Proper claim
A person who wants to make a claim for a pension or to establish qualifying service must lodge a proper claim for that pension or qualifying service determination.
Initial claim or incorrect claim
If a person makes a claim for a service pension, income support supplement, disability compensation payment or dependant’s pension that is not a proper claim it can be regarded as an Initial (or informal) claim.
VEA?
Last amended: 05 October 2007
VEA?
A claim for a qualifying service determination may be made by:
This chapter outlines the requirements of a proof of identity (POI) check
Proof of Identity
Last updated: 25 November 2008
The Commission does not have to act in a formal manner, nor is it bound by rules of evidence when making decisions in relation to pensions. Evidence such as hearsay evidence which would not be admissible in a court of law, may be used by a delegate to establish reasonable satisfaction in a case.
This chapter details what is involved in lodging or withdrawing a claim for qualifying service or pension.
There are four types of proof of identity (POI) checks which can be carried out:
Section 35F VEA - qualifying service
Section 36J VEA - age service pension
Section 37J VEA - invalidity service pension
It is preferable that the claimant provides original documents. Certified and true copies of documents are acceptable as proof of identity (POI).
The VEA contains provisions specifying the standard of proof required before a decision on a case involving pension can be made. The standard required is known as reasonable satisfaction.
To be reasonably satisfied, a delegate must consider a fact is more likely than not to be true.
Evidence of a dependent partner's relationship to a deceased veteran or member is required to support a claim for payments or benefits if this has not been established by previous claims.
A widow, widower or de facto spouse claiming pension is required to provide the following documentation:
