This section contains information on determining the rate of income and income definitions.
The following methods are used in determining the rate of income to be assessed for DVA pension purposes:
If income is earned, derived or received at a regular constant rate, the current rate, whether weekly, monthly or an annual amount, is annualised to reflect the current annual rate of income and is then converted into an assessable fortnightly income figure.
To produce a fortnightly rate of income:
Being a member of a couple [6] affects treatment of income. It is important to verify a pensioner's status as a member of a couple [6] before determining their rate.
More ? [7]
Rates of service pension [6] and income support supplement [6] paid to blind [6] pensioners are not subject to the income or assets test unless the person claims rent assistance. A pension paid to the partner [6] of a blind pensioner, who is not also permanently blind, is subject to the income and assets test.
More ? [8]
Eligible dependant children will affect the rate of pension paid to parents who receive service pension or income support supplement.
More ? [9]
According to Section 5E(2) [15]of the VEA [15]a person is a member of a couple, if they are:
The term “partnered” is also commonly used.
According to Section 5E(2) [15]of the VEA [15]a person is a member of a couple, if they are:
The term “partnered” is also commonly used.
A service pension is an income support payment broadly equivalent to the social security age and disability support pensions. It may be paid once a veteran or partner has reached the nominated age or is incapacitated for work.
ISS is an income support payment that may be paid to eligible war widows and widowers under the VEA and persons receiving wholly dependent partners' compensation under the MRCA, and who satisfy the means tests. It is an indexed rate, increased twice-yearly in March and September in line with changes to the cost of living and/or average wages. Income Support Supplement (ISS) legislation commenced on 20 March 1995. It is a payment created to replace the ceiling rate income support age, carer, wife and disability support pensions, paid to war widows/widowers by Centrelink.
A person may be regarded as permanently blind in both eyes where:
The Commission Guideline CM5829: Determining 'permanently blind', 'no useful sight' and 'blinded in both eyes' [16]may be instructive in making a blinded/blindness determination.
A person's 'partner' is someone who is a member of a couple with that person.
Links
[1] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16376%23comment-form
[2] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16487%23comment-form
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16376#tgt-cspol_part10_ftn10
[4] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/91-income-and-assets-test-principles
[5] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16338%23comment-form
[6] https://clik.dva.gov.au/%23
[7] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16376#tgt-cspol_part10_ftn13
[8] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16376#tgt-cspol_part10_ftn14
[9] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16376#tgt-cspol_part10_ftn15
[10] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/93-relationship-status/932-member-couple
[11] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16376#ref-cspol_part10_ftn13
[12] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16376#ref-cspol_part10_ftn14
[13] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/94-children
[14] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16376#ref-cspol_part10_ftn15
[15] http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2004A03268
[16] http://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm5829-determining-permanently-blind-no-useful-sight-and-blinded-both-eyes#