Frank couldn’t believe his luck when he won $60,000 on Lotto. He’s now warning others to be careful what you wish for
A widower who thought he had hit the jackpot when he won the $60,000 Lotto has been dealt a brutal blow when he warned Australians.
Frank Hemmler picked up the phone to tell his family to pack their bags for a vacation as soon as he heard about the surprising windfall.
But his life-changing moment was subsequently taken away visiting his local Centrelink to complete some paperwork regarding his disability pension.
A shocked Mr Hemmler was told that his Lotto prize was considered a form of income as his winnings would be paid out to him every month, making him ineligible for the pension.
“It was definitely a nice feeling when I checked my grades,” Mr. Hemmler said A current issue on Friday.
Frank Hemmler (pictured) was told he was no longer eligible for his pension after winning $60,000 on the Lotto
'I called the family. I said: 'Pack up, we're going on holiday!'
'[It] was a bit of a disappointment. On the one hand you think you're winning, but on the other hand they take it away.'
He currently has to pay the full price for GP appointments and medicines that were previously covered by his pension.
Mr Hemmler urged Aussies to be careful what they wish for and that they too could be in line to lose their government benefits if they are lucky enough to snag a Lotto windfall.
“Retirement isn't really my biggest concern because I'm just trying to prevent other people from falling into the same trap,” he said.
“These people who buy these [lottery] cards, there's no warning anywhere… that you're going to lose your pension.'
“If I had known then what I know now, I would have given the victory to my daughter and kept the pension for myself.”
Mr Hemmler warned Australians they could be queuing to lose their pensions if they win the Lotto (photo of people queuing outside a Centrelink office)
Mr. Hemmler has spent his winnings.
He has reapplied to receive the pension, but has been told he may have to wait up to six months before being reinstated into the program.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Services Australia for comment.
Disabled retirees who win the Lotto and receive their prize money through monthly installments are considered income earners.
This could mean that if the amount they receive from The Lott is higher than the pension amount they receive, their income would be too high to continue receiving the pension.
Australian widower shared his story to warn other retirees hoping to claim a Lotto windfall