Policy

Original documents

It is preferable that the claimant provides original documents. Certified and true copies of documents are acceptable as proof of identity (POI).    

Standard of Proof required for income support decisions under the VEA

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.

Description of reasonable satisfaction

To be reasonably satisfied, a delegate must consider a fact is more likely than not to be true.

Establishing proof of relationship to a deceased veteran or member

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.

Documents required in respect of a widow/widower or de facto spouse

A widow, widower or de facto spouse claiming pension is required to provide the following documentation:

Full proof of identity required

A claimant for an income support payment, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC), Gold Card, a payment under the MRCA or DRCA or a veterans' compensation payment or benefit, is required to satisfy the full proof of identity (POI) requirements when:

• they are not receiving a payment or allowance from DVA or Centrelink*

• a reapplication is made where payment or benefits not previously issued

Summary table

The following table summarises the circumstances when a full, modified or no proof of identity (POI) check is required for claim for an income support payment.

This chapter covers the standard of proof imposed by the VEA, and the onus on claimants and the department to prove matters relevant to the determination of income support claims or applications.

See Also

This section outlines the types of claims that can be made under the VEA and the requirements for these claims.

This section contains the following topics:

Why lodge a claim?

A claim may be lodged for the purpose of:    

Purpose of a Centrelink clearance

Once a claim for pension is determined, it may become necessary to liaise with Centrelink. The purpose of such a liaison is to obtain a clearance from Centrelink, which enables DVA to calculate any:

• arrears payable to the claimant, or
• excess of overpayment, which is recoverable from the claimant.

As part of this process, a monetary adjustment is frequently made between the two departments.    

Last amended: 6 September 2011

Effect of death on a claim