This section outlines those circumstances in which Commission [2] 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.
According to Section 179 [3]of the VEA [3], the Commission is a body corporate under the name of Repatriation Commission.
Last amended: 6 July 2006
It is the Commission [2]'s current policy to only grant an exemption from a direct credit payment (i.e. allow a cheque payment) where:
Prior to July 1999 an exemption from a direct credit payment was allowable in a variety of circumstances, including where:
Note: Where an exemption based on the above factors was approved prior to July 1999, that exemption may continue. New exemptions should however only be considered against the Commission's current policy position.
The Commission's policy requires that there be a lack of access to a direct credit arrangement, or proven difficulty in using the available banking technology, before allowing an exemption. Exemption from direct credit payment is not allowed where it is claimed only on the basis that a pensioner:
A temporary exemption from direct credit payment can be granted in situations where account details are temporarily unavailable or a pensioner is temporarily unable to operate an account.
Where an exemption from direct credit is granted to a pensioner, that person's pension instalments must instead be paid by either group payment or cheque payment.
According to Section 179 [3]of the VEA [3], the Commission is a body corporate under the name of Repatriation Commission.
Last amended: 6 July 2006
The Commission [2]'s policy, to allow an exemption where payment by direct credit cannot be accessed, is regarded as satisfied where a pensioner lives in an area 30 kilometres or more from facilities offered by financial institutions.
Pensioners living or working within 30 kilometres of services offered by financial institutions may apply for exemption on the basis of isolation where their area is inadequately served by transport networks.
Exemption from direct credit payment may be granted where a pensioner has ready access to financial services but the services offered are inadequate. This could be the case where the only financial services available to the person are through an agency such as a Post Office which may not include electronic linkups with the head office of the financial institution.
Difficulty accessing financial services will be accepted where:
Difficulty accessing financial services would not be accepted where:
Exemption due to an inability to handle new banking technology should only be considered where other banking facilities, such as conventional teller service, are not available.
It is expected that this basis for exemption will arise only infrequently, as changes to banking technology, including the use of ATMs, have become established. It may be accepted however that a person has a difficulty in using new banking technology where the claim is based on:
According to Section 179 [3]of the VEA [3], the Commission is a body corporate under the name of Repatriation Commission.
Last amended: 6 July 2006
The Commission [2] may grant an exemption from direct credit on a temporary basis where account details are temporarily unavailable or a pensioner is temporarily unable to operate an account.
A temporary exemption from direct credit payment may be granted where a pensioner:
Where a temporary exemption has been granted and urgent payment is required, or there is insufficient time available to organise a direct credit payment, a counter cheque may be issued to avoid financial difficulty for the pensioner.
A temporary exemption can be granted without need for the pensioner to apply.
Where a temporary exemption from direct credit payment is granted because a pensioner has not supplied account details, they should advise the department of those details as soon as they are available.
According to Section 179 [3]of the VEA [3], the Commission is a body corporate under the name of Repatriation Commission.
Links
[1] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16970%23comment-form
[2] https://clik.dva.gov.au/%23
[3] http://clik.dva.gov.au/legislation-library
[4] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16936%23comment-form
[5] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16938%23comment-form
[6] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16970#tgt-cspol_part11_ftn149
[7] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-11-administration-payments/115-manner-payment/1153-exemptions-payment-direct-credit
[8] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16970#ref-cspol_part11_ftn149
[9] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16917%23comment-form