Policy

This section outlines those circumstances in which [glossary:Commission:545] will exempt a pensioner from receiving pension instalments by the direct credit method. It also specifies certain circumstances where an exemption may be sought by a pensioner but will not be granted.

Last amended: 22 July 2013

Commissioner of Taxation may direct DVA to withhold amounts related to tax liabilities

The Commissioner of Taxation is given the discretion in the Taxation Administration Act 1953 to require DVA to withhold money from instalments of pension to pay an amount owing to the Commissioner of Taxation.

DVA to comply with Commissioner of Taxation's request

Department's responsibility to inform the veteran community

[glossary:DVA:306] has a responsibility to inform the veteran community of its rights and obligations as clearly and concisely as possible. Providing information in plain English using a simple format and issuing as few letters as possible are seen as the fundamental elements in meeting that responsibility.

Delegate must be familiar with material before them

When making any formal decision, the delegate must have read and become familiar with all relevant information. A decision cannot be made if the delegate doubts the validity of the information, or if it is incomplete.

Delegate's responsibility to be informed

It is the responsibility of each delegate of the [glossary:Commission:545] to ensure that they are informed of and apply any recent legislative changes or Federal Court decisions which are binding on the Commission and affect the decisions they make.

What letters are generated by the CCPS

The Compensation Claims Processing System (CCPS) generates:

• decision advices, and
• investigation letters and documents.

What are CCPS decision advices?    

Section 31 VEA

Who is sent payment summaries?

Payment summaries are sent to most pensioners (or their [glossary:trustee:496]) who receive any taxable payment or [glossary:remote area allowance:680] from DVA within each financial year.

This section outlines the policy on appointing and making payments to [glossary:agents:421].

What methods of payment can be used to pay pension instalments

The [glossary:Commission:545] has approved three different methods of paying pensioners' fortnightly pension instalments. The three methods are:

• direct credit    
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  Payment by Direct Credit

This chapter outlines the effect of imprisonment on a person's pension instalment.

What are veterans' compensation standard letters?

The veterans' compensation standard letters are written and maintained by the individual DVA State Offices. These standard letters have been developed to meet processing needs not handled by CCPS. They provide processing staff with documents prepared to assist in processing of less common scenarios or which have specific state requirements.