Separation Due to Ill Health or Respite Care

Calculation of rate last payable

If a pensioner who is a member of an illness-separated or respite care couple dies the rate last payable is calculated at the partnered rate of pension rather than the single rate.

Disregard rent assistance

Any rent assistance that may have been payable in relation to the deceased pensioner's accommodation is disregarded in calculation of the rate last payable since rental costs will not be incurred past the date of death.

Reassessment of partner's pension

Where a couple are illness-separated, the partner of the deceased pensioner is reassessed to the partnered rate for the duration of the bereavement period.

This is because the additional costs that a couple may incur as a result of living separately will cease on the death of one member of the couple.

War widow/widower

If a member of an illness separated or respite care couple dies, and he or she was a war widow/widower who was receiving service pension or income support supplement, both members of the couple are assessed at the partnered rate.

In addition, the rules regarding payment of a bereavement payment to a war widow/widower receiving service pension or income support supplement need to be applied.