3.2 Pensioner Initiated Reviews (PIRs)

3.2.1 — Often an overpayment will be detected after the pensioner advises of a change in his/her circumstances. For example, if the pensioner advises that he/she has just purchased a property, and there is no corresponding reduction in other assets, the examiner should query the source of the funds used for the purchase. This may lead to detection of an overpayment as a result of previously undeclared assets and/or income.

3.2.2 — Examiners should ensure that the current assessment is correct prior to commencing overpayment action to reduce the possibility of a further overpayment occurring. Simple overpayments occurring after a date of effect change in circumstances are raised automatically when the change is coded in PIPS. These debts are automatically transferred to DMRS. DMRS automatically commences withholding action to recover the debt, unless the client is no longer in payment or if the overpayment is in excess of $5,200. If the client is no longer in payment or the overpayment is in excess of $5,200 the case is referred to the Overpayment Management Unit for manual recovery action to be initiated.

3.2.3 — Where the overpayment is too complex for automatic raising and recovery, e.g. it occurred over a long period of time the case may need to be referred to the State OMU.

3.2.4 — Any client advice of changed circumstances which uncovers or produces a discrepancy between the new situation and the previously held details, should be examined carefully to ensure that any possible overpayment is detected.