Impact of Social Policy on Aged People in Australia

Running head: FOUNDATION IN SOCIAL POLICY
FOUNDATION IN SOCIAL POLICY
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1FOUNDATION IN SOCIAL POLICY
Social policy can be defined as a term that applies to various aspects of the system,
commonly it is in the sphere of governmental and political setting that involves the social
services, the welfare state and related (Alber & Flora, 2017). There has been an ongoing debate
in Australia that concerns the key issues such as welfare, education, health care and child
protection (Mendes, 2017). In this essay, the primary aim is the way social policy debates and
changes to the Australian welfare state have affected aged people in Australia. The essay
discusses the concepts relevant to the essay followed by the impact of the policy on the
population. Lastly, the essay provides potential future issues and the strategies for assistance.
‘Elderly’ and ‘aged’ are the terms used for the people who are aged over 65 years of age.
Over the years, like other developed countries, Australia’s population as well tend to grow due to
developed medicine and technical improvement (Chatterji et al., 2015). It is projected that by
2057 the ageing population will result in more than double. There are several facilities that are
specifically designed for the aged population who are aged beyond 65 years of age (Chastin et
al., 2014). However, it is important to note that often then there are few similar supports which
are provided to the aged people are also offered to the people who are younger to the mentioned
age group. For example, the transport concessions and exclusive entry fees are provided to
people over 60 years and in some cases 55 years. There are a number of various programs
available for the aged involving the three levels of government as well as non-governmental
sectors. These governmental and non-governmental sectors combine to provide provisions for
the programs designed for the betterment of the elderly population of the state.
It is common for the elderly be worried about their financial aspects, however, in
Australia, there are several facilities are provide to the elderly. The Australian government gives
the information that is needed to understand the income support of the elderly Australian

2FOUNDATION IN SOCIAL POLICY
population. The Age Pension is a source of income support that offers a range of concessions for
older Australians who are eligible. The requirements for availing the benefits depends on the age
and resident requirements and depending on the income, assets and other circumstances the age
pension is calculated. When an elderly are eligible for Age Pension, they are capable of receiving
help with household costs as well as living expenses. In case the elderly person is still working
past the age pension age, they are eligible for partial Age payment as well. Transfer to age
pension is also another policy that one can avail if the person is of age pension age and receive
eligible centerline income support payment. There is financial assistance for older Australia as
payment and supplements for the aged. The Pension Loans Scheme helps elderly when their
capital is tied up in assets, and they require more income to live. The Commonwealth Senior
Health Card is for the self-funded retirees that provide assistance with payments and avail
services. Also, the state offers Carer Payments or Carer Allowances for the elderly who are
caring for a family member who is disabled, requires medical condition and someone who is frail
aged. The Rent Assistance is payment provided to elderly to provide extra financial help in case
the elderly person rent privately and receives payment from the Australian government. Along
with that Energy Supplement is an ongoing payment that is provided to help with living and
household costs in case the elderly person receives a pension. The Australian government has
payments that are specifically for health care expenses. The Continence Aids Payment Scheme
helps the eligible elderly who are with severe and permanent incontinence to meet the costs of
the incontinence products. Services such as External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program
help women who have had a mastectomy due to breast cancer. Under this program, women with
such medical issues can claim for the financial benefits from the government. Apart from the