Assessing the Rate Payable

If the family situation is...

Then pension is assessed at the...

not a member of a couple:

• never married
• separated
• divorced
• widowed
• not in a de facto relationship

single rate or not a member of a couple rate

member of a couple:

• married
• in a de facto relationship

partnered rate or member of a couple rate

member of a couple regarded as being not a member of a couple under section 5R(3) VEA:

• partner not a resident
• partner overseas and no means of support

• single rate or not a member of a couple rate for the qualified partner, and
• the ineligible partner is not qualified to receive any payment

illness separated couple where one member or both are:

• indefinitely unable to live together in their home as a result of illness or infirmity and their expenses are likely to be higher as a result

• single rate or not a member of a couple rate each,
• however, the partnered assets test and income test applies
• rent assistance may be paid to one or both members of a couple, if either or both are eligible

respite care couple where one member or both receiving:

• at least 14 consecutive days approved respite care

• single rate or not a member of a couple rate each, and
• rent assistance is not payable

member of a couple where one member or both receiving:

• private respite care

• partnered rate or member of a couple rate each, and
• rent assistance may be payable,
  Note: Manual calculation is required.    
  More →

  Procedure Library - Partner is not receiving a rent increased pension

  5.1.3/Manual Rent Assistance Assessments

  More → (go back)

If a...

Then the non-veteran partner's eligibility...

And the action required is to...

married couple separates

continues

reassess the veteran and the former partner at the not a member of a couple rate each.

Note: eligibility for partner service pension will cease 12 months from separation if the partner is under pension age and Special Domestic Circumstances do not apply.

married couple divorces

for income support is lost

• cancel payments of former partner
• refer the former partner to Centrelink to test their eligibility for a social security pension or social security benefit, and
• veteran should already be receiving not a member of a couple rate, unless de facto with another partner

defacto couple separates

for income support is lost

• cancel payments of former partner
• refer the former partner to Centrelink to test their eligibility for a social security pension or social security benefit, and
• reassess veteran at not a member of a couple rate

veteran who is a member of a couple loses basic eligibility

for income support is lost

• cancel pension assessment, that is payments of veteran and of former partner
• refer the veteran and the former partner to Centrelink to test their eligibility for a social security pension or social security benefit

veteran who is a member of a couple dies

continues

reassess the surviving partner at the not a member of a couple rate, from date of death of veteran, or from the end of the bereavement period , taking into account bereavement payment made and the date that death is notified.