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Government Home Equity Access Scheme (HEAS) vs Reverse Mortgage Loans

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Unlock Funds with the Home Equity Access Scheme

Formerly known as Pension Loan Scheme or PLS, The Home Equity Access Scheme, or HEAS, is a government-backed loan scheme that offers older Australians a financial safety net. It is often referred to as ‘the government Reverse Mortgage’.

Whilst it has elements in common with Reverse Mortgage loans such as compounding interest, it is actually a loan of pension entitlements, and as such is not a regulated credit product.

It aims to help those who are receiving Age Pension by offering a loan of further entitlements, in the way of fortnightly additional payments (or small lump sums). This income stream is generated by borrowing against the equity of their home.

Unlike traditional mortgages, the loan’s repayment is often deferred until the home is sold or the borrower passes away.

Benefits of the ‘Government Reverse Mortgage’ (HEAS)?

One of the biggest benefits of HEAS is its security and simplicity. As a government-backed home equity release scheme, it arguably offers greater ease of use and stability to borrowers compared to some private sector options.

Below are other benefits of HEAS:

  • No Tax on equity drawdowns:
    One of the standout perks of the HEAS is that it allows borrowers to increase their cash flow without worrying about taxes. These home equity drawdowns feel like tax-free ‘income’ and are a significant advantage for pensioners who want to boost their finances.
  • Keep Your Home:
    With the HEAS, borrowers continue to own their homes and live in them. This feature offers a sense of security and comfort, particularly critical during the golden years of retirement.
  • Borrowing with Boundaries:
    The HEAS comes with a No Negative Equity Guarantee, which places a cap on the amount you can borrow. This protective measure discourages over-borrowing and safeguards borrowers from potential financial turmoil down the road.

See here: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/home-equity-access-scheme

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Reverse Mortgages vs. Government HEAS: Which Is Right for You?

If you're considering a government-backed loan like the Home Equity Access Scheme (HEAS), it's important to know the key differences between HEAS and a Reverse Mortgage.

Home Equity Access Scheme (HEAS)

  • Approval Time: 2 to 3 months
  • Loan Amount: Capped at $13,350 for singles, $20,850 for couples
  • Flexibility: Limited options for receiving funds (fortnightly payments, small lump sums)
  • Eligibility: Must be of Age Pension age and meet strict government criteria
  • Access to Funds After HEAS: Takes up to 3 months to close the HEAS loan
  • Government Regulation: Not regulated under credit law but offers protections like the No Negative Equity Guarantee.
  • Interest Rate: Lower interest rate

Reverse Mortgage

  • Approval Time: 5 to 7 days
  • Loan Amount: Higher loan amounts available
  • Flexibility: Flexible—lump sum, regular payments, or both
  • Eligibility: For homeowners, typically 60+ years of age
  • Access to Funds After HEAS: Funds available faster once HEAS is closed
  • Government Regulation: Regulated under the National Consumer Credit Protection (NCCP) code
  • Interest Rate: Potentially higher interest rates compared to HEAS
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When a Reverse Mortgage May Be the Better Option

When deciding between a Reverse Mortgage and the government's HEAS, it’s essential to consider which option better aligns with your financial needs and goals. Here are some important factors that may make Reverse Mortgages the more attractive choice:

  • Urgency of Funds:
    If you need access to funds quickly, Reverse Mortgages generally offer faster approval and disbursement times. While the HEAS can take up to 2-3 months for approval, private lenders tend to process Reverse Mortgage applications more swiftly, which is particularly helpful in urgent situations where time is a critical factor
  • Larger Loan Sizes:
    Reverse Mortgages allow for much larger loan amounts compared to the HEAS. The HEAS has strict limits on how much you can borrow, which may not be enough if you have substantial financial needs. On the other hand, Reverse Mortgages provide more flexibility, enabling you to access more of your home equity without the same level of restriction.
  • Cash Reserve Feature:
    One of the standout benefits of Reverse Mortgages is the 'cash reserve' feature, which is not available under the HEAS. This feature acts as a line of credit, allowing you to have equity set aside for future use without being charged interest until you actually withdraw the funds. It provides a higher level of flexibility and peace of mind, knowing that extra funds are available when needed without immediately increasing your loan balance.
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Interested in Reverse mortgage?

Answer a few short questions to find out if you qualify for a reverse mortgage.

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Rated 4.9 stars on

“Sincere thanks to Andrew and Seniors First .. the loan has been life changing.”

Deborah Collett

Diane Vince
06:33 19 Jun 25
I can’t speak highly enough of Seniors First Reverse Mortgage Brokers. From the moment I made contact with them regarding a possible application for a Reverse Mortgage
I felt extremely comfortable working through the process. There was no pressure to continue but I am extremely glad I decided to proceed.
Seniors First were very considerate and concerned that I completely understood the pros and cons of the decision I was making. I felt at ease discussing the very involved process through very friendly and supportive phone conversations and via many emails. I greatly appreciated how I was kept up to date with the applications progress. Contact about any concerns was always welcome.
I unreservedly recommend their thorough unquestionable service. I am amazed at how smooth the process was, especially as it resulted in a very positive outcome.
Thank you for your friendly, unbelievable guidance and support.
Suzzanne Poré
04:13 18 Jun 25
I don’t normally write reviews, it’s never that often that I come across great people, or companies as a whole. I just want to set a scene so to speak, because I know anyone reading this is in the same place I was in. The past few years have had some of the most challenging health issues, then chuck in a hip replacement on top. The last 12 months have been the most expensive. My home is literally crumbling down around me, I won’t list things, it will make your mind boggle.
I had heard about reverse mortgages a number of times over the past couple of years, very different from a standard mortgage. It made me a little nervous, but I did research. I rang a couple of brokers, what’s your email, if you have any questions, ring me back.
Adam Oakley from Seniors First, was the first one to truly speak to me. Answered all my weird questions, gave me so much information, and helped me all the way. Some critical information such as Centrelink, I checked up on. Adam was spot on with what he had told me. Do your own research, government web sites, brokers, and lenders so you can understand what is being explained. Taking on anything financial is a huge step, being guided (handheld, in my case) by Adam is a blessing.
Rob Perriott
01:30 17 Jun 25
We had an excellent experience dealing with Seniors First and their consultant Adam Oakley. The information provided to help us make a final decision was first class. Adam is very knowledgeable open and fast to respond. I highly recommend Seniors First.
Giovanna Burgess
02:32 13 Jun 25
I had a very positive experience with Seniors First when arranging my reverse mortgage.
The kindness and understanding shown by my broker made the entire process smooth and reassuring. He truly listened to my needs and worked hard to achieve the best possible outcome for my situation. I’m genuinely grateful for the support I received and would highly recommend Seniors First for anyone considering their financial options in later life.
Neil Carr
05:08 09 Jun 25
Seniors first reverse mortgage definitely ticks all the boxes as a gold star product.
Richard Chapman explained very clearly from the outset how this works and held our hands throughout the whole process, even when it got a little tricky with an outstanding level of professionalism and patience i might add.
If you are reading this and are contemplating a reverse mortgage look no further call Richard Chapman at seniors first.....first.
Brenda Lindquist
05:47 27 May 25
Don't know what I would have done if it wasn't for Angela. She's really good at what shes does and she spooned fed me all the way to settlement. I have no hesitation in recommending Seniors First & especially Angela, where speaking with her was like speaking with a friend. Great girl & honestly she will be my first point of call should I have another adventure.
Geoff Lam
05:35 23 May 25
I'd like to sincerely thank Adam Oakley from Seniors First who'd help me secure my reverse mortgage with Inviva.Adam was very thorough and professional when guiding me through all the steps. Adam constantly created a lot of confidence and showed a personal interest and patience during his follow-up. I highly recommend Adam from Seniors First if you family or friends are contemplating a reverse mortgage. Thank you again Adam. Geoffrey Lam.
Brenda Kendall
14:11 16 May 25
Thanks very much to Adam Oakley who helped us though the process of choosing which bank would be our best option for our reverse mortgage. I had done quite a bit of research before choosing a broker to help us though this. We even watched a seminar that Adam had participated in. The brokers all know the rules and regulations, banking and government stuff, that is involved to make sure that we knew what the mortgage meant to our finances and what paperwork we had to supply and when. Luckily we have had a couple of businesses over the last 15 years and had a good idea of some of the processes so we were able to complete all the paperwork fairly quickly and send it to Adam. Much to our surprise the whole process only took about 5 weeks from when Adam first replied to my request for information and when we got settlement on our mortgage. Thank you very much to Adam and everyone at Seniors First in the background that might have helped to make this so easy for us.
Elizabeth O'Regan
04:38 15 May 25
Angela Giokaris facilitated our reverse mortgage with Seniors First. She was extremely helpful, having a great knowledge of the products and went the extra mile to ensure we both understood the various options which helped us decide on the most suitable option for our situation. She was always available to answer any queries we had. We have no hesitation in recommending her to other prospective clients.
Vicki Fraser
04:08 05 May 25
Thank you to Angela, her support was invaluable. She helped guide us through the process in a very professional, friendly and efficient manner. Her help was greatly appreciated, we couldn't have done it without her. Nothing was too much trouble.
Margaret Dalos
09:04 30 Apr 25
The experience I had with Seniors First and in particular Dean Hukin was first class.
Dean who I dealt with to attain my Reverse Mortgage was the most friendly courteous and knowledgeable person and he is an absolute credit to Seniors First.
His knowledge and excellent PR skills were wonderful and nothing was too much trouble and he was always available to answer any questions I asked if him.
I would certainly recommend Seniors First and in particular Dean Hukin to anyone considering a Reverse Mortgage.
Charles Dearling
06:57 29 Apr 25
When I started the Reverse Mortgage process it was with some trepidation. In the end I had a superb broker - Adam Oakley. He was extremely helpful, reassuring, and gave excellent advise, as well as putting up with my questions, and putting me at ease. Now its finalized, I'm very happy with the result. Would recommend Adam and Seniors First to anyone. Many thanks Adam for all the hard work.
Christine Walker
23:09 28 Apr 25
Andrew at Seniors First did an amazing job setting up a Reverse Mortgage loan for me and my family. Due to my complicated family structure the setting up process wasn’t easy. Andrew with his considerable expertise and diplomacy overcame all obstacles to obtain a very favourable result.
I am happy that through this loan I’ve been able to lend a helping hand financially to my family.
I recommend with confidence Seniors First for anyone wishing to obtain a Reverse Mortgage loan.
Stephen Hansen
10:13 26 Apr 25
I would like to thank Angela at Seniors First for helping me with my reverse mortgage application. The process was extremely easy because of all the help and advice that Angela passed onto me. I would recommend Seniors First to anyone thinking of getting a reverse mortgage in the future. Regards Stephen Hansen.
Gillian Rogerson
05:24 24 Apr 25
Based on my experience of working with Andrew Cate of Seniors First, I can highly recommend him. He is professional in his approach, knowledgeable and works hard to get the best possible outcome. He is always courteous, and I am very pleased with the outcome achieved with him.

*Note: Seniors First is a licensed, finance broker specialising in Reverse Mortgage and equity release finance. It is not affiliated with Centrelink, or an agent for the Home Equity Access Scheme. The webinar is for informational purposes only to assist in the understanding of how commercially available Reverse Mortgages differ from the Home Equity Scheme, and the circumstances in which they might be a suitable choice.

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