Disability and aged support services
Sometimes in life, an adult needs assistance with managing their financial affairs. This may be due to an intellectual disability, psychiatric illness, acquired brain injury or an age related illness. Without support, the adult’s needs may not be met or they may be vulnerable to exploitation. For example, the adult may not budget effectively to meet their needs, adequately insure their car or home or apply for their full Government pension benefits. The Public Trustee can assist by acting as administrator or Financial Attorney.
We provide economical and accessible investment, legal and associated services and act as an independent and impartial administrator, attorney and trustee for the people of Queensland.
Whatever a person's disability, the Public Trustee can help. The Public Trustee's friendly and experienced staff, take into consideration the unique circumstances of each client and tailors service to meet their individual needs.
Administrators and attorneys need the skills and experience to make impartial decisions that best promote the adult's quality of life. Considerations include the financial ability and accountability of a proposed administrator or attorney and the potential for conflict between the parties.
As the largest and most experienced administrator in Queensland, the Public Trustee is uniquely placed to meet the diverse needs of persons with a disability.
The Public Trustee is permanent, fully accountable and impartial. We will never go on holidays or get sick and will be there throughout the adult's life if required to provide support.
The Public Trustee believes in serving the best interests of our clients with discretion, compassion and empathy. We are committed to consulting fully with our clients, their families and carers. The Public Trustee protects the interests of others in an impartial yet caring manner.
The Public Trustee as Financial Administrator or attorney
The Public Trustee has extensive experience and expertise in acting as administrator and Financial Attorney. We provide our clients with access to the following services:
Personal Trust Officer
A personal Trust Officer is appointed to assist each client with the management of their financial affairs. The Trust Officer is supported by a team of administrative officers. The Trust Officer or the team can be contacted directly either by telephone, facsimile, email or in person by appointment. The Trust Officer is also supported by a range of professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes for each client. This includes experts in investments, financial planning, property management, taxation and legal matters.
Financial management plan
The Trust Officer will contact the client and their support network to prepare a financial management plan. The financial management plan enables the Public Trustee to tailor services which ensure the client’s lifestyle goals and support needs are taken into consideration. The financial management plan also provides an opportunity for clients and their carers to contribute their views and needs. The client or their nominated contact person is presented with a copy of the completed plan.
Each client is assisted in developing a budget detailing all income and expenses as well as future capital expenditure. The budget supports the client’s lifestyle to ensure their needs are met both now and into the future. The Trust Officer will work with the client to change the budget if the client’s circumstances change.
Some clients also require financial planning advice. Where required, a statement of advice is prepared as part of the financial management plan. The statement of advice takes into account the client’s budget, assets and liabilities, lifestyle and financial goals as well as their immediate and longer term needs. The statement of advice ensures the client’s money is invested to provide sufficient income and capital to promote their financial security and quality of life. The statement of advice is presented to the client or the nominated contact person prior to implementation and is reviewed at least once a year or earlier if required.
Payment of accounts and bills
We can pay some or all of the client’s bills on their behalf. This includes accommodation, living expenses, insurance, medical and pharmaceutical expenses as well as property costs such as rates and insurance. These expenses are included in the client’s budget to ensure that sufficient funds are available for payment.
Income and investments
We help clients to receive their full income entitlements such as Centrelink benefits. Each client’s taxation obligations are reviewed annually. In addition, our office also provides a range of investment products to ensure surplus funds are prudently invested.
Statement of account
We provide annual statements of account showing all the income received by our Public Trustee office, bills we have paid and the client’s assets and liabilities. If the client has Public Trustee investment products, quarterly statements are provided detailing the income earned.
Impartial and permanent
Since we are an organisation, the Public Trustee is permanent and impartial. Unlike an individual, the Public Trustee office will not get sick, go on holidays or die. We will be there to provide services for as long as we are asked to do so. As an impartial Administrator or Attorney we will always act only in the client’s best interests. This means we ensure the client’s money is spent for their benefit.
Disability Support Officer
Our Disability Support Officer provides specialised assistance and advice to Trust Officers on a range of issues. This includes government and non-government services, specialist medical equipment, home and vehicle modification and accommodation support services. The Disability Support Officer can also assist in identifying support services to assist clients. Our disability support officer is available without charge to assist clients in maximising their independence and quality of life.
Fees
The Public Trustee charges fees for acting as Administrator or Financial Attorney. The fees are based on the level of service provided to each client. However our services are provided to all Queenslanders irrespective of whether they can afford the actual cost of the services provided. See our fact sheet on fees and charges for more information.
Further information
Our staff are available to discuss our services in greater detail. You can also call us to answer any questions you may have. Please call toll free on 1300 651 591. You can also obtain further information on our administrator service, our investment products and our services online.
Moneysmart also has a range of resources for older Australians.