The Northern Rivers Times
February 1, 2024!!!
44 SENIORS & HEALTH NEWS
Boosted Work Bonus Unlocks Extra Income for Older Australians Older Australians seeking to work without impacting their pension are greeted with positive news as the new year brings a significant enhancement to pension working rules. Effective January 1, the Work Bonus receives a substantial increase of $4,000, establishing a permanent annual limit of $11,800. This adjustment, resulting from ongoing pension working rule reforms, allows working pensioners to gain an additional $2,000, eliminating barriers for those eager to work in later life. Understanding the mechanics of the enhanced Work Bonus is crucial. Thankfully, there’s no need for a separate application; individuals only need to declare their income, and the myGov/Centrelink portal provides convenient online access
to the Work Bonus balance. Key Points of the Enhanced Work Bonus: • Under existing rules, the first $300 of fortnightly work income
increase is added to the $7,800 annual limit, enhancing flexibility for individuals who work intensely in shorter periods. The extra $4,000 is applied at the start of
pension, potentially enabling them to take on extra shifts. • The Work Bonus operates alongside the pension income free area, enabling eligible
as a school crossing supervisor earning $400 a fortnight. Only $100 is counted under the pension income test, ensuring John receives the maximum Age
is pension income testexempt, with the unused portion accumulating in a Work Bonus income bank. • The $4,000 permanent
the year. • As of January 1, 2024, the permanent increase allows individuals to earn $453 per fortnight without impacting their
pensioners to earn up to $657 per fortnight. Illustrative Examples: Single Pensioners: 1. John: An age pensioner working
Pension rate. 2. Julie: An age pensioner working as an accountant for three fortnights, earning $6,000. With her Work
Bonus income bank higher than her income, none of the $6,000 is assessed under the income test, allowing Julie to retain $6,700 for future earnings. Couples: • Carol and Rob: A couple receiving the Age Pension. Carol’s work income of $700 and Rob’s self-employment income of $220 result in a combined assessed income of $400 a fortnight, leading to a $20 reduction in their combined pensions. In conclusion, the enhanced Work Bonus provides a significant income-boosting opportunity for older Australians while maintaining pension eligibility. For more information, individuals can contact Services Australia through Centrelink offices, phone (13 23 00), or online at Services Australia.
Innovative MRI Technique Revolutionizes Severe Depression Treatment A groundbreaking clinical trial reveals a significant advancement in treating severe depression by utilizing MRI and precise magnetic stimulation. The study, detailed in Nature Medicine, demonstrates that employing MRI neuronavigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can provide enduring relief for severe depression symptoms, enhancing patients’ quality of life for at least six months. Published results indicate substantial improvements in depression severity, anxiety, and cognitive function over 26 weeks, showcasing the effectiveness of MRIguided TMS. Led by experts at the University of Nottingham, the BRIGhTMIND trial spanned five centers in England. Notably, the prolonged benefits observed in this trial surpass previous reports
of improvements lasting only 1-3 months. Key Trial Outcomes and Techniques: • TMS involves delivering powerful magnetic pulses to the left side of the head, in front of the temporal area, during 20 sessions over four to six weeks. • By targeting the
specific brain area with MRI-guided precision, this technique ensures longer-lasting benefits. • Two-thirds of participants responded positively to TMS, with a third experiencing a 50% symptom improvement and a fifth achieving remission. • Neuronavigation,
using light for precise TMS delivery, ensures consistent stimulation across all sessions, enhancing treatment efficacy. • The trial, with 255 participants, explores outcomes at six months, indicating potential for fewer annual treatments for sustained well-being.
Richard Morriss, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Nottingham, emphasizes the significance of personalizing stimulation sites using MRI and maintaining consistency through neuronavigation. The method not only reduces variability but also minimises
side effects, allowing immediate return to daily activities. Participants’ substantial improvement in quality of life, concentration, memory, and anxiety positions MRI-guided TMS as a promising treatment for depression resistant to conventional methods. The trial’s success has led NHS Mental Health Trusts, including Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, to integrate TMS services for treatment-resistant depression routinely. Professor Danny McAuley, Scientific Director for NIHR Programmes, commends the study’s impact on healthcare services, highlighting the three UK mental health trusts now offering TMS based on robust evidence. This groundbreaking technique demonstrates significant benefits for patients with severe, unresponsive depression.
