20.26 Clients over Age Pension age

Section 23(1) provides that weekly incapacity compensation is not payable under Ss19, 20, 21, 21A or 22 to a person who has reached [glossary:Age Pension age:469]. However other forms of compensation (e.g. medical expenses, permanent impairment, household care) still continue to be payable after [glossary:Age Pension age:469].

 

Note that former employees may continue to receive incapacity compensation after [glossary:Age Pension age:469], at a reduced rate calculated under S134.

 

31.11 Allowances Included in NWE

The policy in relation to allowances has been revised in line with the outcome of Comcare v Simmons [2014] FCAFC4 (Simmons). Prior to the date of this decision (13 February 2014), the inclusion of allowances in calculations of NWE was determined in accordance with the policy for calculating Normal Earnings under the MRCA.  The revised policy is based on the Jurisdictional Policy Advice No. 2015/01.

Incapacity Handbook

The policy on incapacity payments under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA) is now contained within the ‘MRCA Info” Library under the “Incapacity Payments Policy” tab. Though contained in the MRCA Info Library the policy information relates to incapacity payments under both the SRCA and MRCA.

Please go to the Incapacity Payments Policy Manual http://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-reference-library/incapacity-policy-manual

10.2 Notes Regarding Requests for Reconsideration

DRCA original determinations made on or after 21 April 2025 must be appealed directly to the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB) within 12 months. Subsequent determinations by the VRB can be appealed to the Administrative Review Tribunal. Claimants cannot request a reconsideration by the Commission for determinations made on or after 21 April 2025, however the Commission continues to have the discretion to initiate a reconsideration of own motion.

10.3 Only Certain Determinations can be Reconsidered

DRCA original determinations made on or after 21 April 2025 must be appealed directly to the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB) within 12 months. Subsequent determinations by the VRB can be appealed to the Administrative Review Tribunal. Claimants cannot request a reconsideration by the Commission for determinations made on or after 21 April 2025, however the Commission continues to have the discretion to initiate a reconsideration of own motion.

Ch 1 Overview

DRCA original determinations made on or after 21 April 2025 must be appealed directly to the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB) within 12 months. Subsequent determinations by the VRB can be appealed to the Administrative Review Tribunal. Claimants cannot request a reconsideration by the Commission for determinations made on or after 21 April 2025, however the Commission continues to have the discretion to initiate a reconsideration of own motion.

Ch 12 Use of Legal Panels

DRCA original determinations made on or after 21 April 2025 must be appealed directly to the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB) within 12 months. Subsequent determinations by the VRB can be appealed to the Administrative Review Tribunal. Claimants cannot request a reconsideration by the Commission for determinations made on or after 21 April 2025, however the Commission continues to have the discretion to initiate a reconsideration of own motion.

10.4 Reconsiderations 'of own motion'

DRCA original determinations made on or after 21 April 2025 must be appealed directly to the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB) within 12 months. Subsequent determinations by the VRB can be appealed to the Administrative Review Tribunal. Claimants cannot request a reconsideration by the Commission for determinations made on or after 21 April 2025, however the Commission continues to have the discretion to initiate a reconsideration of own motion.

10.1 Offices Responsible for Reconsiderations

DRCA original determinations made on or after 21 April 2025 must be appealed directly to the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB) within 12 months. Subsequent determinations by the VRB can be appealed to the Administrative Review Tribunal. Claimants cannot request a reconsideration by the Commission for determinations made on or after 21 April 2025, however the Commission continues to have the discretion to initiate a reconsideration of own motion.