Policy

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

Purpose of proof of identity check

The model adopted by DVA is developed in line with the Whole of Government approach adopted by Australian government agencies. A proof of identity (POI) check is made on claimants (including trustees and agents) and their dependants to ensure that payments and benefits are made to the right person and to deter the fraudulent use of identities. Mechanisms such as data matching are also in place which can detect instances of fraud, including claims based on false identity.    

Effect of imprisonment on a claim

The imprisonment of a claimant for pension does not affect the obligation of the [glossary:Commission:545] to determine the claim. The claim should be investigated and a decision made in accordance with normal procedures. This applies equally, if the imprisoned person lodges a claim either: