort rather than heating an entire room. Great if you’re by yourself and don’t have an entire family to keep warm.
Where do we draw the line regarding what we need to provide for basic comfort to keep our family warm or do we submit to existing in an igloo like environment under the constant threat of sickness. My experience tells me that if you have cold children there will be doctors bills and colds throughout the family all winter, with days off work looking after them. What can we do and how much do we need to be paying to achieve a relatively healthy comfort zone?
For some there is no option. It’s a struggle and winter and extreme weather plays an enormous part in their lives. Being homeless is hard enough but being homeless in extreme weather is consuming both mentally and physically. There are fantastic organisations trying to help feed and keep warm the homeless and needy. A few dollars from those of us more fortunate provides some relief and is internally warming.
How much you are willing to pay for comfort and convenience are your choices but there can be unpleasant surprises with energy costs so high. Most of us have been stung with outrageous power bills and that sickening feeling of seeing the final figures on paper is unfortunately a common experience across the state of South Australia. Knowing and understanding the financial consequences of the energy you use is a good first step but making room for this expenditure in your financial situation is the real key.
You can find ways to reduce your wasting of energy by borrowing an energy tool kit from your local library and doing a self guided energy audit on your home. Identify the issues and seal cold areas and leaks from doors. There are schemes that can assist in changing your lighting to more efficient LEDs and switches to turn off unused appliances. Check out the Affordable SA App and website for more ways to save or concessions available for utilities.
If you are in your own home and not renting then installing insulation or more cost effective heating can be expensive but saves you money over time. Solar panels and power banks are the last thing on our mind when struggling to find money to put food on the table. There is however No Interest Loan Schemes for eligible households that can see you obtain such advantages. You need to consider a plan to pay them off but if managed properly will see you come out in front.
If you are struggling with your finances and the icy sting of a power bill is looming then a Financial Counsellor can help turn back on the heating. They are your advocates when dealing with utility providers and can help find your way from debt to a more comfortable zone. They are independent and free. Don’t be fooled by companies looking to manage your money by taking a lot of it away from you. The best way to find a real and Free Financial Counsellor is to ring the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
It’s hard to argue against turning on a heater when your feet feel like icicles, your nose is runny and your starting to sneeze so I’m off to do another energy wastage patrol as I just heard the laundry door open but not close. Brrrr!
It’s no fun being in debt and worse if you feel under siege by overzealous debt collectors. There are guidelines for debt collection agencies to follow and rules to prevent you being harassed.
To understand the boundaries of acceptable contact and behaviour regarding debt collection we rummaged through our Financial Counsellors' cheat sheets to bring you the following brief guide including how you can make a complaint if you feel someone has taken that step beyond. (You can find the full cheat sheet which includes more detail under "Money and Finances" in the programs title on the App or at the website listed below).
There are restrictions on the times you are allowed to be contacted. Unless you request or agree otherwise.
By Phone - No more than 3 times per week or 10 times per month. Weekdays - 7.30am to 9pm and Weekends - 9am to 9pm
Face to face visits - No more than once a month and should only visit your home if there is no other way to contact you. Visiting you at work should be a last option. Weekdays and weekends - 9am to 9pm.
There is no need for a debt collector to visit you in person if repayment arrangements can be worked out over the phone, or by email or letter. However a debt collector may visit you if you have not responded to other attempts to contact you.
No contact should be made on National public holidays.
If a debt collector uses email, social media or similar technology to contact you about a debt you owe, they must be reasonably sure that the account is not shared with another person and that their message cannot be viewed by anyone except you.
You can complain about harassment or misconduct by debt collector to the ACCC- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission or ASIC - Australian Securities and Investment Commission.