Partner Receiving Pension or Benefit from Centrelink

General rule

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If one member of a couple is paid income support by DVA and the other by Centrelink, the department that is paying pension to the surviving member of the couple is responsible for calculation and payment of the bereavement payment.

Exception

An exception to the general rule applies where a veteran who is paid disability compensation payment and service pension dies, and he or she is survived by a partner who is paid a social security pension or social security benefit. In this situation, the bereavement payment made in respect of service pension or benefit is managed by Centrelink and the Disability Compensation Bereavement Payment is managed by DVA.    

Impact of DFISA on bereavement payments

   DFISA was removed 1 January 2022.  This is for historical reference only. 

If DFISA was payable to the deceased just prior to death, any bereavement payment payable in respect of that person was increased to take account of the DFISA amount that person was receiving.     

Social security payments payable at nil rate

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Prior to 2022, some people were in receipt of a nil rate of social security payment but were receiving DFISA because their adjusted disability pension was considered income under the SSA for income test purposes. A person in this situation was entitled to the usual provisions, obligations and benefits applicable to a recipient of the relevant social security payment, including any bereavement payment provisions (see revoked provisions of subsection 23(1D) in the SSA 1991).