Place holder node for 2009
DATE OF ISSUE: 15 December 2009
Copying of Certified Copies of Documents for Placement on File
Amends DI No. |
N/A |
Replaces DI No. |
N/A |
Purpose |
To provide policy guidance about copying and certification of certified copies of documents for internal use and placement on file. |
Background |
If original documents are unavailable, true and certified copies of originals can be accepted to support a claim. The certified copy must be signed by a person before whom a statutory declaration can be made. The authorised person must write CERTIFIED TRUE COPY on the copy, sign and date it and insert their name, address, business hours telephone number and profession or occupation group as qualification to sign, on the document. JPs must also list their registration number and state/territory of registration. This is line with a whole of government approach adopted by Australian government agencies. The accepted qualifications for the certification of these documents are based in legislation. In some instances, where claimants have paid for copies to be certified (for example, where solicitors have certified copies for a fee), they may be reticent to lodge the certified copy and request that it be copied for placement on file. |
Agreed policy |
It is acceptable for a certified copy of a document to be photocopied. The process of certification by an authorised person means that the original has been sighted and there is satisfaction that the copy is a true copy of an original. A certified copy therefore has an equivalent status to an original and can be copied. Copies of certified copies of documents can only be used for internal purposes, that is for placement on file to support a claim. A claimant may not remove the copy and use it for any other purpose. A delegate should write on the copy CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF A CERTIFIED COPY. This provides reassurance that the certified copy was sighted and that the copy is a true copy. The copy should also be signed and dated. As a copy of a certified copy can be regarded in the same way as a copy of an original, it is not necessary for the original to be re-presented to support a claim. Claimants should be encouraged to have documents certified by authorised government officials or other officers such as JPs, who will certify copies free of charge. This prevents claimants from bearing any cost in meeting the department's requirements. |
Contact |
The contact officer is Sharon Ride, Benefits, Payments and Rehabilitation Policy on x11178. |
Adam Luckhurst
National Manager
Rehabilitation, Compensation and Income Support Policy Group
11 December 2009
DATE OF ISSUE: 1 December 2009
Bulk Issue of 2010 NSW Transport Concession Card (TC1) and VIC Free Travel Voucher
Replaced by DI No. |
C — 23/20 — 10 [4] |
Amends DI No. |
N/A |
Replaces DI No. |
C29/200 — 8 [5] |
Purpose |
This Departmental Instruction provides information on:
|
Background |
|
NSW Transport Concession Card |
The TC1 provides state funded travel concessions and is issued by DVA on behalf of the New South Wales Government. New South Wales is now the only state to issue the TC1. The TC1 is issued to war widow/widowers who are not in receipt of service pension, income support supplement or social security age pension paid by DVA or Centrelink and reside in New South Wales. |
VIC Free Travel Voucher |
The Free Travel Voucher is issued to war widow/widowers who are not in receipt of service pension, income support supplement or social security age pension paid by DVA or Centrelink and reside in Victoria. War widows/widowers residing in other states may be eligible for state transport concessions through their DVA Gold Card, CSHC or other transport passes. |
Valid |
Both the NSW TC1 and Victorian War Widow/Widower Free Travel Voucher are valid from 1 January 2010 until 31 December 2010. |
Numbers |
The approximate numbers to be produced from the bulk issue are: NSW TC1 — 8,587 VIC Free Travel Voucher — 6,116 |
Dates |
The following dates apply to the 2010 annual bulk issue: |
Task |
Date |
Production data extract |
28 Nov 2009 |
Printing, enveloping and lodgement |
7 Dec – 11 Dec 2009 |
Final lodgement with Australia Post |
11 Dec 2009 |
Reports |
Reports were provided to the contacts on 30 November 2009. |
Inserts |
A 2010 fridge calendar magnet will be inserted with the bulk issue of the NSW TC1 and the VIC Free Travel Voucher. |
Daily Issues |
The 2010 daily stock supplies have been sent to the contact officers. The 2010 NSW TC1 Cards can be used immediately. The 2009 and 2010 VIC Free Travel Voucher should be issued to those eligible until 31 December 2009. From 1 January 2010 only the 2010 voucher is to be issued. Any remaining 2009 stock should be returned to Sam Powell. |
Location Contacts |
The location contacts for the bulk issue are: NSW TC1 — Sue Cooney VIC free travel voucher — Daniel Luba |
Project Coordinator |
The project coordinator for the bulk issue is: Sam Powell Income Support 17 — th Floor Lovett Tower Canberra ACT 2606 Ext: 16592 Email: sam.powell@dva.gov.au [6] |
John Sadeik
National Manager
Income Support
1 December 2009
DATE OF ISSUE: 26 October 2009
Exchange Rate Variation of Pounds Sterling – Effect on Income Support & Disability Pensioners
Amends DI No. |
C — 17/2009 [8] |
Replaces DI No. |
Amended by DI No |
C — 04/20 — 10 [11] |
Purpose of Instruction |
The purpose of this Departmental Instruction is to provide information about the Pounds Sterling exchange rate variation exercise. |
Introduction |
Following the recent variation in UK - Australian exchange rates, DVA will apply a new exchange rate for the assessment of the rate of income support & disability pensions for those in receipt of all income paid in Pounds Sterling:
|
New Exchange Rate |
The exchange rate used to convert Pounds Sterling to Australian Dollars for income support assessment purposes has changed from one Pound Sterling = A$1.8044 to one Pound Sterling equals A$1.7304 (i.e. $A1 = ?0.5779). This rate reflects the average of the “on demand airmail buying rate” for the two weeks to 16 October 2009. |
Date of Effect20 October 2009 |
Effective from 20 October 2009 the current exchange rate will change. On pension payday 5 November 2009 pensioners with relevant British income would usually expect to receive a full instalment at the new assessed rate. |
Automatic Processing |
Processing to implement the new exchange rate is scheduled for the evening of Monday, 19 October 2009. Amounts recorded as foreign super type non-government British other income (07), British Social Security Pension (08) or British Official Public Service/Forces Pension (09) will be varied by applying the exchange rate to the pounds sterling amount recorded, to determine the new rate of pension in Australian dollars. The income support payment will then be reassessed automatically. |
Manual Cases |
Cases with actions in submission or determined status will not be processed automatically and will be frozen. These cases will be listed on the manual listing for follow up action, and CMS/PIPS cases will be created automatically for action. Any cases processed through PIPS should be reassessed with effect from 20 October 2009 for payday 5 November 2009. |
Non-Government British Other Income (07) |
Previously non-government British other income (07) was refreshed every six months in March and September with other foreign currencies (GROOVER). As a result of a review of British pensions approved by the Repatriation Commission all sterling payments, including British other income (07) are adjusted in uniform exchange rate variations. |
British DP Cases |
Income Support pensioners who are in receipt of ISS, age pension (AP) or service pension with rent assistance (SPRA); and, who also receive disability (war) pension direct from Britain should have that disability pension converted to $A using this exchange rate. ISS, AP and SPRA should be recalculated by doing a PIPS assessment. These cases can be extracted through AIS by each location. Note: If DP has already been assessed as income in determining hardship cases it should not also be assessed as income for RA. |
EATS and Composite Cases |
EATS and Composite cases are subject to the daily exchange rate variation of plus or minus 2.5%. These cases can be extracted through AIS by each location and recalculated by doing a PIPS assessment. Attachment A shows the amount per fortnight in Australian dollars to be applied for the varying United Kingdom amounts. For further details refer to Departmental Instruction DI 22/2005 issued by Veterans' Compensation. |
Printing & Lodgement of Letters |
SALMAT will print, envelope and lodge the advice letters with Australia Post on or before 29 October 2009. An advice letter will only be produced for cases where there is a variation in payment. The letters will be two pages and include the new exchange rate, amount of income and new ongoing pension amount. Joint letters will be produced where both members of a couple are in receipt of pension from the British government and their pension varies. Age pensioners will receive separate advices. |
Estimated Number of Advices to be generated |
The approximate number of advices to be produced for each State are: |
NSW |
1464 |
VIC |
1278 |
QLD |
1174 |
SA |
1317 |
WA |
1176 |
TAS |
239 |
TAS OS CLIENTS |
304 |
TOTAL |
6952 |
Tasmanian Overseas Clients |
Tasmanian clients who have an overseas postal address will have the full overseas address printed on their advice letters. The advice letters will be printed, enveloped and sent from the mailing house. |
Streamed Advices |
The following will be streamed for printing by IBM GSA and sent by courier to each location:
|
Contact officer |
The contact officer for this exercise is Tina Maneze: ext 27528. |
John Sadeik
National Manager
Income Support
26 October 2009
ATTACHMENT A
POUND STERLING EXCHANGE RATE FOR PENSIONS FROM UK GOVERNMENT
Foreign exchange period Exchange rate
From |
To |
$ in ? |
? in $ |
20 October 09 |
0.5779 |
1.7304 |
|
6 October 09 |
19 October 09 |
0.5542 |
1.8044 |
19 May 09 |
5 October 09 |
0.5112 |
1.9562 |
7 April 09 |
18 May 09 |
0.4942 |
2.0235 |
10 February 09 |
6 April 09 |
0.4718 |
2.1195 |
13 January 09 |
9 February 09 |
0.4882 |
2.0483 |
18 November 08 |
12 January 09 |
0.4394 |
2.2758 |
21 October 08 |
17 November 08 |
0.4118 |
2.4284 |
23 September 08 |
20 October 08 |
0.4629 |
2.1603 |
26 August 08 |
22 September 08 |
0.4753 |
2.1039 |
20 May 08 |
25 August 08 |
0.4902 |
2.0400 |
26 February 08 |
19 May 08 |
0.4733 |
2.1128 |
15 January 08 |
25 February 08 |
0.4553 |
2.1964 |
9 October 07 |
14 January 08 |
0.4425 |
2.2599 |
28 August 07 |
8 October 07 |
0.4186 |
2.3889 |
3 July 07 |
27 August 07 |
0.4315 |
2.3175 |
27 March 07 |
2 July 07 |
0.4164 |
2.4015 |
10 October 06 |
26 March 07 |
0.4047 |
2.4710 |
11 April 06 |
9 October 06 |
0.4170 |
2.3981 |
30 August 05 |
10 April 06 |
0.4277 |
2.3381 |
2 August 05 |
29 August 05 |
0.4398 |
2.2738 |
21 June 05 |
1 August 05 |
0.4263 |
2.3458 |
1 February 05 |
20 June 05 |
0.4126 |
2.4237 |
4 January 05 |
31 January 05 |
0.4004 |
2.4975 |
23 November 04 |
3 January 05 |
0.4202 |
2.3798 |
12 October 04 |
22 November 04 |
0.4065 |
2.4600 |
20 July 04 |
11 October 04 |
0.3938 |
2.5394 |
6 July 04 |
19 July 04 |
0.3828 |
2.6123 |
25 May 04 |
5 July 04 |
0.3961 |
2.5246 |
2 March 04 |
24 May 04 |
0.4200 |
2.3810 |
25 November 03 |
1 March 04 |
0.4308 |
2.3213 |
DATE OF ISSUE: 13 October 2009
Exchange Rate Variation of Pounds Sterling – Effect on Income Support & Disability Pensioners
Amends DI No. |
C — 0 — 9/2009 [13] |
Replaces DI No. |
Amended by DI No |
Purpose of Instruction |
The purpose of this Departmental Instruction is to provide information about the Pounds Sterling exchange rate variation exercise. |
Introduction |
Following the recent variation in UK - Australian exchange rates, DVA will apply a new exchange rate for the assessment of the rate of income support & disability pensions for those in receipt of all income paid in Pounds Sterling:
|
New Exchange Rate |
The exchange rate used to convert Pounds Sterling to Australian Dollars for income support assessment purposes has changed from one Pound Sterling = A$1.9562 to one Pound Sterling equals A$1.8044 (i.e. $A1 = ?0.5542). This rate reflects the average of the “on demand airmail buying rate” for the two weeks to 2 October 2009. |
Date of Effect6 October 2009 |
Effective from 6 October 2009 the current exchange rate will change. On pension payday 22 October 2009 pensioners with relevant British income would usually expect to receive a full instalment at the new assessed rate. |
Automatic Processing |
Processing to implement the new exchange rate is scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, 6 October 2009. Amounts recorded as foreign super type non-government British other income (07), British Social Security Pension (08) or British Official Public Service/Forces Pension (09) will be varied by applying the exchange rate to the pounds sterling amount recorded, to determine the new rate of pension in Australian dollars. The income support payment will then be reassessed automatically. |
Manual Cases |
Cases with actions in submission or determined status will not be processed automatically and will be frozen. These cases will be listed on the manual listing for follow up action, and CMS/PIPS cases will be created automatically for action. Any cases processed through PIPS should be reassessed with effect from 6 October 2009 for payday 22 October 2009. |
Non-Government British Other Income (07) |
Previously non-government British other income (07) was refreshed every six months in March and September with other foreign currencies (GROOVER). As a result of a review of British pensions approved by the Repatriation Commission all sterling payments, including British other income (07) are adjusted in uniform exchange rate variations. |
British DP Cases |
Income Support pensioners who are in receipt of ISS, age pension (AP) or service pension with rent assistance (SPRA); and, who also receive disability (war) pension direct from Britain should have that disability pension converted to $A using this exchange rate. ISS, AP and SPRA should be recalculated by doing a PIPS assessment. These cases can be extracted through AIS by each location. Note: If DP has already been assessed as income in determining hardship cases it should not also be assessed as income for RA. |
EATS and Composite Cases |
EATS and Composite cases are subject to the daily exchange rate variation of plus or minus 2.5%. These cases can be extracted through AIS by each location and recalculated by doing a PIPS assessment. Attachment A shows the amount per fortnight in Australian dollars to be applied for the varying United Kingdom amounts. For further details refer to Departmental Instruction DI 22/2005 issued by Veterans' Compensation. |
Printing & Lodgement of Letters |
SALMAT will print, envelope and lodge the advice letters with Australia Post on or before 15 October 2009. An advice letter will only be produced for cases where there is a variation in payment. The letters will be two pages and include the new exchange rate, amount of income and new ongoing pension amount. Joint letters will be produced where both members of a couple are in receipt of pension from the British government and their pension varies. Age pensioners will receive separate advices. |
Estimated Number of Advices to be generated |
The approximate number of advices to be produced for each State are: |
NSW |
1381 |
VIC |
1145 |
QLD |
1105 |
SA |
1248 |
WA |
1110 |
TAS |
215 |
TAS OS CLIENTS |
304 |
TOTAL |
6508 |
Tasmanian Overseas Clients |
Tasmanian clients who have an overseas postal address will have the full overseas address printed on their advice letters. The advice letters will be printed, enveloped and sent from the mailing house. |
Streamed Advices |
The following will be streamed for printing by IBM GSA and sent by courier to each location:
|
Contact officer |
The contact officer for this exercise is Sam Powell: ext 16592. |
John Sadiek
National Manager
Income Support
13 October 2009
ATTACHMENT A
POUND STERLING EXCHANGE RATE FOR PENSIONS FROM UK GOVERNMENT
Foreign exchange periodExchange rate
From |
To |
$ in ? |
? in $ |
6 October 09 |
0.5542 |
1.8044 |
|
19 May 09 |
5 October 09 |
0.5112 |
1.9562 |
7 April 09 |
18 May 09 |
0.4942 |
2.0235 |
10 February 09 |
6 April 09 |
0.4718 |
2.1195 |
13 January 09 |
9 February 09 |
0.4882 |
2.0483 |
18 November 08 |
12 January 09 |
0.4394 |
2.2758 |
21 October 08 |
17 November 08 |
0.4118 |
2.4284 |
23 September 08 |
20 October 08 |
0.4629 |
2.1603 |
26 August 08 |
22 September 08 |
0.4753 |
2.1039 |
20 May 08 |
25 August 08 |
0.4902 |
2.0400 |
26 February 08 |
19 May 08 |
0.4733 |
2.1128 |
15 January 08 |
25 February 08 |
0.4553 |
2.1964 |
9 October 07 |
14 January 08 |
0.4425 |
2.2599 |
28 August 07 |
8 October 07 |
0.4186 |
2.3889 |
3 July 07 |
27 August 07 |
0.4315 |
2.3175 |
27 March 07 |
2 July 07 |
0.4164 |
2.4015 |
10 October 06 |
26 March 07 |
0.4047 |
2.4710 |
11 April 06 |
9 October 06 |
0.4170 |
2.3981 |
30 August 05 |
10 April 06 |
0.4277 |
2.3381 |
2 August 05 |
29 August 05 |
0.4398 |
2.2738 |
21 June 05 |
1 August 05 |
0.4263 |
2.3458 |
1 February 05 |
20 June 05 |
0.4126 |
2.4237 |
4 January 05 |
31 January 05 |
0.4004 |
2.4975 |
23 November 04 |
3 January 05 |
0.4202 |
2.3798 |
12 October 04 |
22 November 04 |
0.4065 |
2.4600 |
20 July 04 |
11 October 04 |
0.3938 |
2.5394 |
6 July 04 |
19 July 04 |
0.3828 |
2.6123 |
25 May 04 |
5 July 04 |
0.3961 |
2.5246 |
2 March 04 |
24 May 04 |
0.4200 |
2.3810 |
25 November 03 |
1 March 04 |
0.4308 |
2.3213 |
DATE OF ISSUE: 1 October 2009
Annual Bulk Issue – 2010 Pensioner Concession Card (PCC)
Replaced by DI No. |
C — 18/20 — 10 [16] |
Amends DI No. |
NA |
Replaces DI No. |
C26/2008 [17] |
Purpose |
This Departmental Instruction provides information on the bulk issue of the 2010 Pensioner Concession Card (PCC). It also provides information on issuing daily PCCs and travel vouchers. |
John Sadeik
National Manager
Income Support
1 October 2009
Overview |
The PCC is issued by the Australian Government to all income support recipients to prove eligibility for a range of Commonwealth and State/Territory benefits and concessions. DVA is responsible for issuing the PCC to DVA clients (including Centrelink Age Pensioners being paid by DVA). DVA issues the PCC annually in October to eligible pensioners. The mailing house contracted to the Department is responsible for printing, enveloping and lodging the cards with Australia Post. The PCC is also issued on a daily basis for new grants and reissues. Information relating to daily grants and reissues is referred to later in the document. |
Dates |
The 2010 bulk issue has commenced and is scheduled to be completed by 30 October 2009. The following are the key dates for this exercise: |
Task |
Date |
Production extract |
26-27 September |
Commence using 2010 stock for daily issues |
28 September |
Reports to contact officers |
28 September |
Printing, enveloping and lodgment of cards. |
28 Sept - 30 October |
Final lodgment with Australia Post |
30 October |
Staggered lodgment |
The state/territory card issued is based on the recipient's residential address. As the printing for each state/territory is completed the cards will be lodged with Australia Post for delivery. This approach ensures the currency of the card. |
Order of Lodgement |
The cards will be lodged with Australia Post in the following order. Northern Territory (NT) Tasmania (TAS) South Australia (SA) Western Australia (WA) Queensland (QLD) Victoria (VIC) Australian Capital Territory (ACT) New South Wales (NSW) Regular updates will be provided to a network of location contacts to advise of progress. A list of location contacts can be found on the back page of this instruction. |
Numbers |
The approximate total number of carriers to be produced in the annual bulk run is 213,807 and the total number of cards to be produced is 272,065 (partnered carriers have two cards). The breakdown of carriers to be produced for each state is: |
State |
Partnered |
Single |
Single Special Register |
Single Blind |
Total |
NSW |
17,671 |
51,241 |
28 |
956 |
69896 |
VIC |
11,407 |
35,037 |
190 |
701 |
47335 |
QLD |
14,372 |
32,015 |
192 |
652 |
47231 |
SA |
5,513 |
14,111 |
80 |
223 |
19927 |
WA |
6,304 |
12,717 |
68 |
320 |
19409 |
TAS |
2,101 |
5,326 |
22 |
79 |
7528 |
NT |
138 |
358 |
0 |
4 |
500 |
ACT |
752 |
1,191 |
0 |
38 |
1981 |
Total |
58,258 |
151,996 |
580 |
2,973 |
213,807 |
2010 PCC Stock |
Minor text and date amendments have been made to the 2010 stock. Daily single stock supplies have been sent to the location contacts. Surplus single stock will also be sent to the location contacts at the completion of the bulk issue. |
NSW & ACT Carriers |
Please note that the 2010 NSW & ACT carriers will include an insert advising that CountryLink no longer requires a PCC holder to pay the booking fee for regular economy class travel when using their vouchers, effective from 1 July 2009. Details of this policy change can be found at: http://www.premier.nsw.gov.au/Newsroom/Articles/20... [18] Enquiries from clients regarding the change, or requesting further information, should be directed to CountryLink on 132 232 or to http://www.countrylink.info [19] The above information will be available in Vanqish. |
VIC, SA, WA & TAS Vouchers |
There are no amendments to the VIC, SA, WA and TAS vouchers issued. |
PCC Information Insert |
A PCC Information Insert will be included with VIC, SA, WA and TAS partnered carriers. The insert contains the information that cannot fit on the partnered carriers due to the vouchers. |
Fridge Calendar Magnet Insert |
A fridge calendar magnet will be inserted with all PCCs. Daily stock supplies have been sent to the location contact. Surplus stock from the bulk issue will also be sent to the location contacts on completion of the Transport Concession Card bulk issue. |
Allowance Paydays |
In recent years, quarterly Telephone Allowance and Utilities Allowance paydays were highlighted on the calendar. Under the Government's Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform package, these allowances have been consolidated into the fortnightly income support pension payment. However, please note that from 1 July 2010 income support pensioners may elect to receive their minimum payment amount (equivalent to TA and UA plus a small increase) quarterly. Further information about the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform package can be found on the Intranet, in particular in Vanqish and on DVA's Fact Sheets system. |
Blind Pensioners |
The word 'BLIND' will be printed at the top right hand corner of the card except for ACT, where it will be printed at the bottom right hand corner. The card will also be hole-punched at the bottom right hand corner. |
Group Destination – Public Trustee |
Group destination streamed cards will be packaged together and sent directly to the Public Trustee from the mailing house. |
Cross Reference |
PCCs for cross reference cases will continue to be issued in the payment file number. |
Listing Dependants on PCC |
Rules for listing dependants on the PCC remain unchanged. Member of a couple in receipt of an income support payment will be cross-listed as a dependant on veteran and partner PCC. Spouse/defacto of a veteran (including blind veterans) not eligible or payable but in the assessment, will be listed as a dependant on the veteran PCC. A veteran not in payment (and therefore not eligible for a PCC) will appear as a dependant if partner is on blind service pension. The maximum number of children that will be listed on a PCC is six. If there are more than six dependent children in the assessment, an additional card will be issued listing the veteran and remaining children. |
Reports |
Location contacts will be provided with reports on completion of the bulk extract. Locations should examine the reports and undertake any necessary action. |
Deceased Clients |
The arrangements for dealing with surviving partners of clients who have had a date of death recorded since the live extract will change this year. Previously, the deceased client was removed from the data and the card was not issued in the bulk run. Location contacts were required to issue a PCC manually if there was a surviving partner. This year, clients who have a date of death recorded since the live extract of 26-27 September 2009 will be removed from the live extract. Where there is a surviving partner, the data will be reconfigured and a card will be issued automatically on the single carrier. Manual issue will not be required by location contacts. |
2010 Daily Issues |
The procedures for issuing daily PCCs (grants and reissues) remain unchanged. The last batch extract for 2009 daily PCCs was on Thursday night, 24 September 2009 – new and replacement issues for 2009 would need to have been printed by 6.00pm on Friday, 25 September 2009. Locations commenced using 2010 stock from Monday, 28 September 2009. |
2009 Voucher Issues (if applicable) |
Any new grants or transfer-ins between 28 September and 31 December 2009 will need to be manually issued with 2009 travel vouchers, if applicable. |
2010 Voucher Issues (if applicable) |
All cardholders are entitled to only one issue of vouchers for their residential state each calendar year except where a cardholder transfers to another state. New grants of income support pension must not be provided with concession vouchers if they have received a PCC with vouchers in the same calendar year. Voucher personalisation should be suppressed for all replacement or re-issued cards for clients. The card will be personalised and issued on the carrier, however, the vouchers will remain attached to the carrier but will be voided with XXXX's. This includes clients who:
|
Voucher Replacement |
For most states, DVA does not have the facility to issue replacement vouchers. The following state rail authorities have given consent to DVA, and the arrangements are listed below. |
State |
Arrangement |
VIC |
The Victorian Rail Authority gives DVA authority to issue replacement vouchers on their behalf for an indefinite period. |
SA |
SA Rail gives DVA authority to issue replacement vouchers on their behalf indefinitely. |
WA |
TRANSWA gives DVA authority to issue replacement vouchers on their behalf for a period up until the 31 — st January 2010. After this date people can phone TRANSWA to apply for replacement vouchers. TRANSWA may charge for replacement vouchers. |
2009 Stock |
2009 stock is to be returned to Sam Powell but should not be dispatched before Friday, 9 October 2009. Sam Powell Income Support 17th Floor Lovett Tower Canberra ACT 2006 |
Location Contacts |
The location contacts are as follows: |
Location |
Contact |
NSW/ACT |
Sue Cooney/ Michele Dorsen |
QLD |
Mark Roughead |
VIC |
Daniel Luba |
SA/NT |
Kim Jones |
WA |
Michelle Pauly |
TAS |
Bryon Kelly |
Please advise Sam Powell, the project co-ordinator, if there are any changes to the contact officers listed above. |
|
Project Coordinator |
The project co-ordinator for the bulk issue of the 2010 PCC is: Sam Powell Change Management, Systems, Cards & Advices Income Support Phone: 02 6289 6592 Email: sam.powell@dva.gov.au [6] |
DATE OF ISSUE: 29 September 2009
Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform
Amends DI No. |
NA |
Replaces DI No. |
NA |
Purpose |
The purpose of this Departmental Instruction is to outline the changes to the pension system under the Government's Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform package |
Background |
The Prime Minister announced in the 2008 Budget a review into retirement incomes including the age pension as part of the inquiry into Australia's Future Tax System. A significant part of the inquiry was to look at the adequacy of existing support for seniors and carers and to suggest measures which could strengthen their financial security in the long term. The Budget of 200 — 9-20 — 10 saw a commitment by the Australian Government to addresses these issues with the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform and the introduction of a “new pension system”. |
Who will be affected |
The key changes in the Pension Reform package include:
These topics are described in this DI. As a result of the pension restructure, there are some consequential technical changes which are also outlined. |
Legislation |
The legislative amendments relating to the Pension Reform are contained in the Veterans' Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Pension Reform) Act 2009 No. 81 (the Act) which received Royal Assent on 10 September 2009. |
Implementation |
The individual changes introduced by the new pension system commenced on 20 September 2009 unless an alternative date is indicated. |
Mailout |
All Australian residents who receive a pension or supplement from DVA were sent an advice letter shortly before the 24 September payday explaining the Pension Reform changes. Letters were not sent to veterans and widows resident overseas. |
Fact sheets |
The two fact sheets below have been prepared to summarise the changes arising from the Pension Reform.
In addition, existing fact sheets have been reviewed to include information about the new entitlements and pension assessment rules. New fact sheets for the individual topics are highlighted under the topics discussed in this DI. |
Policy updates – CLIK |
Policy references in the CLIK Library have been reviewed and updated to clarify how they relate to the new entitlements and pension assessment rules. The key policy references for the individual topics are mentioned in the relevant sections. Note: some of the links in the updates may not be accessible until the VEA compilation incorporating the Pension Reform amendments becomes available in CLIK. |
Forms |
DVA forms are being reviewed and updated as a result of the changes. There are no new claim forms relating to the Pension Reform.
|
More Information for clients |
There are a number of resources available for clients seeking information about the Pension Reform:
|
Contact |
The contact officers for this initiative are: Elaine Tse, Income Support Policy Implementation x16011 Mark Tonkin, Military Compensation x — 50391 |
Ric Moore
A/g National Manager
Rehabilitation, Compensation and Income Support Policy
29 September 2009
Summary of pension Increases |
Under the Pension Reform, from 20 Sep 2009, the rate of single Service Pension and War Widow/er Pension have been boosted in addition to the scheduled indexation increase. There is no rise for partnered rate Service Pensioners but there is an increase in their supplement. The Income Support Supplement (ISS) ceiling rate has also been lifted. |
September rates “real” increase before indexation |
The figures below represent the maximum increase to payments (before indexation) to these pensioner groups: per fortnight Single Service pensioner $65.00 Partnered Service pensioner $20.30 combined War Widow pensioner $60.00 Income Support Supplement (ISS) $5.00 |
Pension Increases for all |
Only those pensioners on the maximum rate of service pension will receive the full rise. The $65.00 increase for singles will decline proportionally as income rises from above the income free area. Transitional provisions will ensure that no service pensioners will benefit by less than $20.20 per fortnight for singles, or $20.30 per fortnight for couples combined. All war widows/widowers will benefit from the $60 increase and those with ISS will benefit from a $65.00 real increase in pension. The ISS ceiling rate will now incorporate Telephone Allowance (TA) and Utilities Allowance (UA). There is a small real increase to the ISS ceiling of $5.00 per fortnight. |
Assets tested pensioners |
Assets-tested pensioners and who remain assets-tested will benefit from the whole fortnightly rise of $65 for singles and $20.30 (combined) for couples despite being on a reduced rate of pension. |
Improved Indexation |
A new Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI) has been developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The PBLCI is a measure of the effect of changes in prices on the out-of-pocket living expenses experienced by age pensioner households and other households whose principal source of income is a government pension or benefit. Service pension will now be indexed by the higher of the CPI or PBLCI and then the combined partnered rate will be benchmarked to 41.76% of MTAWE. Single rate pension will be maintained at 66.33% of the combined partnered rate. This will result in 27.7% of MTAWE for a single person up from the long standing 25%. Note: transitional rates will be indexed by CPI only |
References |
Factsheets IS159 Indexation of Income Support Pensions and Allowances CLIK Policy Library Part 9 Chapter 7 Statutory Increases |
Pension Supplement |
A new fortnightly Pension Supplement will be paid to service pensioners from 20 September 2009. Pension Supplement will incorporate the value of the payments previously identified as the GST supplement, Pharmaceutical allowance (PA), Utilities allowance (UA), Telephone allowance (TA) at the internet rate, plus a top-up amount. The rate of Pension Supplement is not linked to the pensioner's telephone or internet subscriber status but some components may not be payable if the pensioner is overseas. (see Portability below) ISS will not attract a pension supplement. This is because PA and the GST supplement will be incorporated into War Widows pension and UA and TA will be rolled into the ISS ceiling rate. War Widows who do not receive ISS may be eligible for Seniors Supplement or Veterans Supplement. |
Pension supplement components |
Pension supplement has three components: Component
Besides tax status, these components have different characteristics which are outlined below. In VIEW, the “remaining portion of the pension supplement that exceeds the basic amount” is shown as the payability Pension Supplement Non Tx. |
Portability |
Only the basic rate of pension supplement can be paid to pensioners who live permanently outside of Australia. Pension supplement is payable for up to 13 weeks for pensioners travelling outside of Australia temporarily. |
Flexible component |
From 1 July 2010, pensioners will be able to choose to be paid the Flexible Component of their Pension Supplement either quarterly or fortnightly. Where a person elects to receive the flexible component quarterly, their first instalment will be adjusted for any fortnightly amounts they have already received in that quarter. |
Minimum amount |
All service/ age pensioners and ISS recipients will receive a minimum payment amount. Reduced rate recipients will receive at least the minimum amount unless their payment is reduced to nil. The minimum amount is equal to the rate of Seniors Supplement. The rates as at 20 September are: per fortnight Not a member of a couple $30.20 Partnered (each) $22.80 |
Order of Reduction |
The order of reduction has changed as a result of restructuring the allowances. The principle of reducing non-taxable components last is unchanged. For service pensioners the order is:
For ISS recipients the order is:
For details about the order of reduction for a particular payment see Part 9\Chapter 1\Section 5 of the CLIK Compensation & Support Policy library. |
Transitional rate and pension supplement |
Those assessed under the transitional arrangements will effectively have their payment calculated under the pre 20 September pension system. The transitional calculation does not include the new Pension Supplement. However, the legislation does provide for the transitional rate of pension to be identified as Pension Supplement components so that the pension can be apportioned into taxable/tax-exempt parts and the minimum amount rules can be applied. |
References |
Factsheets IS16 Pension Supplement CLIK Policy Library Part 5 Chapter 12 Pension Supplement Part 11 Chapter 6 Taxation |
Seniors Supplement |
The September 2009 instalment of Seniors Concession Allowance to Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) holders and Gold card holders (over veteran pension age and not in receipt of Utilities Allowance) was the final quarterly payment of that allowance. From December 2009 these card holders will instead be paid the new Seniors Supplement of : $196.30 per quarter for singles; $1 — 48.20 per quarter for couples (each) The Seniors Supplement incorporates TA at the internet rate, regardless of the person's telephone or internet subscriber status. (TA is no longer paid as a separate payment after 20 Sep 2009.) |
VeteransSupplement |
DP only veterans who are currently paid PA and/or TA will now receive them as a Veterans Supplement. Veterans who were eligible for both allowances from DVA will receive the high rate ($12), while veterans who only received one of the allowances will be paid at the low rate ($6). War Widow Pensioners who do not receive ISS or Seniors Supplement will receive low rate Veterans Supplement to replace their TA. (PA will be incorporated into War Widows pension.) Eligibility for the TA replacement is no longer linked the person's telephone or internet subscriber status. Orphans who are gold card holders will receive Veterans Supplement to replace their PA. |
References |
Factsheets IS17 Seniors Supplement IS18 Veterans Supplement CLIK Policy Library Part 5 Chapter 11 Seniors Supplement Part 7 Chapter 1 Veterans Supplement |
Eligibility |
The MRCA Supplement is payable to a person who is:
|
Amount of the Supplement |
The MRCA Supplement is payable at a rate of either $6.00 per fortnight (low rate) or $12.00 per fortnight (high rate), depending on eligibility. A person will be entitled to payment of the Supplement at the low rate if they have a Repatriation Health Card under the MRCA (and are not already receiving an equivalent allowance under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) or the Social Security Act 1991 (SSA)). A person will be entitled to payment of the Supplement at the high rate if they are either:
Note – Payment of the MRCA Supplement as a replacement for TA will occur fortnightly (and at the higher internet rate), not quarterly as was previously the case.
|
Wholly Dependent Partners |
In the case of Wholly Dependent Partners (WDP) of deceased members, the MRCA Supplement will replace TA. PA will cease being paid as a separate allowance. Instead, a $6.00 fortnightly amount (in lieu of PA) will be “rolled” into their ongoing periodic payments or lump sum commutation amount. WDPs who elected to receive a lump sum payment prior to 20 September 2009 will continue to receive the MRCA Supplement (high rate) of $12.00 per fortnight, provided they are not receiving an equivalent allowance under the VEA or the SSA. |
Summary
|
The following table provides a summary of the new payment arrangements for the MRCA Supplement: |
Current allowances (Pre 20/9/09) |
New arrangements (Post 20/09/09) |
White or Gold card holder under the MRCA in receipt of PA only |
MRCA Supplement (low rate) |
SRDP eligible persons or persons with 80+ impairment points in receipt of PA and TA. |
MRCA Supplement (high rate) |
WDPs (who commuted their periodic payments to a lump sum, prior to 20/09/09) in receipt of PA and TA. |
MRCA Supplement (high rate) |
WDPs (who commute their periodic payments to a lump sum after 20/09/09) in receipt of PA and TA. |
MRCA Supplement (low rate) |
WDPs (who elect to receive periodic payments) and in receipt of PA and TA. |
MRCA Supplement (low rate) |
Advices |
All DVA payment recipients will receive an advice letter starting from about 21 September 2009. It will include an explanation of the payment changes relevant to the recipient. For MRCA clients, the term “Veterans Supplement” should be read as “MRCA Supplement”. |
References |
Factsheets MRC40 MRCA Supplement |
Income Test taper up to 50 cents |
The Income test taper will increase from 40? to 50? for every dollar of income over the free area. The additional income free area amounts for children will be abolished. The Assets test taper remains at $1.50/$1,000 over the Assets Value Limits. |
Transitional provisions |
There are transitional provisions to ensure that no pensions will fall because of the income test changes. Those better off on the old income rules will remain on the old rules: with the 40? taper, access to additional income free area for children (if applicable) and no work bonus income concession. The transitional pension rate will be indexed by CPI alone, and not wages benchmarking (ie no MTAWE increase to apply to transitional cases). |
How the transitional provisions work |
A consequence of the transitional provisions is that there will be two sets of maximum rates of pension (MBR). Pensions will be calculated under the “new rules” and the transitional rules, to determine the rate payable:
The individual pension rate can rise and fall within the transitional provisions. Each pensioner will have a “one-way step” to new rates. That is, once the person has left the transitional provisions they cannot return to the old rules, except for respite care assessments. See Factsheet IS86 Transitional Arrangements and CLIK Policy Library Part 9 Chapter 1 Income and Asset Test Principles for more information. |
Work bonus |
As an incentive for older Australians to remain in the workforce, from 20 September 2009, only half of the first $500 wages income per fortnight will be held in the assessment for pensioners over qualifying age. However, pensions calculated under transitional rules will not attract the work bonus. Examples of work bonus concession:
See Factsheet IS99 Work Bonus and CLIK Policy Library Part 10 Chapter 1 Section 4 Income from Employment for more information. |
Pension Bonus Scheme closing |
The Pension Bonus Scheme will be closed to new entrants from 20 September 2009. That is, a person must have reached their special date of eligibility before 20 September to be able to register. Existing accruing members can continue in scheme and claim a bonus when they decide to take up the pension. The calculation formula for the bonus has changed as a result of the new pension structure. The Businessline “Closure of the Pension Bonus Scheme to new registrations” (TRIM 09179803E) has been issued and provides more information on the changes. See also Factsheet IS07 Pension Bonus Scheme and CLIK Policy Library Part 5 Chapter 6 Pension Bonus Scheme for more information. |
Pension Advances |
Currently only one lump sum advance a year of $500 is allowed. From July 2010 multiple advances will be allowed with a new minimum and maximum advance amount. These amounts are proportions of the pension rates so will automatically be indexed. A DI will be issued closer to July next year with further information. |
Age Pension age increase to 67 years |
The Government has decided to progressively increase the Age Pension age to 67 for both men and women. Age pension age will increase by six months every two years. The first increase to 65 years and 6 months will occur on 1 July 201 — 7, reaching 67 on 1 July 20 — 23. The table below shows how age pension age will change: |
Increases in Pension Age for Men and Women
For persons born (both dates inclusive) |
Pension age is |
1 July 1952 to 31 December 1953 |
65 years and 6 months |
1 January 1954 to 30 June 1955 |
66 years |
1 July 1955 to 31 December 1956 |
66 years and 6 months |
On or after 1 January 1957 |
67 years |
Impact on veteran community |
Veteran pension age remains at 60 years for males, or progressively moving to 60 years under age equalisation for females. The age requirement for partner service pension (PSP) to attain qualifying age and the exemptions under specified circumstances are also unchanged. However, section 5QB which specifies pension age for non-veterans will be amended as per the age pension increase. As such, it will potentially affect those born on or after 1 July 1952 where the age criterion is by reference to section 5QB. For example, in the application of means-tests rules relating to superannuation, tax status of the pension, eligibility of separated partners to remain on PSP. See CLIK Policy Library Part 3 Chapter 4 Age for more information. |
Compensation recovery |
For compensation recovery purposes, a Compensation Affected Pension (CAP) includes the new Pension Supplement amounts. CAPs include invalidity and partner service pension (before attaining pension age) and income support supplement (before attaining qualifying age). These payments comprise:
For recovery of periodic compensation payments on a dollar for dollar basis against a CAP, there has been no change to the existing provisions contained in section 59T. |
Preclusion period formula |
For the calculation of the preclusion period in respect of a lump sum compensation payment, the formula contained in section 59Q has been amended to reflect the new Pension Supplement amounts. The revised formula to determine the number of weeks in the lump sum preclusion period is: 52 X Compensation part of lump sum 2 X (MBR + Pension Supplement) + Income Free Area with yearly amounts used in all cases. The three pension terms used in the formula (MBR, Pension Supplement and Income Free Area) are the "not a member of a couple" rate. See CLIK Policy Library Part 9 Chapter 11 Section 3 Lump Sum Compensation Payments for more information. |
Public housing |
The changes to pensions and allowances will affect rental assessment by State and Territory Housing authorities (SHAs). It is expected that public housing tenants will receive the full benefit of the Pension Reform increase. A separate Businessline will be issued with procedural information regarding the provision of pensioners' income details for public housing rent/rebate purposes. |
Aged care |
To ensure there is an equitable pension increase flow-on to residents and aged care providers, there are a number of changes to the calculation of aged care fees and charges. A resident's basic daily fee will be set by the Department of Health and Ageing at one of four categories, which are linked to their date of entry, pensioner status and income:
The formulae for the aged care income-test and the minimum asset amount have also been revised to account for the pension restructure and to balance the effects of the significant one-off increase to the base pension. See Factsheet IS82 Fees & Charges for Aged Care and CLIK Policy Library Part 9 Chapter 2 Section 4 In Care – Assessment Rules for more information. |
DATE OF ISSUE: 10 September 2009
September 2009 Statutory Increase, Incorporating 'Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform' Changes:
Letter Production and Mailout
Amends DI No. |
NA |
Replaces DI No. |
NA |
Purpose of Instruction |
The purpose of this instruction is to provide information about the processing arrangements for the September 2009 Statutory Increase and Global Refresh of Managed Investments (MIs) and/or Shares (SHs) advice letter production and mailout. This Statutory Increase differs significantly from previous exercises in that changes announced in the May 2009 Federal Budget arising from the Harmer Review will be implemented. Harmer Review changes are now referred to as Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform. This instruction includes detailed information on changes to advice letters as a result of the reforms. It also details the associated major mailout to pensioners to explain the reforms. |
John Sadeik
National Manager
Income Support
10 September 2009
Background |
Each quarter the Department varies pensions and allowances in accordance with provisions contained in the VEA (Statutory Increase or “SI”). Each March and September, pension indexation – via movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and/or the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) – are combined with the Global Refresh of MIs and SHs data into one reassessment routine. In March and September, advice letters are generally sent to only those income support pensioners paid at less than the maximum rate of service pension, income support supplement or age pension who have managed investments and/or shares recorded in their pension assessments and who are affected by the Global Refresh of MIs and/or SHs reassessment. This typically affects approximately 30,000 households. However, due to the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform changes which take effect on 20 September 2009, the Department will be writing to all clients in payment of service pension, income support supplement or age pension following the September 2009 processing. Approximately 220,000 letters explaining changes to pensions and allowances will be sent to income support pensioner households. This aspect is detailed from page 4 below. Additionally, letters will be sent to a further 148,000 allowance recipients who are not paid an income support pension by this Department in order to explain changes to allowances. This group includes recipients of disability and war widows pension (only), as well as holders of gold and commonwealth seniors health cards. This aspect is detailed from page 14 below. The advice letters issued will be specially revised versions of the usual 'automatic' advice format. The advices have been developed to provide clients with detailed information on the changes to their payments, including payment amounts. |
Production Processing10 - 14 September 2009 |
The automatic processing for the exercise will be conducted from 4.00 PM Thursday 10 September 2009 and is expected to continue through until Monday evening 14 September 2009. Please note the processing times may run longer than expected due to the extensive changes being implemented. Any pension variations resulting from this exercise will be effective from 20 September 2009 for payday Thursday 24 September 2009. |
Overview of Significant Points |
Significant points from this exercise include: Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform - The reforms involve major changes to the pension system, including pension increases and a simplified payment structure. The changes will be reflected in the advice letters issued to all pensioners and card holders to advise of specific changes to payments; Minister's Message – Each advice will have a copy of the Minister's Message which will be provided as a separate insert into each letter sent. Pension Supplement - The current system of telephone allowance, utilities allowance, pharmaceutical allowance and the GST supplement will be replaced by a single pension supplement payable fortnightly; Work Bonus – income support pensioners eligible for the work bonus will be advised that the first $500 per fortnight of their employment income will be assessed at half its value; The asset value of MI and SH data will be reassessed for all clients who have MIs and/or SHs recorded in their assessment; All income support pensioners with MIs and/or SHs recorded in their assessment will receive an MI and/or SH Information Attachment as part of the advice letter providing a full listing of their MIs and/or SHs regardless of what has been reassessed; The Deputy Commissioner signatory for Tasmania has been changed from Scott Weston to Jan Hyde; Telephone Allowance - There will be a paragraph advising eligible clients of their telephone allowance (TA) payable on 24 September 2009 – clients will be advised that the TA payment on 24 September 2009 is the final payment of quarterly TA; Utilities Allowance - There will be a paragraph advising eligible clients of the utilities allowance (UA) payable on 24 September 2009 – clients will be advised that the UA payment on 24 September 2009 is the final payment of quarterly UA; If a treatment eligibility change occurs as a result of the reassessment an advice letter will be produced; GPO Box 9998 has replaced each state-specific GPO Box in the address block, including the return address for all states; and Allowance Calculator Advices – Changes are being implemented to the Allowance Calculator system to grant, vary and cancel the new seniors supplement and veterans supplement payments, and to issue advice letters accordingly. |
'Secure & Sustainable Pension Reform' Changes |
To ensure income support pensioners are made aware of the changes to pension and allowances, advice letter content will vary to provide client-specific information, including pension payment amounts. Detailed content information is provided below. 'Mock-ups' of selected September 2009 advices are provided at ATTACHMENT A. |
Introduction - Explanation of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reforms |
All clients will receive an introductory paragraph explaining that the changes to their pension and allowances are a result of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform announced by the Government in the May Budget, and that changes take affect from 20 September 2009. An important exception is the clients who reside overseas. It should be noted that only overseas clients whose payment of SP, ISS or AP is reassessed because of MIs and/or SHs revaluation will be sent an advice letter. The advice letters here will not include general information on the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform changes, as above. This is because the changes do not apply to overseas clients, who will continue to receive the GST component of the pension supplement only. The advices will be similar to the usual Global Refresh of MIs and/or SHs processing advice letters issued previously. |
Simplified Income Support Allowances: The Pension Supplement |
From 20 September 2009, the way income support allowances are paid will be simplified via payment of a new fortnightly 'pension supplement' which replaces the following allowances: pharmaceutical allowance and GST supplement paid fortnightly; and utilities and telephone allowance paid quarterly. The pension supplement will show as a fortnightly payability in the payment box for clients who are assessed under the 'new' assessment rules. Please note that if the pension supplement is not listed as a payability in the payment box for a service pensioner then the client is likely to be assessed under the 'transitional', or previous assessment rules [see page 6 below]. The pension supplement component for a transitional client is combined into their service pension or age pension payment. A note advising transitional clients .....'The amount shown under Service (or Age) pension now includes your allowances.' will print under the payment box. Clients who reside overseas will receive a GST 'component' only of the pension supplement. This will appear as a separate payability in the paybox, except in 'transitional' assessments where a note will appear under the paybox. Advice letters to ISS clients will not list a pension supplement as a separate payability in the payment box. This is because the UA and TA 'components' are notionally incorporated into the new ISS ceiling rate, while the GST supplement and PA 'components' are incorporated into the revised war widows pension payment. Seniors concession allowance (SCA) will be replaced also with a new 'seniors supplement' with effect from 20 September 2009. This subject is covered in detail at page 15 below. |
Payment on Payday 24 September – 12 days entitlement under old system |
Pensioners are advised that on payday 24 September 2009 they will receive 12 days entitlement under the old assessment rules and 2 days entitlement under the reformed pension system. Two payboxes are included for 24 September and 8 October 2009. Pharmaceutical allowance will no longer exist from 20 September as it will then become part of the pension supplement payment. Accordingly, clients will receive 12 days payment of pharmaceutical allowance on payday 24 September and 2 days payment of pension supplement. From payday 8 October there will be no further references to pharmaceutical allowance in the payment box. |
Transitional Provisions |
As part of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform changes, the income test taper rate will increase to 50 cents from the current 40 cents for every dollar over the income free area. Similarly, the additional income free area for children will be abolished. The assets test taper remains at $1.50 for each $1000 over the assets value limits. There are transitional provisions to ensure that no pensioner will be worse off because of the increased income test taper rate. Those better off under the previous assessment rules will continue to be assessed using them, with the previous taper rate and additional income free area for children continuing to apply. Work bonus provisions will not apply to 'transitional' clients. There will not be an explanation in the advice letters advising whether pension is assessed under the transitional rules or new rules. As mentioned above, service pensioners assessed under the transitional rules will not have the pension supplement payment showing as a separate payability in the payment box. |
Work Bonus |
Clients assessed under the 'new' assessment rules may be eligible for an employment income work bonus. If applicable, clients will be advised that ...... 'Your income from employment has been reassessed due to the introduction of the work bonus. Under the work bonus the first $500 a fortnight of your employment income will be assessed at half its value.
The total of your fortnightly employment income held in your assessment is $xxx.xx. The amount of assessable fortnightly employment income after apply the Work Bonus is $xxx.xx.' Pensioners assessed under the transitional rules will not have a work bonus assessment. |
Telephone Allowance |
Eligible clients will be advised that on payday 24 September 2009 they will also receive their final payment of quarterly telephone allowance. |
Utilities Allowance |
Eligible clients will be advised that on payday 24 September 2009 they will also receive their final payment of quarterly utilities allowance. |
Reassess-ment of MI and SH Data |
The asset value of MI and SH data will be reassessed as part of this process. Pensioners receiving an income support pension with MI and/or SH data recorded in their assessment will receive a paragraph advising them of the reassessment. |
Managed Investments and/or Shares Information Attachment |
All income support recipients with MIs and/or SHs recorded in their assessment will receive a full listing of all their MIs and/or SHs regardless of which MIs and/or SHs have been reassessed. |
Full Income and Assets Attachment |
Full listings of all income and assets will not be included. |
General Information Sheet |
All advice letters will have a General Information Sheet (GIS) generated as part of this exercise. There will be a separate GIS for clients assessed under the transitional rules and for those assessed under the 'new' rules because different thresholds apply. |
Insert – The Minister's Message |
All advices will have an insert from the Minister of Veterans' Affairs – The Hon Alan Griffin MP – 'Changes to your Veterans' Affairs payments'. Please see a sample at Attachment C. |
Indexation Information |
Clients who are assessed under the new assessment rules will be advised that the method of adjusting pensions has been improved by the creation of a new cost of living index specifically for pensioners. The pension will be increased by the higher of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the new index and compared to average weekly earnings. The new cost of living index specifically for pensioners does not apply to pensions assessed under 'transitional' rules. Transitional pensioners will receive a sentence simply advising them that their pension has been adjusted in line with movements in the cost of living. |
Obligations |
Full and Partial Obligations are to be suppressed for all advice letters produced. Reference will be made to obligations issued to clients in previous letters and in the case of service pension and income support supplement recipients, reference will also be made to obligations provided in the 'You and Your Pension' booklet. The Financial Obligations paragraph, which includes the Prescribed Rates, will be present in the advices for all clients - excluding service pensioners and income support supplement recipients who are reduced to nil. Age pensioners who are reduced to nil, but eligible for payment of DFISA will receive the Financial Obligations paragraph including their prescribed rates. In addition, all single service pension and single age pension clients will be advised of a new obligation to notify the Department if they are in a same-sex defacto relationship. |
Payment Information Attachment |
The Payment Information Attachment will be present in all letters. |
Right of Review |
A right of review paragraph will be present in all letters. |
Procedures for Tasmanian Overseas Clients' Advices |
Advice letters for Tasmanian Office clients with an overseas postal address will have their advices printed and posted from the Mailing House. |
Blind clients will receive an advice |
Blind clients will receive an advice. However, if one member of a couple is assessed as 'blind', single advices will be produced for both members of the couple. |
Pension Reform Enquiry TeamHotline |
The general contact telephone number for DVA clients will remain unchanged and continue to be provided in the letterhead. However, a special hotline telephone number -1300 307 901- is also provided in the closing paragraph in all advice letters. This connects to the Pension Reform Enquiry Team established by the Client Contact Network. Pensioners can also contact the team via email from the DVA Internet contact page http://www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform [23]. |
Treatment Advices to be Checked |
Following the September processing the Enclosure (treatment) advice letters will be printed at the nominated printer at each location. These advices would normally be printed at the IBM Printhub but due to a problem with the printing of quarterly advices at the Printhub we will be printing these directly to your nominated printers. It is suggested that these letters be checked for accuracy, and reconciled against the reports received in each location to ensure they reflect the correct treatment paragraphs. |
Reduction to Nil Advices to be Checked |
Following the September processing any Reduction to Nil advices will be printed at the nominated printer at each location. It is requested that these letters be checked for accuracy, especially where a client is provided with Pension Reform paragraphs advising of new payments, but also advising that pension is reduced to nil. It is recommended that these clients have a manual letter produced instead. A Word template more suitable for these clients will be provided to contact officers. Please note that staff are required to include a commonwealth seniors health card (CSHC) claim form, a CSHC fact sheet and reply envelope with all Reduction to Nil advices. |
Single & Joint Addressed Letters |
All service pensioner and income support supplement recipient couples will receive a joint advice, provided the pensioner addresses are identical, illness separated couples included. The batch address defaults which determine whether 'single' or 'joint' advices are issued have been aligned with the PIPS PC daily advice defaults. This means that, where both members of a couple have an identical postal address recorded, a joint advice will be produced. Important note: Staff are reminded when granting Age Pension (or for those clients in a joint assessment who request separate advices), they need to update the mainframe PRODIMS 'Client Correspondence Client Options' (CO.CO) Screen. This needs to be done prior to the processing run to initiate the client request. The advice default requests set in CO.CO will override the DOCGEN and PIPS advice rules. Age pensioner couples will therefore receive separate letters providing the advice default request has been set in CO.CO. |
Mailout Procedures |
The printing of letters is scheduled for the week following DVA processing from Monday 14 September 2009 to Friday 18 September 2009 at the contracted mailing house, SALMAT, located at Mulgrave in Victoria. Please note that all letters are scheduled to be lodged with Australia Post as a national lodgement by close of business on Friday 18 September 2009. Staff will be notified when the letters are to be lodged and if there are any production or lodgement delays. |
Expected Numbers |
The number of income support letters to be sent nationally is approximately 216,000 based on the recent June 2009 SI mailout statistics. For reference, the number of mailpacks generated for each location following the June 2009 mailout is listed below: |
STATE |
NUMBER OF ADVICE LETTERS |
NSW & ACT |
69,617 |
VIC |
48,656 |
QLD |
49,037 |
SA & NT |
20,782 |
WA |
19,518 |
TAS |
7,678 |
TAS OVERSEAS |
53 |
TOTAL |
215,341 |
Foreign Pension Refresh Program known as GROOVER |
The foreign pension refresh program referred to as 'GROOVER' (Global Refresh Of Overseas Exchange Rates) is a separate processing exercise to the September 2009 Global Refresh processing and is tentatively scheduled to run on the evening of Tuesday 8 September 2009 – prior to the September Global Refresh processing. The effective date of the Foreign Pensions Refresh Run is 20 September 2009 for payday 24 September 2009. Separate Foreign Income advices are produced for clients who have foreign pensions, excluding the British Social Security Pension (type 08), British Official Public Service/Forces pension (type 09) and British Other Income (type 07). Clients whose pension has been varied will receive an advice. Please note that British Other Income (type 07) was previously refreshed as part of GROOVER processing however, following a review of British pensions, the Repatriation Commission approved the adjustment of all sterling payments as part of the uniform exchange rate variation exercises. British other income (type 07) is now reassessed automatically as part of the British Pensions exchange rate variation processing runs, not as part of the GROOVER processing. Please note that the advice letters produced from this processing will be printed at the IBM Printhub and couriered to each location for posting. |
Enclosure (Treatment Changes) & Reductions to Nil Advice Letters |
Enclosure (treatment changes) and Reduction to Nil advice letters will be printed at the nominated printer in each location. Printer Identification as per state locations is as follows: SA – S116P TAS – T003P WA – W014P VIC – V011P NSW – N604P QLD – Q403P These advices should be checked for accuracy, and reconciled against the reports received by each Office. Contact officers will receive via email a zip file advices report containing details of all advices sent, including enclosure advices. These advices will print at the above named printers immediately following the processing and should be available by start of business on Monday 14 September 2009. |
Reduction to Nil Advices to be Checked |
Following the September processing any Reduction to Nil advices will be printed at the nominated printer at each location. It is suggested that these letters be checked for accuracy. In particular, please watch for potentially sensitive cases where a client is provided with pensioner reform paragraphs but is also reduced to nil. A more suitable Word template will be provided to location contact officers for use in this circumstance. Also please note that Reduction to Nil letters should not have the Minister's Insert included in with their letters. Please note that staff are required to include a commonwealth seniors health card (CSHC) claim form, a CSHC fact sheet and an envelope for clients to return the completed form in all Reduction to Nil advices. |
ZIP Files of Advice Schedule Reports |
A Zip File listing details of all clients who receive an advice will be emailed to the Contact Officers during the week following the processing run. The Zip File replaces the Advices Schedule Report, which is too large to print on the printers in each location. |
Reprints of Advices Available using VIEW – Advices Tab |
Reprints of individual advice letters produced from the quarterly processing can be requested via VIEW - Advices Tab reprint facility. Quarterly advice reprints are available and can be requested from day one of the next quarter i.e., March quarterly advices from 01/04/yyyy, June quarterly advices from 01/07/yyyy and September quarterly advices from 01/10/yyyy. |
'HELD' Advices to be Forced |
As part of the Batch processing run, any advices in 'Held' status will be forced to print. Forced held advices will print at each respective location's nominated printer as part of the production processing. Please ensure your designated printer is fully operational during the processing period. These advices will need to be checked to ensure the information in them is correct prior to posting. |
Holding of daily advice letters |
Daily payment advice letters produced after the processing run on the weekend of 12 - 13 September 2009, should be held pending notification that the September 2009 quarterly letters have been dispatched. This will ensure that pensioners receive their advice letters in chronological order. |
Allowance Calculator Advices |
As part of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform, two new supplements are to be introduced for non-income support clients: veterans supplement and seniors supplement. |
Allowance Calculator Advice Mailout |
Following September 2009 SI processing, the Allowance Calculator program will automatically generate advices for clients who have had their PA cancelled following the SI processing. Clients who are eligible for payment of seniors supplement and veterans supplement will receive an advice telling them they are now in payment of these supplements. It is expected that there are approximately 148,000 clients who will receive an Allowance Calculator advice following the processing exercise. Allowance Calculator advices are scheduled to be generated in two batches. On 12 and 13 September 2009 grants of veterans supplement will be processed, with advices scheduled to be lodged with Australia Post on Friday 18 September 2009. On 19 and 20 September 2009 grants of seniors supplement will be processed, with advices scheduled to be lodged with Australia Post by Friday, 25 September 2009. Staff will be notified lodgement is confirmed and if there are any production or lodgement delays. |
The Veterans Supplement |
Non-income support clients (disability pensioners, war widow/ers and white/gold/orange card holders) currently in receipt of PA and/or TA will receive a new payment: 'veterans supplement' (VS). This will be paid fortnightly and have two levels – one to replace PA only (or TA in the case of war widow/ers) and another to replace PA and TA. The VS is paid where a DVA pensioner would otherwise miss out on the equivalent of TA and/or PA in the transition to the new supplements. Please see Attachment B for samples of the Allowance Calculator mock-up advices. After the SI processing exercise, the Allowance Calculator will be triggered on a daily basis by applications changing eligibility criteria to determine and set up payability of veterans supplement as required for new grants and cancellations. This will also produce an advice letter, although further work is required to include arrears and overpayment information. |
The Seniors Supplement |
The seniors supplement will be payable to commonwealth seniors health card (CSHC) and DVA gold card holders, replacing the seniors concession allowance and telephone allowance currently received by these veterans and dependants. After the SI processing exercise, the Allowance Calculator will be triggered on a daily basis by applications changing eligibility criteria to determine and set up payability of seniors supplement as required for new grants and cancellations. This will also produce an advice letter, although further work is required to include arrears and overpayment information. |
Income Support Contact Officers |
A contact person from each state location is required to act as a liaison point for the Systems, Cards and Advices Team. The Income Support contact officers for the September 2009 quarterly processing exercise are: NSW – Peter Rajaratnam VIC – Greg Heitsch QLD – Steve Jensen SA – Scott Sandercock WA – Michelle Pauly TAS – Bryon Kelly |
Printing of Letters |
SALMAT BusinessForce located in Mulgrave, Victoria, will print, fold and insert advice letters for both the September SI processing and Allowance Calculator processing from Tuesday, 15 September 2009 through until Friday, 18 September 2009. |
September 2009 SI - Letter Content |
Details of the proposed content of the letters, including sample letters and sequencing of paragraphs are included in Attachment A. Please note each advice will have a General Information Sheet (GIS). Attachment A – Paragraph sequencing and Advice Letter Examples: The scenario that each advice represents has been marked at the top of each advice. It should be noted that payment rates quoted in the pay boxes are estimations and have been inserted for illustrative purposes only. Example 1A – Advice sample of client assessed under 'new' rules – Joint service pensioner couple - Clients have Managed Investments/Shares and a work bonus; Example 2B – Advice sample of single service pensioner client assessed under the 'old', or transitional, rules – client does not have Managed Investments/Shares; Example 3C – Income support supplement - Advice sample of client assessed under the 'new' rules – Client does not have Managed Investments/Shares; and Example 4D – Advice sample of client assessed under the 'new' rules – Client resident overseas – Client has Managed Investments/Shares. |
Allowance Calculator – Batch Advice – Letter Content |
Details of the proposed content of the Allowance Calculator letters, including sample letters and sequencing of paragraphs are included in Attachment B. Example 1 – Advice sample of veterans supplement – Low rate; Example 2 – Advice sample of veterans supplement – High rate; Example 3 – Advice sample of seniors supplement. |
Variables |
Please note, in the enclosed examples:
|
Contact |
Should you have any questions regarding the advices information please contact Pat Webb on 02 9213 7288 or Anissa Lam on 02 9213 7169. |
ATTACHMENT A
EXAMPLE 1A – Advice sample of client assessed under New Rules – September 2009 Statutory Increase mailout:
GPO Box 9998, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact: Brisbane Office
Telephone: Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
1!!11 IIIll l 111 1I!! (Barcode?) Postal Address:
JOHN SMITH GPO Box 9998
MARY SMITH Brisbane QLD 4001
29 MARGARET STREET
IPSWICH QLD 4010 Telephone:
Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8479
13 September 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mr and Mrs SMITH,
This is to advise you of the changes to your pension and allowances as a result of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform package announced by the Government in the May Budget. These changes begin to take effect from 20 September 2009.
The payment you receive on 24 September will include 12 days entitlement under the old system and 2 days entitlement under the reformed pension system. Your payment on 8 October will be your first full payment under the new system.
The pension reforms will change and simplify the way pensions are calculated and paid, however none of the changes by themselves will result in your rate of payment reducing. An increase in the value of your income or assets could reduce the rate of pension paid to you.
If you want to know more about all the changes to the pension system please refer to the enclosed message from the Minister or recent editions of Vetaffairs newspaper or refer to the internet at www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform [23].
The Pension Supplement
From 20 September 2009, the way income support allowances are paid will be simplified. A new pension supplement will combine all the allowances and will be paid fortnightly.
The pension supplement includes the value of the fortnightly pharmaceutical allowance and GST supplement, and the quarterly instalment of utilities allowance, the telephone allowance (internet rate), plus an additional amount. You will be paid all these components regardless of whether you were entitled to them previously.
As a couple your additional supplement will be $20.30 per fortnight (combined).
The method of adjusting pensions has been improved by the creation of a new cost of living index specifically for pensioners. Your pension will be increased by the higher of the Consumer Price Index or the new index and then compared to average weekly wages.
Work Bonus
Your income from employment has been reassessed due to the introduction of the work bonus. Under the work bonus the first $500 a fortnight of your employment income will be assessed at half its value.
The total of your fortnightly employment income held in your assessment is $XXX.XX. The amount of assessable fortnightly employment income after applying the Work Bonus is $XXX.XX.
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
The asset value of your shares which are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and/or unit based managed investments has been reassessed. The adjusted value of these investments has been used to work out your pension payment and has resulted in an increase to the amount of pension paid to you. The value of other income and assets you may have has not been affected by this reassessment.
Please refer to the 'Shares and Managed Investments Information' Attachment included in this letter. This Attachment details all of your shares and/or managed investments regardless of whether there has been a change to that share or managed investment. It is important that you check that this list is a full and accurate statement of your shares and/or managed investments.
We have not provided you with a complete listing of any other income or assets you may have in your assessment, as they have not been changed in this assessment. However, they continue to be used in assessing the amount of pension you are paid.
Telephone Allowance
The final payment of quarterly telephone allowance will be paid to you on 24 September 2009, together with your pension payment. Your telephone allowance is a separate payment and is not included in your total fortnightly payment information referred to in this letter. The current quarterly telephone allowance rates are:
Singles Rate - $XX.XX (telephone only)
$XX.XX (telephone with home internet)
Couples Rate (each) - $XX.XX (telephone only)
$XX.XX (telephone with home internet)
Utilities Allowance
The final payment of quarterly utilities allowance will be paid to you on 24 September 2009. The utilities allowance is a separate payment and is not included in your total fortnightly payment information referred to in this letter. The current rates of utilities allowance are:
Singles Rate - $XX.XX
Couples Rate (each) - $XX.XX
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas or receive remote area allowance) if your combined gross income from all sources is more than $XXXX.XX per fortnight or the value of your combined assets, apart from your home, is more than $XXXXXX.XX.
We have explained your obligations to you in previous letters and the booklet 'You and Your Pension'. These obligations still apply.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
If you do not agree with this variation to your pension, you may apply to have it reviewed by a Review Officer at this office. If you do decide to apply, you must do so within three months of being advised of this decision. Such a request for review must be in writing, and must set out your reasons for seeking this review.
The Department has set up a special hotline should you have any questions about the information contained in this letter. You can call this hotline on 1300 307 901 or email us from our internet contact page www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform [23].
For all other enquiries, please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
As Delegate of the Secretary and Repatriation Commission
PAYMENT INFORMATION ATTACHMENT
The Department calculates pension payments on a daily basis. This means that your fortnightly pension payment is made up of 14 days of entitlement of pension. Therefore, when there is a change to your circumstances on any particular day in the fortnight - your pension will be adjusted from that day. For that reason your pension payment may be different for one or two paydays after a reassessment.
Payment for 24 September 2009VeteranPartner
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT$593.11$449.31
This is made up of:
- Disability Pension — 143.80
- Service Pension — 420.89 — 420.89
- Rent Assistance 21.97 21.97
- Pharmaceutical Allowance 2.85 2.85
- Pension Supplement 3.60 3.60
Payment for 8 October 2009VeteranPartner
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT$667.44$523.64
This is made up of:
- Disability Pension — 143.80
- Service Pension — 459.60 — 459.60
- Rent Assistance 21.97 21.97
- Pension Supplement 42.07 42.07
Please Note: If you have an overpayment or lump sum advance which is currently being recovered (by deductions from your fortnightly pension), the amount paid into your account may be less than the total fortnightly payment shown above.
SHARES AND MANAGED INVESTMENTS INFORMATION
(Information current as at 13 September 2009)
You are receiving service pension at less than the maximum rate payable.
You are currently paid under the income test. The total of your assessed gross fortnightly income is $x,xxx.xx. The total of all your assets (excluding any deductible assets) is $xxx,xxx.xx.
Information about your shares and managed investments is provided below.
The asset values of your shares which are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and/or unit based managed investments have been automatically updated.
The asset values of any unlisted public company shares, overseas shares, options, rights and futures or account based managed investments you hold have not been updated. You must tell us if the asset value of these investments has varied by $1,000 or more.
The information below sets out the values for the shares and/or managed investments in your current assessment.
Listed Securities and Unlisted Public Securities
Description |
No. of Shares |
Asset Amount |
XXXXXX |
X,XXX |
$XX,XXX.XX |
QQQQQQQQQQQQQ |
XXX |
$ X,XXX.XX |
Managed Investments
Description |
Units |
Asset Amount |
VVVVVVVVVV |
XX |
$XX.XX |
CCCCCCCCCCCCC |
XXX |
$XX.XX |
Note: Income from financial assets is deemed.
Important Information: We have not provided you with a complete listing of any other income or assets you may have in your assessment, as they have not been changed in this assessment. However, they continue to be used in assessing the amount of service pension you are paid. If they have changed, please notify the Department immediately.
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas or receive remote area allowance) if the above list of your Shares and/or Managed Investments is incomplete or incorrect; or if the number of shares or units you hold has changed. Please note that failure to advise of incorrect or missing information about your shares or managed investments, or about other income or asset changes, may lead to your pension being overpaid. Such overpayments are recoverable.
This is an example of the General Information Sheet (GIS) for Service Pensioners that will be used in the September 2009 mailout. There is a separate GIS for income support supplement and age pension recipients. Production printing of the GIS is restricted to one sheet – two images. Please note there is separate GIS for Transitional and New assessments.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON SERVICE PENSION RATES AND LIMITS
(Information current as at T-ADVICE-PRINT-DATE )
MAXIMUM RATES OF SERVICE PENSION (including pension supplement)
Singles Rate$XXX.XX (per fortnight)
Couples Rate (each)$XXX.XX (per fortnight)
PENSION INCOME LIMIT (per fortnight)
At which Service Pension reduces — Cut Off*
Singles Rate$XXX.XX $X,XXX.XX
Couples Rate (combined)$XXX.XX $X,XXX.XX
These limits may increase if rent assistance is payable.
PENSION ASSETS LIMIT
At which Service Pension reduces — Cut Off*
Home Owner
Singles Rate$XXX,XXX $XXX,XXX
Couples Rate (combined)$XXX,XXX $XXX,XXX
Non Home Owner
Singles Rate$XXX,XXX $XXX,XXX
Couples Rate (combined)$XXX,XXX $XXX,XXX
These limits may increase if rent assistance is payable.
NOTE: *Income and assets limits do not apply to blinded service pensioners.
GOLD CARD INFORMATION
The Gold Card income and assets limits shown below apply if you receive a disability pension below 50% of the general rate and you also receive an amount of service pension. Should your assessed income or assets exceed these limits you will no longer be eligible for the Gold Card.
The Gold Card income and assets limit shown below do not apply if:
GOLD CARD INCOME AND ASSETS CUT OFF LIMITS
The treatment benefits income and assets limits apply to you if you are an Australian veteran or mariner whose eligibility for the Gold Card is dependent solely on your service pension payment.
INCOME
Singles Limit $XXX.XX (per fortnight)
Couples Limit (combined) $XXX.XX (per fortnight)
ASSETS
HomeownerNon Homeowner
Singles Limit$XXX,XXX$XXX,XXX
Couples Limit (combined)$XXX.XXX$XXX,XXX
ILLNESS SEPARATED COUPLES
Couples separated due to ill health are paid at the single rate of service pension, but have their income and assets assessed as a couple.
RENT ASSISTANCE
You may be eligible for rent assistance if you pay rent to a non-government body or landlord. Rent assistance is not payable if you reside in a government funded (approved) nursing home, or in government funded housing.
The amount of rent assistance you receive depends on the amount of rent you pay and your family circumstances. Rent assistance is paid at the rate of 75 cents in the dollar for every dollar you pay over the set rent limits.
When calculating the amount of rent assistance payable, any disability pension received is counted as income and may reduce the rate of rent assistance payable to you or your partner.
Maximum Amount of Rent Assistance Payable (per fortnight)
Singles Rate$XX.XX
Couples Rate (combined, no children)$XX.XX
Rent Limits (per fortnight)
Singles Limit$XX.XX
Couples Limit (combined, no children) $XXX.XX
GIFTING
A gift is an asset which is given away or disposed of without receiving the market value of that gift in return. A gift may be either a cash amount or non cash assets such as a car or other property.
You must notify us if you give away a total of $10,000 or more in a tax year or $30,000 over a rolling five-year period.
The amount above either limit will continue to be counted as if it were still your asset for a period of 5 years and may therefore continue to affect your pension. We will also deem income on the value of any gift above either limit for 5 years.
EXAMPLE 2 B – Advice sample of client assessed under the 'old' or Transitional Rules – September 2009 Statutory Increase mailout:
GPO Box 9998, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact: Brisbane Office
Telephone: Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
1!!11 IIIll l 111 1I!! (Barcode?) Postal Address:
PETER CLARK GPO Box 9998,
33 JONAS PLACE Brisbane QLD 4001
TOOWOOMBA QLD 4013 Telephone:
Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8479
13 September 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mr CLARK,
This is to advise you of the changes to your pension and allowances as a result of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform package announced by the Government in the May Budget. These changes begin to take effect from 20 September 2009.
The payment you receive on 24 September will include 12 days entitlement under the old system and 2 days entitlement under the reformed pension system. Your payment on 8 October will be your first full payment under the new system.
The pension reforms will change and simplify the way pensions are calculated and paid, however none of the changes by themselves will result in your rate of payment reducing. An increase in the value of your income or assets could reduce the rate of pension paid to you.
If you want to know more about all the changes to the pension system please refer to the enclosed message from the Minister or the recent editions of Vetaffairs newspaper or refer to the internet at www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform [23].
Simplified Allowances
From 20 September 2009, the way allowances are paid will be simplified. Your new pension includes the value of the fortnightly pharmaceutical allowance and GST supplement, and the quarterly instalment of utilities allowance and telephone allowance (internet rate), plus an additional amount. You will be paid all these components regardless of whether you were entitled to them previously.
Your pension has also been adjusted in line with movements in the cost of living.
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
Utilities Allowance
The final payment of quarterly utilities allowance will be paid to you on 24 September 2009. The utilities allowance is a separate payment and is not included in your total fortnightly payment information referred to in this letter. The current rates of utilities allowance are:
Singles Rate - $XX.XX
Couples Rate (each) - $XX.XX
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas or receive remote area allowance) if your combined gross income from all sources is more than $XXXX.XX per fortnight or the value of your combined assets, apart from your home, is more than $XXXXXX.XX.
We have explained your obligations to you in previous letters and the booklet 'You and Your Pension'. These obligations still apply.
In addition, if you are in a same-sex de facto relationship you are required to tell DVA to ensure that you continue to receive the correct payment. If you are overpaid because you have not told us that you are in a same-sex relationship, you may have to pay back some or all of your payment.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
If you do not agree with this variation to your pension, you may apply to have it reviewed by a Review Officer at this office. If you do decide to apply, you must do so within three months of being advised of this decision. Such a request for review must be in writing, and must set out your reasons for seeking this review.
The Department has set up a special hotline should you have any questions about the information contained in this letter. You can call this hotline on 1300 307 901 or email us from our internet contact page www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform [23].
For all other enquiries, please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
As Delegate of the Secretary and Repatriation Commission
PAYMENT INFORMATION ATTACHMENT
The Department calculates pension payments on a daily basis. This means that your fortnightly pension payment is made up of 14 days of entitlement of pension. Therefore, when there is a change to your circumstances on any particular day in the fortnight - your pension will be adjusted from that day. For that reason your pension payment may be different for one or two paydays after a reassessment.
Payment for 24 September 2009Veteran
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT$423.74
This is made up of:
- Service Pension — 420.89
- Pharmaceutical Allowance 2.85
Payment for 8 October 2009Veteran
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT$524.60
This is made up of:
- Service Pension — 524.60
The amount shown under Service Pension now includes your allowances.
Please Note: If you have an overpayment or lump sum advance which is currently being recovered (by deductions from your fortnightly pension), the amount paid into your account may be less than the total fortnightly payment shown above.
EXAMPLE 3C – Income Support Supplement - Advice sample of client assessed under the NEW rules i.e., non-Transitional Rules – September 2009 Statutory Increase mailout:
GPO Box 9998, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact: Brisbane Office
Telephone: Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
1!!11 IIIll l 111 1I!! (Barcode?) Postal Address:
DAPHNE MORRIS GPO Box 9998,
3 CLEVER STREET Brisbane QLD 4001
IPSWICH QLD 4010
Telephone:
Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8479
13 September 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX666666
Dear Mrs MORRIS,
This is to advise you of the changes to your pension and allowances as a result of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform package announced by the Government in the May Budget. These changes begin to take effect from 20 September 2009.
The payment you receive on 24 September will include 12 days entitlement under the old system and 2 days entitlement under the reformed pension system. Your payment on 8 October will be your first full payment under the new system.
The pension reforms will change and simplify the way pensions are calculated and paid, however none of the changes by themselves will result in your rate of payment reducing. An increase in the value of your income or assets could reduce the rate of pension paid to you.
If you want to know more about all the changes to the pension system please refer to the enclosed message from the Minister, or recent editions of Vetaffairs newspaper or refer to the internet at www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform [23].
Changes to War Widow/er's Pension and Income Support Supplement
Your War Widow/er's Pension will increase by $60.00 per fortnight in addition to normal indexation that is applied in September of each year.
The payment of your Pharmaceutical allowance has been simplified. Under the new system it will be included as an extra amount in your War Widow/er's Pension.
The Income Support Supplement ceiling rate has also been increased. This increase is made up of quarterly utilities allowance and telephone allowance (internet rate) which will now be paid fortnightly. This is regardless of whether you were eligible for them previously. There is also an additional increase of $4.98 per fortnight.
The method of adjusting pensions has been improved by the creation of a new cost of living index specifically for pensioners. Your pension will be increased by the higher of the Consumer Price Index or the new index and then compared to average weekly wages.
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
Telephone Allowance
The final payment of quarterly telephone allowance will be paid to you on 24 September 2009, together with your pension payment. Your telephone allowance is a separate payment and is not included in your total fortnightly payment information referred to in this letter. The current quarterly telephone allowance rates are:
Singles Rate - $XX.XX (telephone only)
$XX.XX (telephone with home internet)
Couples Rate (each) - $XX.XX (telephone only)
$XX.XX (telephone with home internet)
Utilities Allowance
The final payment of quarterly utilities allowance will be paid to you on 24 September 2009. The utilities allowance is a separate payment and is not included in your total fortnightly payment information referred to in this letter. The current rates of utilities allowance are:
Singles Rate - $XX.XX
Couples Rate (each) - $XX.XX
We have explained your obligations to you in previous letters and the booklet 'You and Your Pension'. These obligations still apply.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
If you do not agree with this variation to your pension, you may apply to have it reviewed by a Review Officer at this office. If you do decide to apply, you must do so within three months of being advised of this decision. Such a request for review must be in writing, and must set out your reasons for seeking this review.
The Department has set up a special hotline should you have any questions about the information contained in this letter. You can call this hotline on 1300 307 901 or email us from our internet contact page www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform [23].
For all other enquiries, please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
As Delegate of the Secretary and Repatriation Commission
PAYMENT INFORMATION ATTACHMENT
The Department calculates pension payments on a daily basis. This means that your fortnightly pension payment is made up of 14 days of entitlement of pension. Therefore, when there is a change to your circumstances on any particular day in the fortnight - your pension will be adjusted from that day. For that reason your pension payment may be different for one or two paydays after a reassessment.
Payment for 24 September 2009
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT$780.05
This is made up of:
- Widow's Pension and Domestic Allowance 607.00
- Income Support Supplement — 170.20
- Pharmaceutical Allowance 2.85
Payment for 8 October 2009
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT$842.18
This is made up of:
- Widow's Pension and Domestic Allowance 667.00
- Income Support Supplement — 175.18
Please Note: If you have an overpayment or lump sum advance which is currently being recovered (by deductions from your fortnightly pension), the amount paid into your account may be less than the total fortnightly payment shown above.
EXAMPLE 4D –Advice sample of client assessed under the NEW rules i.e., non-Transitional Rules – September 2009 Statutory Increase mailout - Client resident Overseas:
GPO Box 9998, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact: Brisbane Office
Telephone: Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
Postal Address:
JEFFRY JACKSON GPO Box 9998,
MARJORY JACKSON Brisbane QLD 4001
21 OXFORT STREET Telephone:
LONDON S2 W3 UK Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8479
13 September 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mr and Mrs JACKSON,
This is to advise you that your pension has been increased. This change will take effect from 20 September 2009.
The asset value of your shares which are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and/or unit based managed investments has been reassessed. The adjusted value of these investments has been used to work out your pension payment and has resulted in an increase to the amount of pension paid to you. The value of other income and assets you may have has not been affected by this reassessment.
Please refer to the 'Shares and Managed Investments Information' Attachment included in this letter. This Attachment details all of your shares and/or managed investments regardless of whether there has been a change to that share or managed investment. It is important that you check that this list is a full and accurate statement of your shares and/or managed investments.
We have not provided you with a complete listing of any other income or assets you may have in your assessment, as they have not been changed in this assessment. However, they continue to be used in assessing the amount of pension you are paid.
The method of adjusting pensions has been improved by the creation of a new cost of living index specifically for pensioners. Your pension will be increased by the higher of the Consumer Price Index or the new index and then compared to average weekly wages.
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas or receive remote area allowance) if your combined gross income from all sources is more than $XXXX.XX per fortnight or the value of your combined assets, apart from your home, is more than $XXXXXX.XX.
We have explained your obligations to you in previous letters and the booklet 'You and Your Pension'. These obligations still apply.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
If you do not agree with this variation to your pension, you may apply to have it reviewed by a Review Officer at this office. If you do decide to apply, you must do so within three months of being advised of this decision. Such a request for review must be in writing, and must set out your reasons for seeking this review.
The Department has set up a special hotline should you have any questions about the information contained in this letter. You can call this hotline on 1300 307 901 or email us from our internet contact page www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform [23].
For all other enquiries, please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
As Delegate of the Secretary and Repatriation Commission
PAYMENT INFORMATION ATTACHMENT
The Department calculates pension payments on a daily basis. This means that your fortnightly pension payment is made up of 14 days of entitlement of pension. Therefore, when there is a change to your circumstances on any particular day in the fortnight - your pension will be adjusted from that day. For that reason your pension payment may be different for one or two paydays after a reassessment.
Payment for 24 September 2009VeteranPartner
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT$422.49$422.49
This is made up of:
- Service Pension — 420.89 — 420.89
- Pension Supplement 1.60 1.60
Payment for 8 October 2009VeteranPartner
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT$447.17$447.17
This is made up of:
- Service Pension — 441.17 — 441.17
- Pension Supplement 6.00 6.00
Please Note: If you have an overpayment or lump sum advance which is currently being recovered (by deductions from your fortnightly pension), the amount paid into your account may be less than the total fortnightly payment shown above.
SHARES AND MANAGED INVESTMENTS INFORMATION
(Information current as at 13 September 2009)
You are receiving service pension at less than the maximum rate payable.
You are currently paid under the income test. The total of your assessed gross fortnightly income is $x,xxx.xx. The total of all your assets (excluding any deductible assets) is $xxx,xxx.xx.
Information about your shares and managed investments is provided below.
The asset values of your shares which are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and/or unit based managed investments have been automatically updated.
The asset values of any unlisted public company shares, overseas shares, options, rights and futures or account based managed investments you hold have not been updated. You must tell us if the asset value of these investments has varied by $1,000 or more.
The information below sets out the values for the shares and/or managed investments in your current assessment.
Listed Securities and Unlisted Public Securities
Description |
No. of Shares |
Asset Amount |
XXXXXX |
X,XXX |
$XX,XXX.XX |
QQQQQQQQQQQQQ |
XXX |
$ X,XXX.XX |
Managed Investments
Description |
Units |
Asset Amount |
VVVVVVVVVV |
XX |
$XX.XX |
CCCCCCCCCCCCC |
XXX |
$XX.XX |
Note: Income from financial assets is deemed.
Important Information: We have not provided you with a complete listing of any other income or assets you may have in your assessment, as they have not been changed in this assessment. However, they continue to be used in assessing the amount of service pension you are paid. If they have changed, please notify the Department immediately.
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas or receive remote area allowance) if the above list of your Shares and/or Managed Investments is incomplete or incorrect; or if the number of shares or units you hold has changed. Please note that failure to advise of incorrect or missing information about your shares or managed investments, or about other income or asset changes, may lead to your pension being overpaid. Such overpayments are recoverable.
ALLOWANCE CALCULATOR – ADVICE MOCKUPS
EXAMPLE 1 – Veterans Supplement – VS low Rate (TA) – Batch advice following implementation processing. THIS ADVICE IS SPECIFICALLY FOR A WAR WIDOW –NO ISS under pension age. A war widow can't have VS high rate because the PA is added to the WWP
GPO Box 9998, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact: Brisbane Office
Telephone: Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
Postal Address:
GPO Box 9998
MARY SMITH Brisbane QLD 4001
29 MARGARET STREET
IPSWICH QLD 4010 Telephone:
Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8479
13 September 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mrs SMITH,
This is to advise you of the changes to your pension and allowances as a result of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform package announced by the Government in the May Budget. These changes begin to take effect from 20 September 2009.
The payment you receive on 24 September will include 12 days entitlement under the old system and 2 days entitlement under the reformed pension system. Your payment on 8 October will be your first full payment under the new system.
If you want to know about all the changes to the pension system please refer to the enclosed message from the Minister, or recent editions of Vetaffairs newspaper or refer to the internet at www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform [23].
Changes to War Widow/er's Pension
Your War Widow/er's Pension will increase by $60.00 per fortnight in addition to normal indexation that applies in September of each year.
The payment of your Pharmaceutical Allowance has been simplified. Under the new system it will be included as an extra amount in your War Widow/er's Pension.
The Veterans Supplement
From 20 September 2009, a new fortnightly veterans supplement will replace fortnightly pharmaceutical allowance and or quarterly telephone allowance.
You will be paid veterans supplement at the rate of $6.00 a fortnight.
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
The Department has set up a special hotline should you have any questions about the information contained in this letter. You can call this hotline on 1300 307 901 or email us from our internet contact page www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform [23].
For all other enquiries, please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
As Delegate of the Secretary and Repatriation Commission
PAYMENT INFORMATION ATTACHMENT
The Department calculates pension payments on a daily basis. This means that your fortnightly pension payment is made up of 14 days of entitlement of pension. Therefore, when there is a change to your circumstances on any particular day in the fortnight - your pension will be adjusted from that day. For that reason your pension payment may be different for one or two paydays after a reassessment.
Payment for 24 September 2009
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT$780.05
This is made up of:
- Widow's Pension and Domestic Allowance — 607.00
- Pharmaceutical Allowance 2.85
Payment for 8 October 2009
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT$842.18
This is made up of:
- Widow's Pension and Domestic Allowance — 667.00
- Veterans Supplement 6.00
EXAMPLE 2 – Veterans Supplement – VS High Rate (PA & TA) – Batch Advice following implementation processing. THIS ADVICE FOR DP ONLY CLIENT NOT WAR WIDOW TPI or EDA or S27(2)item 1-8 under veteran pension age not on income support
GPO Box 9998, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact: Brisbane Office
Telephone: Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
Postal Address:
GPO Box 9998
GEOFFREY JONES Brisbane QLD 4001
63 GEORGE STREET
BRISBANE QLD 4010 Telephone:
Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8479
13 September 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mr JONES,
This is to advise you of the changes to your pension and allowances as a result of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform package announced by the Government in the May Budget. These changes begin to take effect from 20 September 2009.
The payment you receive on 24 September will include 12 days entitlement under the old system and 2 days entitlement under the reformed pension system. Your payment on 8 October will be your first full payment under the new system.
If you want to know more about all the changes to the pension system please refer to the enclosed message from the Minister, or recent editions of Vetaffairs newspaper or refer to the internet at www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform [23].
The Veterans Supplement
From 20 September 2009, a new fortnightly veterans supplement will replace fortnightly pharmaceutical allowance and quarterly telephone allowance.
You will be paid veterans supplement at the rate of $12.00 a fortnight.
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
The Department has set up a special hotline should you have any questions about the information contained in this letter. You can call this hotline on 1300 307 901 or email us from our internet contact page www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform.
For all other enquiries, please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
As Delegate of the Secretary and Repatriation Commission
PAYMENT INFORMATION ATTACHMENT
The Department calculates pension payments on a daily basis. This means that your fortnightly pension payment is made up of 14 days of entitlement of pension. Therefore, when there is a change to your circumstances on any particular day in the fortnight - your pension will be adjusted from that day. For that reason your pension payment may be different for one or two paydays after a reassessment.
Payment for 24 September 2009
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT$780.05
This is made up of:
- Disability Pension — 607.00
- Pharmaceutical Allowance 2.85
Payment for 8 October 2009
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT$842.18
This is made up of:
- Disability Pension — 6 — 0 — 7.00
- Veterans Supplement 12.00
EXAMPLE 3– Seniors Supplement – Batch advice following implementation processing. THIS ADVICE FOR CSHC HOLDERS & DVA Gold Card holders. To be sent to both single and joint clients.
GPO Box 9998, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact: Brisbane Office
Telephone: Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
Postal Address:
GPO Box 9998
SIMON CRAB Brisbane QLD 4001
34 BONYTHON CRESCENT
BRISBANE QLD 4010 Telephone:
Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8479
13 September 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mr CRAB,
This is to advise you of the changes to your pension and allowances as a result of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform package announced by the Government in the May Budget. These changes begin to take effect from 20 September 2009.
If you want to know more about all the changes to the pension system please refer to the enclosed message from the Minister, or recent editions of Vetaffairs newspaper or refer to the internet at www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform [23].
The Seniors Supplement
Following your payment on 24 September 2009, a new quarterly seniors supplement will replace seniors concession allowance and telephone allowance. You will receive the full rate of seniors supplement whether or not you are a telephone subscriber.
The final payment of quarterly seniors concession allowance will be paid to you on 24 September 2009. The current payment is:
Singles Rate: $130.50
Couples Rate (each) : $130.50
The next quarterly payment of seniors supplement to be paid in December will be paid at the following rate:
Singles Rate: $196.30
Couples Rate (each):$148.20
The Department has set up a special hotline should you have any questions about the information contained in this letter. You can call this hotline on 1300 307 901 or email us from our internet contact page www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform [23].
For all other enquiries, please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
As Delegate of the Secretary and Repatriation Commission
ATTACHMENT C
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Federal Member for Bruce
Changes to your Veterans' Affairs payments
As part of the 2009-10 Federal Budget presented on 12 May 2009, the Australian Government announced a number of changes to Australian pension payments. These changes form part of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform package and are in response to the findings of the Harmer Pension Review.
Overleaf is information about each of the measures commencing from 20 September 2009. Please take the time to read this material so that you will understand the changes to your pension. The letter addressed to you is more specific to your circumstances.
You don't have to do anything to make these changes happen for you.
It was a clear finding of the Harmer Review that single pensioners on income support are suffering in comparison to couples and so that is why the Government has concentrated the increase in pension for single service pensioners and war widow/ers.
If you would like to ask any questions, please call Veterans' Affairs on 1300 307 901.
Yours sincerely
Alan Griffin
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
1
Changes to Australian Pension payments.
The following changes start to take affect from 20 September 2009.
For example; If you have gross employment income of $300 a fortnight, only $150 per fortnight will be counted as income. If you have gross employment income of $600 a fortnight, $250 + $100 will be counted as income. The Income Free Area that currently exists for your situation will remain and be in addition to this concession. |
|
DATE OF ISSUE: 28 August 2009
2010 Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)
Replaced by DI No. |
C — 14/2010 [25] |
Amends DI No. |
|
Replaces DI No. |
C21/200 — 8 [26] |
Purpose |
To provide information about the annual bulk issue of the 2010 CSHC. |
Background |
The CSHC was introduced on 1 July 1994. The card is issued annually and now entitles the holder to pharmaceuticals listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme at a concessional rate, the Medicare Safety Net threshold and concessional fares on the Great Southern Railway. In addition, CSHC holders may be entitled to further state/territory concessions on presentation of their card to the relevant department or authority. As a result of the Secure and Sustainable Pension reforms announced by the Australian Government in the 2009-10 Budget, from 20 September 2009 CSHC holders will receive a new quarterly payment of Seniors Supplement from DVA. The Seniors Supplement will have the same value as Seniors Concession Allowance (SCA) and Telephone Allowance (TA) at the Internet rate, regardless of whether the CSHC holder has a telephone or Internet connection. Seniors Supplement is only payable if resident in Australia or temporarily overseas. Due to the new Seniors Supplement payment, SCA and TA will no longer be available to CSHC holders following the instalment that relates to the 20 September 2009 test date. |
Eligibility |
The CSHC is intended to assist eligible veterans and their partners (including widow/widowers, and war widow/widowers) of pension age who fail to qualify for pension due to assets or income in excess of the current limit. Eligibility is determined manually by location office staff. |
CSHC Income Test |
The CSHC income test is based on the annual adjusted taxable income. The CSHC income limit is as follows:
The above amounts are increased for each dependant child by $639.60. |
Valid |
The 2010 CSHC will be valid from 1 October 200 — 9 until 30 September 2010. |
Numbers |
The approximate number of cards to be produced from the bulk issue is 7,280. The breakdown for each state is: |
State |
Number |
NSW/ACT |
2354 |
VIC |
1664 |
QLD |
1331 |
WA |
1087 |
SA/NT |
685 |
TAS |
159 |
Total |
7,280 |
Dates |
The following dates apply to the 2010 annual bulk issue: |
Task |
Date |
Production data extract |
29 August 2009 |
Implement changes to daily template |
31 August 2009 |
Produce reports for states |
31 August 2009 |
Mailing house commence printing, enveloping and lodgement of cards |
31 August 2009 |
Final lodgement date with Australia Post |
before |
Reports |
Summary and Non-Issued Reports will print at the nominated printers for location contacts on Monday 31 August. In addition status reports will be provided to Income Support contacts regarding the printing, enveloping and lodgement of cards. |
Daily Template |
Changes to the daily template will be implemented on Friday 28 August at 6pm. From this date a 2010 CSHC will be issued for grants and reissues. This card can be used immediately. |
Daily Stock |
Stock supplies for grants and reissues have been sent to the contact officers. The new carrier has been significantly changed. Therefore, unlike previous years, old daily stock can not be used with the new daily template. Locations must commence using the new stock from Monday 31 August 2009. Please return all 2009 stock to: Sam Powell Income Support 6th Floor Lovett Tower Canberra ACT 2006 |
CSHC Contacts |
The CSHC Income Support contacts are as follows: |
Location |
Contact |
NSW/ACT |
Sue Cooney / Michele Dorsen |
QLD |
Mark Roughead |
VIC |
Greg Heitsch |
SA/NT |
Kim Jones |
WA |
Michelle Pauly |
TAS |
Bryon Kelly |
Please advise Sam Powell, the project co-ordinator, if there any changes to the contact officers listed above. |
|
Project Coordinator |
The project co-ordinator for the bulk issue of the 2010 CSHC is Sam Powell, ext 16592. |
John Sadeik
National Manager
Income Support
28 August 2009
DATE OF ISSUE: 12 July 2009
Amendment to Schedule 2 of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) to include new operational area for DAMASK VI area of operations
Amends DI No. |
|
Replaces DI No. |
Purpose |
To advise that a new operational area has been added to Schedule 2 of the VEA to include the Operation DAMASK VI area of operations for the period of 13 to 19 January 1993. |
Introduction |
Following a recent review by the Nature of Service Review Team within the Department of Defence, it was agreed that the Area of Operations of Operation DAMASK VI, during the period from and including 13 January 1993 to and including 19 January 1993, should be classified as an 'operational area' for the purposes of the VEA. During this period, the Operation DAMASK VI Area of Operations was the area of the Red Sea north of parallel 20 degrees north latitude. The legislation giving effect to this change which is contained within the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Pension Reform and Other 2009 Budget Measures) Act 2009, received Royal Assent on 29 June 2009. |
Allotment by Defence |
The Vice Chief of Defence Force has now retrospectively allotted for duty HMAS Canberra as part of Operation DAMASK VI during the period of 13 January to 19 January 1993. |
Eligible personnel |
This change to the VEA and subsequent allotment for duty of HMAS Canberra by the Vice Chief of Defence Force, will give all 213 Australian Defence Force personnel who served on board the vessel during the period 13 – 19 January 1993 qualifying service under the VEA. This change took effect from 29 June 2009, the day the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Pension Reform and Other 2009 Budget Measures) Act 2009 received Royal Assent. Claims for qualifying service, service pension and Gold Card may be granted from this date or the date the veteran's claim is lodged, whichever is later. Eligibility will be determined by service on board HMAS Canberra as part of Operation DAMASK VI in the operational area and specified time period. No changes to Defence Force personnel records will be required as postings to HMAS Canberra should already be reflected. |
Contact |
Any queries regarding this instruction should be directed to Martin Page on (02) 6289 6309 or by e-mail to martin.page@dva.gov.au [28]. |
Neil Bayles
National Manager
Rehabilitation, Compensation and Income Support Policy Group
12 July 2009
DATE OF ISSUE: 9 July 2009
Changes to Partner Service Pension Eligibility
Amends DI No. |
|
Replaces DI No. |
Purpose |
The purpose of this DI is to inform staff about changes to partner service pension eligibility for separated spouses that came into effect on 1 July 2009. |
Legislative changes |
The legislative amendments relating to partner service pension are contained in Schedule 2 of the Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Legislation Amendment (Further 2008 Budget and Other Measures) Act 2008 No.143 (the Act) which received Royal Assent on 9 December 2008.
|
PSP for separated spouses |
Eligibility for partner service pension (PSP) for a spouse who is legally married to, but separated from, their veteran spouse is limited to a maximum of 12 months from date of separation. The passed legislation provided the following amendments:
|
Special Domestic Circumstances |
A legislative instrument has been created under section 38(2AD) of the Act, that will provide exemption from cancellation in specified circumstances. Special domestic circumstances should be accepted where all three circumstances apply at the date of the separation of the veteran and spouse. |
Criteria 1: Psychological or mental health issues |
The delegate must be satisfied that the veteran has a psychological or mental health condition that is recognised by DVA. This is based on information already on record, so the veteran should not be contacted. Recognition by DVA includes:
It does not include mental health conditions associated only with claims for Invalidity Service Pension. In certain circumstances, where DVA has evidence of a mental health condition (e.g. a doctor's report), it can be considered that the veteran would be eligible for treatment at Departmental expense for the condition even though the veteran has not made an application for treatment entitlement. |
Accepted disabilities |
Any disability that can reasonably be considered to be a psychological or mental health issue is included. These are conditions that would be assessed under Chapter 4 Emotional and Behavioural in the Guide to the Assessment of Veterans' Pensions (GARP). This includes “substance abuse” or “substance dependence” in relation to drugs, including alcohol. |
Criteria 2: Living Separately |
The veteran and spouse must be living separately and apart in different residences. Claims of special domestic circumstances from spouses who are considered to be separated under one roof will not be accepted, except where the premises has been modified so there are two separate and secure living areas. |
Criteria 3:Unsafe Domestic Environment |
The delegate must be satisfied that prior to living in different residences the domestic environment was unsafe or abusive. An unsafe or abusive domestic environment is one where the separated spouse and/or their children:
This list is not exhaustive nor prescriptive. |
Supporting evidence of domestic situation |
In many cases documented evidence will not exist, or not be available. In all cases the matter needs to be dealt with in a compassionate and confidential manner, recognising that the affected spouse may be distressed or uncomfortable about describing very sensitive situations. The delegate should record the specific circumstances of the case. |
Apprehended Violence Order |
Apprehended Violence Orders (AVO) have different names depending on the jurisdiction but in general terms they are a court produced document that places restrictions on a particular person. The restrictions are usually about contact with a second person, or conduct such as harassing and intimidating the person in need of protection. They apply for a certain period of time. If the delegate is satisfied that a declaration by a separated spouse that an AVO or equivalent protection order was taken out is true, then it will be sufficient to prove an unsafe or abusive domestic environment existed even if the person no longer has a copy of the document. |
Statement by Spouse |
In order to establish whether special domestic circumstances apply, separated spouses may be asked to complete a Statement of Domestic Circumstances questionnaire to outline their situation. They may include any available supporting information such as AVOs, police reports, or advice from medical practitioners. If the delegate is satisfied that a written statement describing an unsafe or abusive domestic environment by a separated spouse is true, then it will be sufficient to prove an unsafe domestic environment existed even if there is no other supporting evidence. |
Claims and re-commencement of PSP for separated spouses |
Delegates must be particularly careful when dealing with:
In all cases it will be necessary to ensure that the separated spouse has not lost eligibility for partner service pension due to the 1 July 2009 eligibility changes. To retain eligibility for partner service pension a separated spouse must be:
Where a claim or re-commencement case involves a separated spouse who is over age pension age:
|
Claims and re-commencement of PSP for separated spouses (cont) |
Where a Claim or re-commencement case involves a separated spouse who has not reached age pension age at the date 12 months from the separation:
Where a Claim or re-commencement case involves a separated spouse who has separated within the last 12 months and will not be over age pension age at the date 12 months from the separation:
However, if special domestic circumstances do not apply, the spouse must be advised that partner service pension will cease 12 months from the date of separation. |
Recording of special domestic circumstances |
Separated spouses who meet the special domestic circumstances criteria will have this recorded by PIPS Worksheet. The "Special Domestic Circumstances" indicator in the Adult Details screen is to be ticked where special domestic circumstances apply. If the Special Domestic Circumstances indicator has been ticked in PIPS, this will display in VIEW, Personal Details tab, Personal Details folder. No "Special Domestic Circumstances" field will appear for a client in VIEW if the indicator is not ticked in PIPS. |
Policy updates – CLIK |
Policy in relation to changes to the qualifying age for partner service pension has been updated in the following areas of CLIK Policy Library: P3/C1/S4 – Partner Service Pension P9/C3/S3 – Relationship Status Glossary terms |
Fact sheets and other information products |
The fact sheets listed below have been updated to reflect the changes to the eligibility for partner service pension:
The online version of You & Your Pension has been updated. These changes will be incorporated in the next annual bulk print. |
Forms |
The following form booklet will be updated:
|
Standard Letters |
Changes are being made to existing letters and new letters are being developed where necessary for IS Standard Letters in the Relation tab. |
Contact |
Contact Anastasia Davy, Income Support Policy Implementation, on (02) 6289 6562 or by email for further information on this DI. |
Neil Bayles
National Manager
Rehabilitation, Compensation and Income Support Policy
July 2009
DATE OF ISSUE: 17 June 2009
June 2009 Statutory Increase Processing – Production and Mailout of Advice Letters with Payment Summaries, Standalone Payment Summaries (Issued without a Covering Letter), and Medicare Levy Exemption Certificates
Amends DI No. |
|
Replaces DI No. |
Purpose of Instruction |
This Departmental Instruction is to provide information about the processing arrangements for the June 2009 Statutory Increase (SI) processing of advice letters with payment summaries, Standalone Payment Summaries (issued without a covering letter), and Medicare Levy Exemption Certificate production and mailout. |
John Sadeik
National Manager
Income Support
17 June 2009
Introduction |
In June each year, the Department undertakes a bulk exercise to issue approximately 330,000 households with advice letters to persons in receipt of service pension, age pension including those in payment of Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA) or income support supplement. The majority of these letters will include payment summaries for the end of the financial year. Standalone Payment Summaries – issued without a covering letter and Medicare Levy Exemption Certificates will also be issued at this time. |
Significant Issues |
The June 2009 mailout will incorporate the following events for payday 16 July 2009.
|
Significant Issues Continued |
|
Processing Weekend -19/06/2009 - 21/06/2009 |
Processing is scheduled to run from Friday evening 19 June 2009 until Sunday, 21 June 2009 with any pension variations effective from 1 July 2009 for payday 16 July 2009. |
Critical Dates |
|
Processing period within DVA - (includes 'advices' processing). |
Friday (pm) 19 June 2009 – Sunday (pm) 21 June 2009 |
Commence printing advice letters with payment summaries, Standalone Payment Summaries and Medicare Levy Exemption Certificates (MLEC) |
Tuesday, 23 June 2009 |
Progressive lodgment of all Advice Letters, Standalone Payment Summaries and MLECs with Australia Post (SALMAT)...... |
Commencing from Friday, 26 June 2009 and completed by COB Friday, 3 July 2009 |
Letter Production |
SALMAT – Businessforce, located in Mulgrave, Victoria will print the advice letters, Standalone Payment Summaries and MLECs, insert the ATO flyers where applicable, envelope and lodge all mail with Australia Post. Production and processing of letters is expected to occur over the period 22 June 2009 – 3 July 2009. |
Lodgment of Letters |
Letters will be progressively lodged with Australia Post for posting commencing Friday, 26 June 2009 All letters are to be posted by COB Friday, 3 July 2009 |
Letters |
Prior to the issue of this Departmental Instruction, comments were sought from staff in each location who were provided with copies of the proposed paragraph sequencing and mock-ups of advice letters for this run. Copies of the expected advice letter content for this run are reproduced at Attachment B. |
Single and Joint Advices |
All service pensioner and income support supplement recipient couples will receive a joint advice, provided both members of a couple, including illness separated, have the same IMS postal address recorded. Age pensioners receive single advice letters. Important to note: Staff are reminded that if a client in a joint assessment requests separate or single advices, staff need to update this information using the mainframe PRODIMS – Client Correspondence Screen – CO.CO prior to the processing run to initiate the client request. Advice default requests in CO.CO will override the DOCGEN advice rules. |
Full Obligations – NOT being issued to Less than Maximum Rate or Maximum Rate Pensioners |
This is in line with the Repatriation Commission policy that:
|
Full Income and Assets Attachment – NOT Being Issued |
|
Maximum Rate Pensioners – Do not receive a Payment Information Attachment |
SP/ISS/AP pensioners who remain on maximum rate following the processing do not have a Payment Information Attachment printed as part of their advice as they are considered to be continuation cases. SP/ISS/AP pensioners who increase from less than maximum rate to maximum rate following the processing will receive a Payment Information Attachment. The Payment Information Attachment will print on the reverse side of page 2 of the advice – it will not print on a 'new' page. |
Telephone Allowance |
Telephone Allowance (TA) will not be paid in line with the June Statutory Increase (SI) payday – there will not be a paragraph relating to TA in the advice letters. TA will be paid to eligible pensioners on payday 2 July 2009. |
Utilities Allowance |
The quarterly payment of Utilities Allowance (UA) will not be paid in line with the June Statutory Increase (SI) payday – there will not be a paragraph relating to UA in the advice letters. UA will be paid to eligible pensioners on payday 2 July 2009. |
Tasmanian Office Clients with Overseas Postal Address |
Advice letters for Tasmanian Office clients with an overseas postal address will have their advices printed and posted directly from the Mailing House. |
Non Taxable Pensioners |
Those pensioners whose pensions are not taxable (eg., those in payment of invalidity service pension and who are under 65 years of age for males, 63.5 years for females) will receive an advice letter only, without a payment summary included. A Medicare Levy Exemption Certificate (MLEC) will be issued separately to these eligible clients advising them of the number of Medicare Levy exemption days. A paragraph will advise the client by name, that they will be receiving their MLEC separately. |
2009 PAYG Payment Summary -individual Non Business |
Payment summaries will be issued to all pensioners whose pensions are taxable.
Payment summaries can form part of the advice letter or may be sent without a covering letter. Where a payment summary is sent without a covering letter, it is referred to as a 'Standalone Payment Summary'. Payment summaries are sequenced to print after the Payment Information Attachment but before the General Information Sheet (GIS). Each page of the advice letter, including the payment summary(s), has a page number printing in the footer information. |
General Information Sheet (GIS) |
The General Information Sheet (GIS) will be generated for each advice letter produced for SP, ISS and AP pensioners. |
ATO insert - 'Do you need to lodge a Tax Return?' |
A 'pensioner flyer' produced by the ATO titled “Do you Need to lodge a Tax Return?” will only be included in the advice letters produced for those in payment of less than the maximum rate of Income Support pension, those being issued a Medicare Levy Exemption Certificate (MLEC) or a Standalone Payment Summary. For several years DVA have issued the ATO pensioner flyer to all clients receiving an advice as part of the June SI mailout. However, there has been a substantial amount of negative feedback concerning the impact of the flyer on DVA clients – and despite several attempts to clarify and provide information in the flyer to assist clients they continue to find the flyer difficult to understand and are unsure as to why they have received it and how the information relates to them. As a means of addressing these concerns the flyer will not be sent to those clients being paid at the maximum rate of Income Support Pension. For the June 2009 SI we will send the ATO flyer only to those being paid at less than the maximum rate of income support pension, those receiving a MLEC or a Standalone Payment Summary. Each location will be supplied with a quantity of the flyers to insert with their Enclosures (treatment changes) or Reduction to Nil advice letters which will print at each location for sending onto clients. |
Pensioners to Contact ATO with Taxation Questions |
It is important for DVA staff to note that pensioners have been advised in their letters to contact the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 61 if they should have any questions about taxation. Should pensioners ring DVA offices with questions relating to taxation matters – Staff should refer them to the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 61. IMPORTANT NOTE: DVA staff must not offer advice about taxation liability or the need to lodge a taxation return.
|
Information on Tax Thresholds in VIEW |
The 'Senior Australians Tax Offset' and 'Pensioner Tax Offset' amounts are displayed in the 'Tax Thresholds Amounts' folder in the 'Fin year Certificate' tab in VIEW. The 2008/2009 threshold amounts are now available in VIEW. Additional information about these thresholds is provided via the VIEW Online Help. |
Standalone Payment Summaries – sent without a covering letter |
Standalone Payment Summaries - will be produced for the following categories:
The Standalone Payment Summaries for those listed above, apart from those payment summaries with an Overseas Address, are to be printed at the mailing house and lodged with Australia Post directly from the mailing house. |
Standalone Payment Summaries - Unknown Addressees |
Standalone Payment Summaries will not be printed for clients with an 'unknown address' recorded. |
Standalone Payment Summaries - Overseas Addressees |
Standalone Payment Summaries for clients who reside overseas and who are no longer in payment will not be printed at the mailing house. A zip file of each Standalone Payment Summary category will be emailed to each location – this will list the clients who reside overseas who are to receive a Standalone Payment Summary – staff should request a re-print for those overseas clients listed on the report and send their Standalone Payment Summary directly to them. |
Standalone Payment Summaries - For Deceased Clients |
Standalone Payment Summaries for clients who have died during the financial year will not be printed at the mailing house. Staff will be able to request a re-print of a deceased client's payment summary when required from 1 July 2009. |
Reports of Standalone Payment Summaries |
A Standalone Payment Summary report is generated for each of the following categories: MRCA Education Allowance; Education Allowance; Other; Group Destination; Overseas; Unknown Address; and Deceased. A report file for each category will be emailed in a zip file to the contact officer in each location. |
Envelope Return Address if not Delivered - GPO Box 9998 in Your Capital City |
All Standalone Payment Summaries sent from the Mailing House will be enveloped in a single window-faced envelope with a return address of ...'GPO Box 9998 in Your Capital City'. |
Payment Summary Reprint Facility - VIEW Advices Tab |
From 1 July 2009, payment summaries for the 2008/2009 financial year may be re-generated using the 'Payment Summary Reprint' facility located under the Advices Tab in VIEW. Please note: when requesting a reprint of a payment summary for previous years - the 'year of issue' will not print in the payment summary heading for reprinted payment summaries requested from VIEW. The 'Payment From' and 'Payment To' date range will accurately reflect the correct year/dates payment range. The 'Authorising Person' will reflect the respective location's Deputy Commissioner, based on the date the reprint is requested. |
Payment Summary Template |
The June SI Income Support contact officers will be provided with a 2009 Payment Summary Template. |
Medicare Levy Exemption Certificates(MLEC) |
A Medicare Levy Exemption Certificate will be issued to those Gold Card beneficiaries who are not in receipt of a taxable income support pension and who do not receive an advice letter, ie,
The number of medicare levy exemption days, where applicable, will be stated on the payment summary for all other pensioners. A sample of the Medicare Levy Exemption Certificate to be issued in 2009 can be found at Attachment C. |
Medicare levy exemption days - blinded Income Support pensioners
|
Blind veterans and partners in receipt of an Income Support payment are eligible for full or half Medicare Levy exemption. The number of eligible exemption days will be printed on their Payment Summaries. This affects approximately 660 clients. |
Zip File of Reports Listing all MLEC Recipients and Clients with an Unknown Address Recorded |
A report of all clients who receive a MLEC will be produced and emailed in a zip file to each contact officer. A MLEC will not be produced where a client has an 'unknown address' recorded. However, a report will be produced and emailed in a zip file to all contact officers, listing those clients who are eligible to receive a MLEC but have an unknown address recorded. |
MLEC Template |
The June SI location contact officers will be provided with a Medicare Levy Exemption Certificate (MLEC) word template for the manual re-issuing of MLECs if required. |
ZIP Files of Advice Schedule Reports |
A Zip File listing details of all clients who receive an advice will be emailed to the System Support Officer in each location during the week following the processing run. The Zip File replaces the Advices Schedule Report, which is too large to print on printers. |
Enclosure (Treatment change) Advice Letters |
For the June 2009 SI the Enclosure (ie treatment changes) letters will be printed at the nominated printer at each location. These advices were previously printed at the IBM Printhub and couriered to each state location however, for the quarterly processing runs all streamed advices will print at your state location printer. Please note: some advices continue to be printed and sent to you from the IBM printhub these advices are not from the quarterly processing jobs. It is suggested that the streamed advice letters be checked for accuracy, and reconciled against the reports received in each location to ensure they reflect the correct treatment paragraphs. |
Reduction to Nil Letters |
For the June 2009 SI - any Reduction to Nil advice letters will be printed at the nominated printer for each location. Staff are required to include a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) claim form, a CSHC fact sheet and a reply paid envelope. |
'HELD' Advices to be Forced |
As part of the Batch processing run all advices in 'Held' status will be forced to print. Forced 'held' advices will now print at the nominated printer in each respective location as part of the production run. Please ensure your nominated printer is fully operational over the processing weekend as the forced advices will print during that time. All forced advices will need to be checked to ensure the information in them is correct prior to posting to clients. |
Handling of Daily Advices |
Cases processed prior to the SI run for payday 16 July 2009 should have the daily advice dispatched prior to the June advice letter being sent. Daily payment advices processed after the processing run on 20 - 21 June 2009 for payday 16 July 2009, should be held by staff in each location until confirmation is received from the June SI Business Co-ordinator to release such advices. This will ensure that pensioners who have pension variations processed for payday 16 July 2009 will receive their daily advice after the quarterly advice rather than in advance of it. To minimise the number of daily advices to be held while the June advices are processed, it is suggested that only manual cases (and essential processing) should be processed for payday 16 July 2009. |
Reprints of June SI Advices via VIEW Advices Tab |
Reprints of individual advice letters produced from the quarterly processing can be requested via VIEW - Advices Tab reprint facility. Quarterly advice reprints are available and can be requested from day one of the next quarter ie., March quarterly advices from 01/04/yyyy, June quarterly advices from 01/07/yyyy and September quarterly advices from 01/10/yyyy. |
Staff Requests for Reprints of Daily Advices - Pre-SI Processing |
The 'Reprint' Scheduled jobs which produce the requested reprints of daily advices by staff are postponed as part of the SI processing. Any requests for an advice reprint on the day of the commencement of the SI processing will not be actioned until following the SI run when the next 'Reprint' job is submitted. 'Unprinted' advice reprint requests will then print when the next 'Reprint' job is submitted. |
Manual Advices Required – for PA only back onto payment of Service Pension |
Following the June SI processing there may be some instances where clients have gone from payment of Pharmaceutical Allowance (SPPA) (MOA 99 cases) only, onto payment of Service Pension. Following PIPS processing of these cases a 'new grant' advice with fringe benefits paragraphs and other related new grant information is produced. A new grant advice does not convey the appropriate wording for this situation, and as such the PIPs advice should be suppressed and a manual advice produced. |
DVA - Income Support Contact Officers |
NSW - Peter Rajaratnam - ext 27106 VIC – Lou Zigomanis- ext 36733 QLD - Steve Jensen - ext 48835 SA – Eleanor Smith – ext 50425 WA – Michelle Pauly - ext 68238 TAS - Bryon Kelly – ext 76684 |
Feedback from Staff |
Any concerns regarding letters produced as part of this run should be directed to the June SI Project Officer located in New South Wales – Anissa Lam on ext 27169. Please ensure that any problems are reported as early as possible. |
Contact Details |
Any queries regarding advice wording, mail house printing and letter lodgment should be referred to: Anissa Lam ext: 27169 Email: anissa.lam@dva.gov.au [31] |
ATTACHMENT A
HOUSEHOLDS TO RECEIVE PAYMENT SUMMARIES AND/OR MEDICARE LEVY EXEMPTION CERTIFICATES JUNE 2009- APPROXIMATES BASED ON 2008 STATISTICS
STATE |
JOB 1 & JOB 3 Less than Maximum Rate |
JOB 2 Maximum rate |
APPROX NO. OF ADVICE LETTERS |
JOB 4 - APPROX NO. OF STAND- ALONE PAY SUMS |
JOB 5 - APPROX NO. OF MLEC |
NSW (incl ACT) |
21,171 |
51,941 |
73,112 |
6,811 |
23,371 |
VIC |
15,324 |
34,775 |
50,099 |
4,949 |
14,912 |
QLD |
15,932 |
31,898 |
47,830 |
5,151 |
16,327 |
SA |
8,217 |
16,892 |
25,109 |
1,578 |
5,521 |
WA |
7,568 |
12,750 |
20,318 |
2,697 |
6,269 |
TAS |
2,463 |
5,517 |
7,980 |
496 |
1,962 |
TAS OS |
727 |
727 |
|||
TOTAL |
71,402 |
153,773 |
225,175 |
20,682 |
68,362 |
ATTACHMENT B
JUNE 2009 SI PARAGRAPH CONTENT
Example 1:
GPO Box 651, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact:
Telephone:Brisbane Office
Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
1!!11 IIIll l 111 1I!! (Barcode?) 044 — Postal Address:
JOHN SMITH — GPO Box 651 Brisbane Qld 4001
MARY SMITH — Telephone:
29 MARGARGET STREET — Capital city callers: 133 254
IPSWICH QLD 4010 — Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8585
21 June 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mr and Mrs SMITH,
This is to advise you that your service pension has been increased. This change will take effect from 1 July 2009.
Cost of living changes to the Income and Assets Test
Recent increases in the cost of living have been applied to the following income and assets limits for service pension:
For details on these changes please refer to the General Information Sheet which is attached to this letter.
Payment Information
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
Issue of 2008/2009 Financial Year Payment Summaries
As it is the end of the 2008/2009 financial year Payment Summaries are being issued. You will need this information if you are required to lodge a tax return.
Payment Summary for JOHN SMITH is enclosed with this letter.
Payment Summary for MARY SMITH is enclosed with this letter.
If you are unsure as to whether you are required to lodge a tax return or if you have any questions about taxation matters you should contact the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 61.
Department of Veterans' Affairs' staff are unable to assist with taxation enquiries.
Medicare Levy Exemption
If you have been eligible for full treatment at departmental expense during the past financial year, you are eligible for a full or half exemption from payment of the Medicare Levy for that period. The number of days you are eligible for a full or half Medicare levy exemption is shown on your Payment Summary.
Financial Obligations
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas or receive remote area allowance) if you gain or dispose of any assets, or the value of your combined existing assets varies, or your combined gross income from all sources increases above $XXX.XX per fortnight.
Other Obligations
We have explained your obligations to you in previous letters and the booklet 'You and Your Pension'. These obligations still apply.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
If you do not agree with this variation to your pension, you may apply to have it reviewed by a Review Officer at this office. If you do decide to apply, you must do so within three months of being advised of this decision. Such a request for review must be in writing, and must set out your reasons for seeking this review.
If you have any questions regarding Income Support issues you should contact us on 1300 550 452 (Capital city callers) or 1800 550 452 (Non-Capital city callers). For any other enquiries please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
As Delegate of the Secretary and Repatriation Commission
PAYMENT INFORMATION ATTACHMENT
The Department calculates pension payments on a daily basis. This means that your fortnightly pension payment is made up of 14 days of entitlement of pension. Therefore, when there is a change to your circumstances on any particular day in the fortnight - your pension will be adjusted from that day. For that reason your pension payment may be different for one or two paydays after a reassessment.
Payment for 16 JULY 2009Veteran Partner
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENTxxx.xx xxx.xx
This is made up of:
- xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xx xxx.xx
- xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxx.xx xxx.xx
- xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx x.xx x.xx
Payment for 30 JULY 2009VeteranPartner
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENTxxx.xx xxx.xx
This is made up of:
- xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xx xxx.xx
- xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxx.xx xxx.xx
- xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx x.xx x.xx
Please Note: If you have an overpayment or lump sum advance which is currently being recovered (by deductions from your fortnightly pension), the amount paid into your account may be less than the total fortnightly payment shown above.
|
2009 PAYG Payment Summary – Individual Non Business Service Pension |
ORIGINAL |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
DVA File No: QX999999 |
Payer's ABN: 2396 4290 824 |
Tax File Number: 111 111 111 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Payment From: 01/07/08 |
Payment to: 30/06/09 |
Date of Birth: 26/02/1971 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Client's Name 1st Line of Client's Address 2nd Line of Client's Address 3rd Line of Client's Address |
Gross payments: $0.00 Medicare Levy Full or Half Exemption Days: 0 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Remote Area Allowance: $0.00 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
ThousandsHundredsTensUnits Total tax withheld - whole dollars only in wordsNIL — NIL — NIL — NIL Total tax withheld (whole dollars)$0.00 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Authorised Person: 21/06/09 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2009 PAYG Payment Summary – Individual Non Business Service Pension |
CLIENT COPY |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
DVA File No: QX999999 |
Payer's ABN: 2396 4290 824 |
Tax File Number: 111 111 111 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Payment From: 01/07/08 |
Payment to:30/06/09 |
Date of Birth: 26/02/1971 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Client's Name 1st Line of Client's Address 2nd Line of Client's Address 3rd Line of Client's Address |
Gross payments: $0.00 Medicare Levy Full or Half Exemption Days: 0 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Remote Area Allowance: $0.00 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
ThousandsHundredsTensUnits Total tax withheld - NIL — NIL — NIL — NIL whole dollars only in words Total tax withheld (whole dollars)$0.00 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Authorised Person: 21/06/09 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes On Reverse ?
NOTES
1. Total Tax Withheld
If you have an amount in this box you need to lodge a tax return. This ensures that you receive any refunds of tax you may be entitled to.
2. Gross payments
This is the amount you should show as income in your tax return. The 'Gross payments' shown on this statement does not include non-taxable payments such as pharmaceutical allowance, telephone allowance or disability pension.
3. Remote Area Allowance (RAA)
This amount is not taxable but if you need to lodge a tax return it will reduce any tax offset you may be entitled to.
4. Medicare Levy Exemption
The holders of Veterans' Affairs Gold treatment cards are eligible for a full or half exemption from the payment of the Medicare levy. Where applicable, the number of Medicare Levy full or half exemption days is shown on this form. If you need to lodge a tax return the number of days shown will need to be stated at the relevant Medicare levy question.
5. Further assistance
If you have any taxation enquiries, particularly in relation to whether you qualify for a full or half Medicare levy exemption, read the Medicare levy section in TaxPack 2009, Short tax return instructions 2009, or call the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 61. Pension enquiries should be directed to the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
The Australian Taxation Office checks information shown in tax returns against information provided by Veterans' Affairs.
NOTES
1. Total Tax Withheld
If you have an amount in this box you need to lodge a tax return. This ensures that you receive any refunds of tax you may be entitled to.
2. Gross payments
This is the amount you should show as income in your tax return. The 'Gross payments' shown on this statement does not include non-taxable payments such as pharmaceutical allowance, telephone allowance or disability pension.
3. Remote Area Allowance (RAA)
This amount is not taxable but if you need to lodge a tax return it will reduce any tax offset you may be entitled to.
4. Medicare Levy Exemption
The holders of Veterans' Affairs Gold treatment cards are eligible for a full or half exemption from the payment of the Medicare levy. Where applicable, the number of Medicare Levy full or half exemption days is shown on this form. If you need to lodge a tax return the number of days shown will need to be stated at the relevant Medicare levy question.
5. Further assistance
If you have any taxation enquiries, particularly in relation to whether you qualify for a full or half Medicare levy exemption, read the Medicare levy section in TaxPack 2009, Short tax return instructions 2009, or call the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 61. Pension enquiries should be directed to the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
The Australian Taxation Office checks information shown in tax returns against information provided by Veterans' Affairs.
This is an example of the General Information Sheet (GIS) for Service Pensioners that will be used in the June 2009 mailout. There is a separate GIS for income support supplement and age pension recipients. Production printing of the GIS is restricted to one sheet – two images.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON SERVICE PENSION RATES AND LIMITS
(Information current as at T-ADVICE-PRINT-DATE )
MAXIMUM RATES OF SERVICE PENSION (excludes pharmaceutical allowance)
Singles Rate$XXX.XX (per fortnight)
Couples Rate (each)$XXX.XX (per fortnight)
PENSION INCOME LIMIT (per fortnight)
At which Service Pension Reduces — Cut Off*
Singles Rate$XXX.XX $X,XXX.XX
Couples Rate (combined)$XXX.XX $X,XXX.XX
PENSION ASSETS LIMIT
At which Service Pension Reduces — Cut Off*
Home Owner
Singles Rate$XXX,XXX $XXX,XXX
Couples Rate (combined)$XXX,XXX $XXX,XXX
Non Home Owner
Singles Rate$XXX,XXX $XXX,XXX
Couples Rate (combined)$XXX,XXX $XXX,XXX
These pension income and assets limits may increase for each dependent child or student up to the age of 22, or if rent assistance is payable.
NOTE: *Income and assets limits do not apply to blinded service pensioners.
GOLD CARD INFORMATION
The Gold Card income and assets limits shown below apply if you receive a disability pension below 50% of the general rate and you also receive an amount of service pension. Should your assessed income or assets exceed these limits you will no longer be eligible for the Gold Card.
The Gold Card income and assets limit shown below do not apply if:
GOLD CARD INCOME AND ASSETS CUT OFF LIMITS
The treatment benefits income and assets limits apply to you if you are an Australian veteran or mariner whose eligibility for the Gold Card is dependent solely on your service pension payment.
INCOME
Singles Limit $XXX.XX (per fortnight)
Couples Limit (combined) $XXX.XX (per fortnight)
Add $XX.XX per fortnight for each dependent child or student to the age of 22.
ASSETS
Home OwnerNon Home Owner
Singles Limit$XXX,XXX$XXX,XXX
Couples Limit (combined)$XXX.XXX$XXX,XXX
Add approximately $XX,XXX for each dependent child or student up to the age of 22.
DEEMING
Deeming assumes that any money you have invested in financial assets is earning a particular amount of income regardless of the actual amount earned. The deeming rates are:
Singles
Low Rate:- X% interest up to the threshold of $XX,XXX
High Rate:- X% interest for the remaining balance
Couples
Low Rate:- X% interest up to the threshold of $XX,XXX
High Rate:- X% interest for the remaining balance
ILLNESS SEPARATED COUPLES
Couples separated due to ill health are paid at the single rate of service pension, but have their income and assets assessed as a couple.
RENT ASSISTANCE
You may be eligible for rent assistance if you pay rent to a non-government body or landlord. Rent assistance is not payable if you reside in a government funded (approved) nursing home, or in government funded housing.
The amount of rent assistance you receive depends on the amount of rent you pay and your family circumstances. Rent assistance is paid at the rate of 75 cents in the dollar for every dollar you pay over the set rent limits.
When calculating the amount of rent assistance payable, any disability pension received is counted as income and may reduce the rate of rent assistance payable to you or your partner.
Maximum Amount of Rent Assistance Payable (per fortnight)
Singles Rate$XX.XX
Couples Rate (combined, no children)$XX.XX
Rent Limits (per fortnight)
Singles Limit$XX.XX
Couples Limit (combined, no children) $XXX.XX
Example 2:
GPO Box 651, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact:
Telephone:Brisbane Office
Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
1!!11 IIIll l 111 1I!! (Barcode?) 044 — Postal Address:
MR FRED JOHNSTON — GPO Box 651 Brisbane Qld 4001
17 EDWIN STREET — Telephone:
IPSWICH QLD 4010 — Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8585
21 June 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mr JOHNSTON,
This is to advise you that your:
This change will take effect from 1 July 2009.
Cost of living changes to the Income and Assets Test
Recent increases in the cost of living have been applied to the following income and assets limits for age pension:
For details on these changes please refer to the General Information Sheet which is attached to this letter.
Payment Information
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
Issue of 2008/2009 Financial Year Payment Summaries
As it is the end of the 2008/2009 financial year, Payment Summaries are being issued. You will need this information if you are required to lodge a tax return.
Payment Summary for FRED JOHNSTON is enclosed with this letter.
If you are unsure as to whether you are required to lodge a tax return or if you have any questions about taxation matters you should contact the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 61.
Department of Veterans' Affairs' staff are unable to assist with taxation enquiries.
Medicare Levy Exemption
If you have been eligible for full treatment at departmental expense during the past financial year, you are eligible for a full or half exemption from payment of the Medicare Levy for that period. The number of days you are eligible for a full or half Medicare levy exemption is shown on your Payment Summary.
If you were previously being paid by Centrelink, they will issue a Payment Summary to you separately.
Financial Obligations
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas) if your total gross income from all sources is more than $XXX.XX per fortnight or the value of your total assets is more than $XXX,XXX.XX.
Other Obligations
We have explained your obligations to you in previous letters. These obligations still apply.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
If you do not agree with this decision, you can contact your nearest Veterans' Affairs office and discuss the reasons for the decision. If you remain dissatisfied, you may apply to have the decision reviewed by an Authorised Review Officer, with no prior involvement in the case. If you decide to apply for a review more than 13 weeks from the day this notice is given to you, you can only be paid an adjustment from the date we receive your application. Requests for review may be made in person , by telephone or in writing.
The rate of DFISA paid to you is derived from your age pension assessment. You may seek to have your age pension assessment reviewed if you are dissatisfied with your DFISA rate.
If you have any questions regarding Income Support issues you should contact us on 1300 550 452 (Capital city callers) or 1800 550 452 (Non-Capital city callers). For any other enquiries please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner as Delegate of the Secretary
ATTACHMENTS – in the Sequential Order of printing
Example 3:
GPO Box 651, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact:
Telephone:Brisbane Office
Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
1!!11 IIIll l 111 1I!! (Barcode?) 044 — Postal Address:
MRS JOYCE MUNROE — GPO Box 651 Brisbane Qld 4001
25 O'RYAN STREET — Telephone:
IPSWICH QLD 4010 — Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8585
21 June 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mrs MUNROE,
This is to advise you that your:
This change will take effect from 1 July 2009.
Cost of living changes to the Income and Assets Test
Recent increases in the cost of living have been applied to the following income and assets limits for income support supplement:
For details on these changes please refer to the General Information Sheet which is attached to this letter.
Payment Information
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
Issue of 2008/2009 Financial Year Payment Summaries
As it is the end of the 2008/2009 financial year Payment Summaries are being issued. You will need this information if you are required to lodge a tax return.
Payment Summary for JOYCE MUNROE is enclosed with this letter.
If you are unsure as to whether you are required to lodge a tax return or if you have any questions about taxation matters you should contact the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 61.
Department of Veterans' Affairs' staff are unable to assist with taxation enquiries.
Medicare Levy Exemption
If you have been eligible for full treatment at departmental expense during the past financial year, you are eligible for a full or half exemption from payment of the Medicare Levy for that period. The number of days you are eligible for a full or half Medicare Levy Exemption is shown on your Payment Summary.
Financial Obligations
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas or receive remote area allowance) if your total gross income from all sources is more than $X,XXX.XX per fortnight or the value of your total assets is more than $XXX,XXX.XX.
Other Obligations
We have explained your obligations to you in previous letters and the booklet 'You and Your Pension'. These obligations still apply.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
If you do not agree with this variation to your pension, you may apply to have it reviewed by a Review Officer at this office. If you do decide to apply, you must do so within three months of being advised of this decision. Such a request for review must be in writing, and must set out your reasons for seeking this review.
If you have any questions regarding Income Support issues you should contact us on 1300 550 452 (Capital city callers) or 1800 550 452 (Non-Capital city callers). For any other enquiries please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
as Delegate of Secretary and Repatriation Commission
ATTACHMENTS
Example 4:
GPO Box 651, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact:
Telephone:Brisbane Office
Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
1!!11 IIIll l 111 1I!! (Barcode?) 044 — Postal Address:
MR PHILLIP ADAMS — GPO Box 651 Brisbane Qld 4001
MRS PATRICIA ADAMS — Telephone:
6 BOURKE STREET — Capital city callers: 133 254
IPSWICH QLD 4010 — Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8585
21 June 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mr and Mrs ADAMS,
I am writing to you about your service pension payment form Veterans' Affairs. You currently receive the maximum rate of service pension and this amount remains unchanged.
Cost of living changes to the Income and Assets Test
Recent increases in the cost of living have been applied to the following income and assets limits for service pension:
For details on these changes please refer to the General Information Sheet which is attached to this letter.
Medicare Levy Exemption Certificate
A Medicare Levy Exemption Certificate showing the number of days PHILLIP ADAMS is eligible for a full or half Medicare levy exemption will be issued separately.
Financial Obligations
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas or receive remote area allowance) if your combined gross income from all sources is more than $X,XXX.XX per fortnight or the value of your combined assets is more than $XXX,XXX.XX.
Other Obligations
We have explained your obligations to you in previous letters and the booklet 'You and Your Pension'. These obligations still apply.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
If you have any questions regarding Income Support issues you should contact us on 1300 550 452 (Capital city callers) or 1800 550 452 (Non-Capital city callers). For any other enquiries please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
as Delegate of Secretary and Repatriation Commission
ATTACHMENTS
Example 5:
GPO Box 651, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact:
Telephone:Brisbane Office
Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
1!!11 IIIll l 111 1I!! (Barcode?) 044 — Postal Address:
MR ROBERT MURDOCH — GPO Box 651 Brisbane Qld 4001
MRS JOY MURDOCH — Telephone:
12 JEFFERSON STREET — Capital city callers: 133 254
IPSWICH QLD 4010 — Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8585
21 June 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mr and Mrs MURDOCH,
This is to advise you that your service pension has been increased. This change will take affect from 1 July 2009.
Cost of living changes to the Income and Assets Test
Recent increases in the cost of living have been applied to the following income and assets limits for service pension:
For details on these changes please refer to the General Information Sheet which is attached to this letter.
Issue of 2008/2009 Financial Year Payment Summaries
As it is the end of the 2008/2009 financial year Payment Summaries are being issued. You will need this information if you are required to lodge a tax return.
Payment Summary for MR ROBERT MURDOCH is enclosed with this letter.
Payment Summary for MRS JOY MURDOCH is enclosed with this letter.
If you are unsure as to whether you are required to lodge a tax return or if you have any questions about taxation matters you should contact the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 61.
Department of Veterans' Affairs' staff are unable to assist with taxation enquiries.
Medicare Levy Exemption
If you have been eligible for full treatment at departmental expense during the past financial year, you are eligible for a full or half exemption from payment of the Medicare Levy for that period. The number of days you are eligible for a full or half Medicare levy exemption is shown on your Payment Summary.
Financial Obligations
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas or receive remote area allowance) if your combined gross income from all sources is more than $X,XXX.XX per fortnight or the value of your combined assets is more than $XXX,XXX.XX.
Other Obligations
We have explained your obligations to you in previous letters and the booklet 'You and Your Pension'. These obligations still apply.
The Department of Veterans' Affairs will advise the Department of Health and Ageing of changes to your income that may affect the amount of residential care fee you pay.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
If you do not agree with this variation to your pension, you may apply to have it reviewed by a Review Officer at this office. If you do decide to apply, you must do so within three months of being advised of this decision. Such a request for review must be in writing, and must set out your reasons for seeking this review.
If you have any questions regarding Income Support issues you should contact us on 1300 550 452 (Capital city callers) or 1800 550 452 (Non-Capital city callers). For any other enquiries please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
As Delegate of the Secretary and Repatriation Commission
ATTACHMENTS
ATTACHMENT C
SAMPLE OF MEDICARE LEVY EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE
GPO Box 9998
In YOUR CAPITAL CITY
MR DVA SAMPLE
20 SAMPLE STREET
HOBART TAS 7001
Medicare Levy Exemption Certificate
Dear Beneficiary
This is your Medicare Levy Exemption Certificate showing the number of days you were eligible for full or half exemption from payment of the Medicare Levy. This exemption applies, as you were eligible for full treatment at the expense of the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Your File Number is: TX000001
The number of days you are eligible for a full or half Medicare Levy Exemption during 2008/2009 is: 365
Please note: If you lodge an income tax return YOU DO NOT NEED TO ATTACH this Certificate to your tax return. However, you should retain this Certificate for your records. If you need to lodge a tax return, the number of days you were eligible for full or half exemption will need to be stated against the relevant question on your tax return. Please note tax deducted from any income may include the Medicare levy.
If you have any enquiries about the number of days, please contact your nearest DVA office.
If you have any enquiries about whether you are fully or half exempt from the payment of Medicare levy, read TaxPack 2009; Short tax return instructions 2009 or contact the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 61.
Yours faithfully
Deputy Commissioner
DATE OF ISSUE: 21 May 2009
Exchange Rate Variation of Pounds Sterling – Effect on Income Support & Disability Pensioners
Amends DI No. |
C06/2009 [33] |
Replaces DI No. |
Amended by DI No |
C17/2009 [8] |
Purpose of Instruction |
The purpose of this Departmental Instruction is to provide information about the Pounds Sterling exchange rate variation exercise. |
Introduction |
Following the recent variation in UK - Australian exchange rates, DVA will apply a new exchange rate for the assessment of the rate of income support & disability pensions for those in receipt of all income paid in Pounds Sterling:
|
New Exchange Rate |
The exchange rate used to convert Pounds Sterling to Australian Dollars for income support assessment purposes has changed from one Pound Sterling = A$2.0235 to one Pound Sterling equals A$1.9562 (i.e. $A1 = ?0.5112). This rate reflects the average of the “on demand airmail buying rate” for the two weeks to 15 May 2009. |
Date of Effect19 May 2009 |
Effective from 19 May 2009 the current exchange rate will change. On pension payday 4 June 2009 pensioners with relevant British income would usually expect to receive a full instalment at the new assessed rate. |
Automatic Processing |
Processing to implement the new exchange rate is scheduled for the evening of Monday, 18 May 2009. Amounts recorded as foreign super type non-government British other income (07), British Social Security Pension (08) or British Official Public Service/Forces Pension (09) will be varied by applying the exchange rate to the pounds sterling amount recorded, to determine the new rate of pension in Australian dollars. The income support payment will then be reassessed automatically. |
Manual Cases |
Cases with actions in submission or determined status will not be processed automatically and will be frozen. These cases will be listed on the manual listing for follow up action, and CMS/PIPS cases will be created automatically for action. Any cases processed through PIPS should be reassessed with effect from 19 May 2009 for payday 4 June 2009. |
Non-Government British Other Income (07) |
Previously non-government British other income (07) was refreshed every six months in March and September with other foreign currencies (GROOVER). As a result of a review of British pensions approved by the Repatriation Commission all sterling payments, including British other income (07) are adjusted in uniform exchange rate variations. |
British DP Cases |
Income Support pensioners who are in receipt of ISS, age pension (AP) or service pension with rent assistance (SPRA); and, who also receive disability (war) pension direct from Britain should have that disability pension converted to $A using this exchange rate. ISS, AP and SPRA should be recalculated by doing a PIPS assessment. These cases can be extracted through AIS by each location. Note: If DP has already been assessed as income in determining hardship cases it should not also be assessed as income for RA. |
EATS and Composite Cases |
EATS and Composite cases are subject to the daily exchange rate variation of plus or minus 2.5%. These cases can be extracted through AIS by each location and recalculated by doing a PIPS assessment. Attachment A shows the amount per fortnight in Australian dollars to be applied for the varying United Kingdom amounts. For further details refer to Departmental Instruction DI 22/2005 issued by Veterans' Compensation. |
Printing & Lodgement of Letters |
SALMAT will print, envelope and lodge the advice letters with Australia Post on or before 28 May 2009. An advice letter will only be produced for cases where there is a variation in payment. The letters will be two pages and include the new exchange rate, amount of income and new ongoing pension amount. Joint letters will be produced where both members of a couple are in receipt of pension from the British government and their pension varies. Age pensioners will receive separate advices. |
Estimated Number of Advices to be generated |
The approximate number of advices to be produced for each State are: |
NSW |
1979 |
VIC |
1697 |
QLD |
1705 |
SA |
1795 |
WA |
1616 |
TAS |
278 |
TAS OS CLIENTS |
304 |
TOTAL |
9,374 |
Tasmanian Overseas Clients |
Tasmanian clients who have an overseas postal address will have the full overseas address printed on their advice letters. The advice letters will be printed, enveloped and sent from the mailing house. |
Streamed Advices |
The following will be streamed for printing by IBM GSA and sent by courier to each location:
|
Contact officer |
The contact officer for this exercise is Sam Powell: ext 16592. |
John Sadiek
National Manager
Income Support
21 May 2009
ATTACHMENT A
POUND STERLING EXCHANGE RATE FOR PENSIONS FROM UK GOVERNMENT
Foreign exchange period Exchange rate
From |
To |
$ in ? |
? in $ |
19 May 09 |
0.5112 |
1.9562 |
|
7 April 09 |
18 May 09 |
0.4942 |
2.0235 |
10 February 09 |
6 April 09 |
0.4718 |
2.1195 |
13 January 09 |
9 February 09 |
0.4882 |
2.0483 |
18 November 08 |
12 January 09 |
0.4394 |
2.2758 |
21 October 08 |
17 November 08 |
0.4118 |
2.4284 |
23 September 08 |
20 October 08 |
0.4629 |
2.1603 |
26 August 08 |
22 September 08 |
0.4753 |
2.1039 |
20 May 08 |
25 August 08 |
0.4902 |
2.0400 |
26 February 08 |
19 May 08 |
0.4733 |
2.1128 |
15 January 08 |
25 February 08 |
0.4553 |
2.1964 |
9 October 07 |
14 January 08 |
0.4425 |
2.2599 |
28 August 07 |
8 October 07 |
0.4186 |
2.3889 |
3 July 07 |
27 August 07 |
0.4315 |
2.3175 |
27 March 07 |
2 July 07 |
0.4164 |
2.4015 |
10 October 06 |
26 March 07 |
0.4047 |
2.4710 |
11 April 06 |
9 October 06 |
0.4170 |
2.3981 |
30 August 05 |
10 April 06 |
0.4277 |
2.3381 |
2 August 05 |
29 August 05 |
0.4398 |
2.2738 |
21 June 05 |
1 August 05 |
0.4263 |
2.3458 |
1 February 05 |
20 June 05 |
0.4126 |
2.4237 |
4 January 05 |
31 January 05 |
0.4004 |
2.4975 |
23 November 04 |
3 January 05 |
0.4202 |
2.3798 |
12 October 04 |
22 November 04 |
0.4065 |
2.4600 |
20 July 04 |
11 October 04 |
0.3938 |
2.5394 |
6 July 04 |
19 July 04 |
0.3828 |
2.6123 |
25 May 04 |
5 July 04 |
0.3961 |
2.5246 |
2 March 04 |
24 May 04 |
0.4200 |
2.3810 |
25 November 03 |
1 March 04 |
0.4308 |
2.3213 |
DATE OF ISSUE: 16 April 2009
Indexation of British Official Public Service and Armed Forces Pensions
Replaced by DI No. |
C0 — 6/20 — 10 [35] |
Amends DI No. |
|
Replaces DI No. |
C — 10/200 — 8 [36] |
Purpose |
The purpose of this Departmental Instruction is to advise of processing arrangements for the automatic indexation of British Official Public Service and Armed Forces pensions (formerly Indexed BRI, code 09). The reason for the change of terminology was explained in DI C04/2004 [37] British Income. |
Increase in Public Service Pensions |
The British Government has announced that British Public Service Pensions will rise in April 2009 by 5.00% in line with their Retail Price Index. The pensions affected are listed below and should be recorded on PIPS as foreign superannuation (British Official Public Service/Forces):
|
Date of effect |
The date of effect to be used for the variation is 21-Apr-09, for payday 7-May-09. |
The conversion factor for this indexation is 1.05 |
The new amount of pounds sterling to be recorded will be calculated as follows: The variation percentage (5.00%) ----------------------------- + 1 = Conversion factor 100 The Australian dollar amount will then be reassessed accordingly. The conversion factor for this indexation is 1.05. |
Date of processing run
|
The processing run for this exercise will take place on 15-Apr-09. |
Manual cases |
Cases that are in investigation, submission or determination status at the time of the run will be frozen and listed for subsequent manual processing. |
Advice Letters |
A one-page advice will be generated for all clients who have a variation to their rate of DVA pension payment because of the indexation exercise. All advices produced from this processing exercise will be printed by IBM and couriered to each location for checking prior to sending to clients. You should allow two working days following the processing for the advices to be delivered to your office. Please check advice schedules to reconcile Group Destination cases, and check all advices before they are sent to ensure they contain correct information. |
Indexation of British war pensions |
British war pensions (British DP) will also increase by 5.00% on 6/04/09. A separate Departmental Instruction will be issued about the application of this increase to:
|
Indexation of British social security pension |
British social security pensions will not be indexed automatically. See Part 10, Chapter 1, Section 5 of the CLIK Policy and Procedure Libraries for more information. |
Contact officer |
The Income Support contact officer for this exercise is Martin Wright [39], ext 48636. |
National Manager
Income Support
DATE OF ISSUE: 16 April 2009
Indexation of British War Pensions (Disability Pensions)
Replaced by DI No. |
C07/2010 [41] |
Amends DI No. |
|
Replaces DI No. |
C — 0 — 9/200 — 8 [42] |
Purpose |
The purpose of this Departmental Instruction is to advise of processing arrangements for the manual indexation of British war pensions. |
War pensions to increase by 5.0% |
The UK Veterans Agency has advised that British war pensions will rise by 5.0% in line with their Retail Price Index. British war pensioners will receive the increase from 6 April 2009. The Veterans Agency has published their rates chart at: http://www.veterans-uk.com/pdfs/publications/va_leaflets/valeaflet9.pdf [43] |
Effective date and payday |
The effective date for the variation should be 7 April 2009 for payday 23 April 2009. If processing of income support cases is delayed past 17 April 2009, a later effective date may be used so that no overpayment of rent assistance is raised. Any later effective date used should be the first day of a pension period. Cases with both income support and EATS or composite components should not be delayed. |
Cases affected |
These changes will affect the following cases:
|
Exchange rate for EATS and composite cases |
The exchange rate to use for EATS and composite cases (DP paid by Australia on behalf of the UK) is ?1 = A$2.0235. These cases are now subject to the daily exchange rate variation of plus or minus 2.5%. For further information refer to DI C22/2005 [44]. |
Exchange rate for British DP paid direct from the UK |
The exchange rate to use for British DP paid direct from the UK is ?1 = A$2.0235. This is the same exchange rate used for British Official Public Service and Armed Forces Pensions. For further information refer to DI C06/2009 [33]. |
Rates charts in Australian dollars and AIS reports |
British war pension rates converted to $A at both old and new rates have been e-mailed to the Income Support Management group along with the AIS report. EATS and composite cases have been provided to the National Manager, Compensation. There have been occasional problems with the AIS results. If for any reason the list provided appears inconsistent with your expectations please contact the Income Support officer listed below |
Manual examination |
No cases will be processed automatically. All cases will be listed for manual examination and updated in PIPS. |
Contact officer |
The Income Support contact officer for this exercise is Martin Wright [39], ext 48636. |
John Geary
National Manager
Income Support
16 April 2008
DATE OF ISSUE: 6 April 2009
Exchange Rate Variation of Pounds Sterling – Effect on Income Support & Disability Pensioners
Amends DI No. |
C0 — 4/2009 [46] |
Replaces DI No. |
Amended by DI No |
Purpose of Instruction |
The purpose of this Departmental Instruction is to provide information about the Pounds Sterling exchange rate variation exercise. |
Introduction |
Following the recent variation in UK - Australian exchange rates, DVA will apply a new exchange rate for the assessment of the rate of income support & disability pensions for those in receipt of all income paid in Pounds Sterling:
|
New Exchange Rate |
The exchange rate used to convert Pounds Sterling to Australian Dollars for income support assessment purposes has changed from one Pound Sterling = A$2.1195 to one Pound Sterling equals A$2.0235 (i.e. $A1 = ?0.4942). This rate reflects the average of the “on demand airmail buying rate” for the two weeks to 3 April 2009. |
Date of Effect7 April 2009 |
Effective from 7 April 2009 the current exchange rate will change. On pension payday 23 April 2009 pensioners with relevant British income would usually expect to receive a full instalment at the new assessed rate. |
Automatic Processing |
Processing to implement the new exchange rate is scheduled for the evening of Monday, 6 April 2009. Amounts recorded as foreign super type non-government British other income (07), British Social Security Pension (08) or British Official Public Service/Forces Pension (09) will be varied by applying the exchange rate to the pounds sterling amount recorded, to determine the new rate of pension in Australian dollars. The income support payment will then be reassessed automatically. |
Manual Cases |
Cases with actions in submission or determined status will not be processed automatically and will be frozen. These cases will be listed on the manual listing for follow up action, and CMS/PIPS cases will be created automatically for action. Any cases processed through PIPS should be reassessed with effect from 7 April 2009 for payday 23 April 2009. |
Non-Government British Other Income (07) |
Previously non-government British other income (07) was refreshed every six months in March and September with other foreign currencies (GROOVER). As a result of a review of British pensions approved by the Repatriation Commission all sterling payments, including British other income (07) are adjusted in uniform exchange rate variations. |
British DP Cases |
Income Support pensioners who are in receipt of ISS, age pension (AP) or service pension with rent assistance (SPRA); and, who also receive disability (war) pension direct from Britain should have that disability pension converted to $A using this exchange rate. ISS, AP and SPRA should be recalculated by doing a PIPS assessment. These cases can be extracted through AIS by each location. Note: If DP has already been assessed as income in determining hardship cases it should not also be assessed as income for RA. |
EATS and Composite Cases |
EATS and Composite cases are subject to the daily exchange rate variation of plus or minus 2.5%. These cases can be extracted through AIS by each location and recalculated by doing a PIPS assessment. Attachment A shows the amount per fortnight in Australian dollars to be applied for the varying United Kingdom amounts. For further details refer to Departmental Instruction DI 22/2005 issued by Veterans' Compensation. |
Printing & Lodgement of Letters |
SALMAT will print, envelope and lodge the advice letters with Australia Post on or before 16 April 2009. An advice letter will only be produced for cases where there is a variation in payment. The letters will be two pages and include the new exchange rate, amount of income and new ongoing pension amount. Joint letters will be produced where both members of a couple are in receipt of pension from the British government and their pension varies. Age pensioners will receive separate advices. |
Estimated Number of Advices to be generated |
The approximate number of advices to be produced for each State are: |
NSW |
1979 |
VIC |
1697 |
QLD |
1705 |
SA |
1795 |
WA |
1616 |
TAS |
278 |
TAS OS CLIENTS |
304 |
TOTAL |
9,374 |
Tasmanian Overseas Clients |
Tasmanian clients who have an overseas postal address will have the full overseas address printed on their advice letters. The advice letters will be printed, enveloped and sent from the mailing house. |
Streamed Advices |
The following will be streamed for printing by IBM GSA and sent by courier to each location:
|
Contact officer |
The contact officer for this exercise is Sarah Paras [47]: ext 16534. |
John Geary
National Manager
Income Support
April 2009
ATTACHMENT A
POUND STERLING EXCHANGE RATE FOR PENSIONS FROM UK GOVERNMENT
Foreign exchange period Exchange rate
From |
To |
$ in ? |
? in $ |
7 April 09 |
0.4942 |
2.0235 |
|
10 February 09 |
6 April 09 |
0.4718 |
2.1195 |
13 January 09 |
9 February 09 |
0.4882 |
2.0483 |
18 November 08 |
12 January 09 |
0.4394 |
2.2758 |
21 October 08 |
17 November 08 |
0.4118 |
2.4284 |
23 September 08 |
20 October 08 |
0.4629 |
2.1603 |
26 August 08 |
22 September 08 |
0.4753 |
2.1039 |
20 May 08 |
25 August 08 |
0.4902 |
2.0400 |
26 February 08 |
19 May 08 |
0.4733 |
2.1128 |
15 January 08 |
25 February 08 |
0.4553 |
2.1964 |
9 October 07 |
14 January 08 |
0.4425 |
2.2599 |
28 August 07 |
8 October 07 |
0.4186 |
2.3889 |
3 July 07 |
27 August 07 |
0.4315 |
2.3175 |
27 March 07 |
2 July 07 |
0.4164 |
2.4015 |
10 October 06 |
26 March 07 |
0.4047 |
2.4710 |
11 April 06 |
9 October 06 |
0.4170 |
2.3981 |
30 August 05 |
10 April 06 |
0.4277 |
2.3381 |
2 August 05 |
29 August 05 |
0.4398 |
2.2738 |
21 June 05 |
1 August 05 |
0.4263 |
2.3458 |
1 February 05 |
20 June 05 |
0.4126 |
2.4237 |
4 January 05 |
31 January 05 |
0.4004 |
2.4975 |
23 November 04 |
3 January 05 |
0.4202 |
2.3798 |
12 October 04 |
22 November 04 |
0.4065 |
2.4600 |
20 July 04 |
11 October 04 |
0.3938 |
2.5394 |
6 July 04 |
19 July 04 |
0.3828 |
2.6123 |
25 May 04 |
5 July 04 |
0.3961 |
2.5246 |
2 March 04 |
24 May 04 |
0.4200 |
2.3810 |
25 November 03 |
1 March 04 |
0.4308 |
2.3213 |
DATE OF ISSUE: 6 March 2009
March 2009 Global Refresh of Managed Investments and Shares Letter Production and Mailout
Purpose of Instruction |
This Departmental Instruction is to provide you with information about the processing arrangements for the March 2009 Global Refresh of Managed Investments (MIs) and Shares (SHs) advice letter production and mailout. |
John Sadeik
National Manager
Income Support
6 March 2009
Introduction |
Each quarter the Department varies pensions and allowances in accordance with provisions contained in the VEA (Statutory Increase or 'SI'). In March and September of each year, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) and the Global Refresh of Managed Investments (MIs) and Shares (SHs) data are usually combined as one quarterly reassessment routine. This quarter the Department will be sending advice letters to those pensioners on less than the maximum rate of service pension, income support supplement or age pension who have MIs and/or SHs recorded in their assessment. Advice letters will also be sent to some DVA Age Pensioners who are eligible to commence payment of DFISA, or whose DFISA payment is cancelled following the processing run. DVA Age Pensioners whose DFISA payment has increased or reduced will only receive an advice following the SI and Global Refresh processing if they have MIs and/or SHs in their assessment. This Departmental Instruction provides information about the advice letter production and mailout for this processing exercise and advises of any significant issues relating to the mailout. |
Significant Issues- of Managed Investment and Share Global Refresh Mailout |
The March 2009 Global Refresh mailout will incorporate the following events for payday 26 March 2009 (WEF 20 March 2009). Issues of significance with regard to this mailout are as follows:
|
Significant Issues- of Managed Investment and Share Global Refresh Mailout Cont'd |
|
Deeming Interest Rate Explanation Paragraphs - |
There has been a last minute change to this processing exercise and it will now incorporate a further change to the deeming interest rates from 3% to 2% for amounts up to $41,000 ($68,200 per couple) and from 4% to 3% for amounts over $41,000 ($68,200 per couple). All letters will provide a deeming explanation paragraph and information on the new deeming interest rates. Please note that due to the late notification of the deeming rate changes the attached Mock ups of advices do not reflect the deeming paragraphs. |
Advices for residents of Victorian bushfire affected areas |
As a result of the recent Victorian bushfires, extra precautionary measures have been taken to prevent inappropriate correspondence from going out to pensioners in the affected areas. New streaming rules that link to postcodes of affected areas have been put in place to divert all advices with an overall reduction in income support payments to a centralised printer in NSW. Any advices diverted in this manner will be considered further on a case-by-case basis. |
Deputy Commissioner signatures |
Amendment to the DC signatures have been implemented to reflect the current acting arrangements in NSW and WA. The Deputy Commissioners for each State are as follows: |
New South Wales |
Jennifer Collins |
Victoria |
Mike O'Meara |
Queensland |
Alison Stanley |
Western Australia |
Vicki Ludwig |
South Australia |
Ian Kelly |
Tasmania |
Elizabeth Quinn |
Advice Letter Target Audience – March Global Refresh of MIs and/or SHs |
A letter will be produced for the following clients following the March Global Refresh of MIs and/or SHs processing:
|
Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA) |
All DVA Age Pensioner clients with or without DFISA in payment, who are paid at less than the maximum rate of pension and, who have MIs and/or SHs in their assessment will receive an advice letter following the Global Refresh processing. In addition, an advice will be produced for those clients who commence payment of DFISA or whose DFISA payment is cancelled following the March processing regardless of whether they have MIs and/or SHs in their assessment. An example of the advice letter to clients with MIs and/or SHs and in payment of DFISA is shown at ATTACHMENT A. |
Introductory Paragraphs for SP/ISS/AP Client's Advices |
AP clients in receipt of DFISA will have 'multiple outcome' paragraphs printing as part of their introductory paragraphs - advising them of a variation to their AP payment and DFISA payment. All AP/SP/ISS client letters will have either the single or multiple outcome introductory paragraphs printing, advising them of the outcome of their payments, as follows: Multiple Outcome Paragraphs: This is to advise you that your:
This change will take effect from 20 March 2009. Single Outcome Paragraph: This is to advise you that your service pension has been increased/reduced. This change will take effect from 20 March 2009. |
Financial Assets Reassess-ment |
The asset value of MI and/or SH data will be reassessed as part of this process. Clients with MI and/or SH data recorded in their assessment will receive a paragraph advising them of the ...Change to Value of Shares and/or Managed Investments....
This paragraph advises clients about the reassessment program and explains that... The asset value of your shares which are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and/or unit based managed investments has been reassessed. The adjusted value of these investments has been used to work out your pension and has resulted in an increase, (or an overall reduction) to the amount of pension paid to you.' OR ..'has resulted in your pension being reduced to nil.' |
Managed Investments and/or Shares Information Attachment |
All less than maximum rate income support recipients with MIs and/or SHs recorded in their assessment will receive a complete listing of all their MIs and/or SHs regardless of which MIs and/or SHs have been reassessed. We will not be providing clients with a listing of their Full Income and Assets. |
CPI and Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) |
There will be a paragraph which makes a brief reference about CPI and MTAWE increases in all advice letters. Advice on CPI and MTAWE variations will also be included in the March edition of Vetaffairs, to be distributed from 26 March 2009. |
Obligationsto be Suppressed |
Full and Partial obligations are to be suppressed for all letters produced. Reference will be made to previous obligations issued to clients and in the case of Service Pension and Income Support Supplement recipients, reference will also be made to obligations provided in the 'You and Your Pension' Booklet. The Financial Obligations paragraph (including the Prescribed Rates), will be present in the advice for all clients excluding service pensioner and income support supplement pensioners who are reduced to nil. Age pensioners who are reduced to nil, but continue in payment of DFISA will receive their Financial Obligations paragraph including their prescribed rates. |
Telephone Allowance |
Pensioners entitled to a telephone allowance (TA) payment will receive a paragraph advising them about their quarterly payment and the date of that payment – 26 March 2009. The TA paragraph will advise pensioners that ....'TA is a separate payment and is not included in your total fortnightly payment information referred to in the letter.'
The TA paragraph will also provide details of the single and couples TA rates of payment for those with a telephone connection only and for those with a telephone connection with a home internet connection. |
Utilities Allowance |
Pensioners eligible for Utilities Allowance (UA) will be informed of the payment with the following paragraph: 'Utilities allowance is a payment made to you to assist with the payment of energy, rates and water expenses. The quarterly instalment of utilities allowance, will be paid on 26 March 2009. The utilities allowance is a separate payment and is not included in your total fortnightly payment information referred to in this letter. The current rates for utilities allowance are: Singles Rate - $XX.XX Couples Rate (each) - $XX.XX' Clients who reside overseas are not eligible to receive the UA payment. |
Treatment Advices to be Checked |
For the March 2009 Global Refresh the Enclosure (treatment) advice letters will be printed at the nominated printer at each location. It is suggested that these letters be checked for accuracy, and reconciled against the reports received in each location to ensure they reflect the correct treatment paragraphs It should be noted that not all clients who have an advice produced due to a treatment change will have MIs and/or SHs in their assessment. Clients who do not have MIs and/or SHs in the assessment will not have MIs and/or SHs related paragraphs printing in their advice. |
Tasmanian Clients with Overseas Postal Address |
Advice letters for Tasmanian Office clients with an overseas postal address will have their advices printed and posted from the Mailing House. |
Blind Clients will not receive an advice |
Blind clients will not receive an advice. Where a member of a couple is assessed as 'blind' - a single advice will only be produced for the non-blind member who may be affected by the processing. An exception to this rule is where a Blind client with MIs and/or SHs in their assessment is also in payment of rent assistance (RA), which is subject to the income and assets tests and as such, may result in a variation to their RA payment. Where there is a variation to the RA payment for these clients, an advice will be produced. |
General Information Sheet |
The General Information Sheet (GIS) has been updated with the latest pension rates and limits. It will be incorporated into the advice for clients whose income support pension is reduced to nil after batch processing. For information, the GIS has been a part of the daily letter production for grant advices. This practice will continue. |
Single & Joint Addressed Letters |
All service pension and income support supplement recipient couples will receive a joint advice, provided the pensioner addresses are identical. This includes illness separated couples. The batch address defaults determining single and joint advices have been aligned with the PIPS PC daily advice defaults. Where both members of a couple have the same postal address recorded - a joint advice will be produced. Important to note: Staff are reminded when granting Age Pension or for those clients in a joint assessment who request separate or single advices, they need to update this information using the mainframe PRODIMS - Client Correspondence Client Options (CO.CO) Screen - prior to the batch processing run to initiate the client request. The advice default requests set in CO.CO will override the DOCGEN and PIPS advice rules Age pensioner couples will receive separate letters - providing the advice default request has been set in CO.CO. |
SI/Global Refresh Processing |
SI Processing is scheduled to run from Friday evening, 6 March 2009, following the completion of the IPS FORT processing, through until approximately Sunday afternoon, 8 March 2009. |
Critical Dates |
Processing Weekend within DVA (includes 'advices' processing) |
Friday (pm) 6 March 2009 to |
Transmission of Production Data to Mailing House |
Monday, 9 March 2009 |
Mailing House to commence printing Advice Letters |
Tuesday, 10 March 2009 |
Mailing House to commence National lodgement of all Advice Letters at the completion of processing – lodgement of letters with Australia Post can commence from: |
Thursday, 12 March 2009 |
Mailing House to complete National Lodgement of all Advice Letters with Australia Post By: |
Close of business |
Expected Client Numbers |
The approximate number of letters to be sent nationally following processing is approximately 75,000 based on the March 2008 mailout statistics. |
STATE |
APPROX NO. OF ADVICE LETTERS |
NSW (incl ACT) |
22,251 |
VIC |
16,019 |
QLD |
17,376 |
SA |
8,136 |
WA |
7,848 |
TAS |
2,512 |
TAS OS |
501 |
TOTAL |
74,643 |
Printing of Letters |
The contracted mailing house, SALMAT BusinessForce located in Mulgrave Victoria, will print, fold and insert advice letters from Tuesday, 10 March 2009 through until Friday, 13 March 2009. |
Lodgement of Advice Letters with Australia Post |
Once the advice letters have been processed for all locations they will be lodged as a national lodgement with Australia Post, commencing from Thursday, 12 March 2009 with the deadline for all letters to be lodged with Australia Post by COB Friday, 13 March 2009. A representative from the Systems, Cards and Advices Team will notify and confirm all lodgement details. The Contact Officers for this exercise will be given progress reports and advised of any changes to this timetable. |
Centrelink DFISA Advices from CPI Processing |
DVA will be suppressing the printing of all Centrelink daily DFISA variation advices with an effective date of 20 March 2009, which are transmitted to DVA following the running of the Centrelink CPI processing. CLK SI Variation advices will be suppressed for three days on 9 — th, 10 — th and 11 — th March 2009. All other advices will print as part of the normal processing, including CLK DFISA cancellation and grant advices. |
Foreign Pension Refresh Program known as GROOVER |
The foreign pension refresh program referred to as 'GROOVER' (Global Refresh Of Overseas Exchange Rates) is a separate processing exercise to the March 2009 Global Refresh processing and is tentatively scheduled to run on the evening of Wednesday, 11 March 2009 - after the March Global Refresh processing. The effective date of the Foreign Pensions Refresh Run is 20 March 2009 for payday 26 March 2009. Separate Foreign Income advices are produced for clients who have foreign pensions, excluding the British Social Security Pension (type 08), British Official Public Service/Forces pension (type 09) and British Other Income (type 07). Clients whose pension has been varied will receive an advice. The advice letters produced from this processing will be printed at the IBM Printhub and couriered to each Office for posting after the March 2009 quarterly letters have been dispatched. |
Enclosure (Treatment Changes) Advice Letters |
Enclosure (treatment changes) advice letters will be printed at the nominated printer in each location and should be available on your printer on Monday morning, 9 March 2009. Printer Identification as per state locations is as follows: SA – S116P TAS – T003P WA – W014P VIC – V011P NSW – N604P QLD – Q403P We request that these letters be checked for accuracy prior to sending to clients, and are reconciled against the reports received. It should be noted that not all clients who have an advice produced due to a treatment change will have MIs and/or SHs in their assessment. Clients who do not have MIs and/or SHs in the assessment will not have MIs and/or SHs related paragraphs printing in their advice. System Support Officers will receive, via email, State based zip file advices reports containing details of all advices sent, including enclosure advices. |
ZIP Files of Advice Schedule Reports |
Zip Files listing details of all clients who receive an advice will be emailed to the Income Support System Support Officers during the week following the processing run. These Zip Files replace printed hard copies of the Advices Schedule Reports. |
Reduction to Nil Letters |
As is the procedure for quarterly processing, any Reduction to Nil advice letters will print at the nominated printer in each location. Staff are required to include a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) claim form, a CSHC fact sheet and an envelope for clients to return the completed form in. |
MOA 15 or MOA 16 Cases - An advice to be produced |
Clients who have MIs and/or SHs in their assessment and are paid War Widows Pension and Rent Assistance (RA) but whose income support supplement or service pension is paid at the nil rate will receive an advice letter if their RA has varied following the Global Refresh. |
Reprints of Advices Available using VIEW – Advices Tab |
Reprints of individual advice letters produced from the quarterly processing can be requested via VIEW - Advices Tab reprint facility. Quarterly advice reprints are available and can be requested from day one of the next quarter ie., March quarterly advices from 01/04/yyyy, June quarterly advices from 01/07/yyyy and September quarterly advices from 01/10/yyyy. |
'HELD' Advices to be Forced |
As part of the Batch processing run any advices in 'Held' status will be forced to print. Forced held advices will print at each respective Office's nominated printer as part of the production processing. Please ensure your designated printer is fully operational during the processing period. These advices will need to be checked to ensure the information in them is correct prior to posting. |
Holding of daily advice letters |
Daily payment advice letters produced after the processing run on the weekend of 7/8 March 2009 should be held pending notification that the March 2009 quarterly letters have been dispatched. This will ensure that pensioners receive their advice letters in chronological order. |
Manual Advices Required – for PA only back onto payment of Service Pension |
Following the March SI and Global Refresh processing there may be some instances where clients have gone from payment of Pharmaceutical Allowance (PA) (MOA 99 cases) only, onto payment of Service Pension. Following PIPS processing of these cases a 'new grant' advice with fringe benefits paragraphs and other related new grant information is produced. A new grant advice does not convey the appropriate wording for this situation, and as such the PIPs advice should be suppressed and a manual advice produced. |
Income Support Contact Officers |
NSW,SA, WA & ACT: Peter Rajaratnam [49] – ext 27106 QLD & VIC: Steve Jensen [50] – ext 48835 |
Feedback from Staff |
Any concerns regarding letters produced as part of this run should be directed to Anissa Lam. Please forward your feedback or query to Anissa via Phone : ext 27169 Fax : 02 9213 7885 Email : anissa.lam@dva.gov.au [31] Every effort will be made to develop solutions to address any concerns raised. Please ensure that problems are reported as early as possible. |
Letter Content |
Details of the proposed content of the letters, including sample letters and sequencing of paragraphs are included in Attachment A. Attachment A – Paragraph sequencing and Advice Letter Examples: Example 1A: SP Increase - Less than Maximum rate remaining on Less than Maximum rate- with MIs/SHs in assessment, TA in Payment, Utilities Allowance (UA) in payment. Example 2A: ISS Increase remaining on Less than Maximum rate, with MIs/SHs in assessment, TA not in Payment, UA in payment, RA in payment. Example 3A: SP Reduction to Nil. with MIs and/or SHs in assessment, Nil TA in payment, Nil UA in payment, RA cancelled. Example 4A: Age Pension Increase, DFISA varied, with MIs and/or SHs in assessment, TA in payment, UA in payment. |
Letter Variables |
Please note, in the following samples:
|
ATTACHMENT A
EXAMPLE 1A:
GPO Box 651, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact: Brisbane Office
Telephone: Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
1!!11 IIIll l 111 1I!! (Barcode?) Postal Address:
JOHN SMITH GPO Box 651 Brisbane Qld 4001
MARY SMITH
29 MARGARET STREEET Telephone:
IPSWICH QLD 4010 Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8479
8 March 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mr and Mrs SMITH,
This is to advise you that your service pension has been increased. This change will take effect from 20 March 2009.
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
The asset value of your shares which are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and/or unit based managed investments has been reassessed. The adjusted value of these investments has been used to work out your service pension payment and has resulted in an increase to the amount of service pension paid to you. The value of other income and assets you may have has not been affected by this reassessment.
Please refer to the 'Shares and Managed Investments Information' Attachment included in this letter. This Attachment details all of your shares and/or managed investments regardless of whether there has been a change to that share or managed investment. It is important that you check that this list is a full and accurate statement of your shares and/or managed investments.
We have not provided you with a complete listing of any other income or assets you may have in your assessment, as they have not been changed in this assessment. However, they continue to be used in assessing the amount of service pension you are paid.
Your pension has also been adjusted in line with movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE).
Telephone Allowance
Your quarterly telephone allowance will be paid on 26 March 2009, together with your pension payment. Your telephone allowance is a separate payment and is not included in your total fortnightly payment information referred to in this letter. The current quarterly telephone allowance rates are:
Singles Rate - $XX.XX (telephone only)
$XXX.XX (telephone with home internet)
Couples Rate (each) - $XX.XX (telephone only)
$XXX.XX (telephone with home internet)
Utilities allowance is a payment made to you to assist with the payment of energy, rates and water expenses. The quarterly instalment of the utilities allowance will be paid on 26 March 2009. The utilities allowance is a separate payment and is not included in your total fortnightly payment information referred to in this letter. The current rates of utilities allowance are:
Singles Rate - $XX.XX
Couples Rate (each) - $XX.XX
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas or receive remote area allowance) if your combined gross income from all sources is more than $XXXX.XX per fortnight or the value of your combined assets is more than $XXXXXX.XX.
We have explained your obligations to you in previous letters and the booklet 'You and Your Pension'. These obligations still apply.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
If you do not agree with this variation to your pension, you may apply to have it reviewed by a Review Officer at this office. If you do decide to apply, you must do so within three months of being advised of this decision. Such a request for review must be in writing, and must set out your reasons for seeking this review.
If you have any questions about matters concerning Income Support issues you should contact our Income Support Staff on 1300 550 452. For any other inquiries please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
As Delegate of the Secretary and Repatriation Commission
PAYMENT INFORMATION ATTACHMENT
The Department now calculates pension payments on a daily basis. This means that your fortnightly pension payment is made up of 14 days of entitlement of pension. Therefore, when there is a change to your circumstances on any particular day in the fortnight - your pension will be adjusted from that day. For that reason your pension payment may be different for one or two paydays after a reassessment.
Payment for 26 March 2009VeteranPartner
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENTxxx.xxxxx.xx
This is made up of:
- xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxxx.xx
- xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx x.xx x.xx
Payment for 9 April 2009VeteranPartner
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENTxxx.xxxxx.xx
This is made up of:
- xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxxx.xx
- xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx x.xx x.xx
Please Note: If you have an overpayment or lump sum advance which is currently being recovered (by deductions from your fortnightly pension), the amount paid into your account may be less than the total fortnightly payment shown above.
SHARES AND MANAGED INVESTMENTS INFORMATION
(Information current as at 8 March 2009)
You are receiving service pension at less than the maximum rate payable. (If client goes from LMAX to MAX rate this sentence will read: 'You are receiving service pension at the maximum rate payable.)
You are currently paid under the income test. The total of your assessed gross fortnightly income is $x,xxx.xx. The total of all your assets (excluding any deductible assets) is $xxx,xxx.xx.
Information about your shares and managed investments is provided below.
The asset values of your shares which are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and/or unit based managed investments have been automatically updated.
The asset values of any unlisted public company shares, overseas shares, options, rights and futures or account based managed investments you hold have not been updated. You must tell us if the asset value of these investments has varied by $1,000 or more.
The information below sets out the values for the shares and/or managed investments in your current assessment.
Listed Securities and Unlisted Public Securities
Description |
No. of Shares |
Asset Amount |
XXXXXX |
X,XXX |
$XX,XXX.XX |
QQQQQQQQQQQQQ |
XXX |
$ X,XXX.XX |
Managed Investments
Description |
Units |
Asset Amount |
VVVVVVVVVV |
XX |
$XX.XX |
CCCCCCCCCCCCC |
XXX |
$XX.XX |
Note: Income from financial assets is deemed.
Important Information: We have not provided you with a complete listing of any other income or assets you may have in your assessment, as they have not been changed in this assessment. However, they continue to be used in assessing the amount of service pension you are paid. If they have changed, please notify the Department immediately.
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas or receive remote area allowance) if the above list of your Shares and/or Managed Investments is incomplete or incorrect; or if the number of shares or units you hold has changed. Please note that failure to advise of incorrect or missing information about your shares or managed investments, or about other income or asset changes, may lead to your pension being overpaid. Such overpayments are recoverable.
EXAMPLE 2A:
GPO Box 651, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact: Brisbane Office
Telephone: Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
1!!11 IIIll l 111 1I!! (Barcode?) Postal Address:
MRS THOMSON GPO Box 651 Brisbane Qld 4001
15 LIVERPOOL STREET
BRISBANE QLD 4000 Telephone:
Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8479
8 March 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX666666
Dear Mrs THOMPSON,
This is to advise you that your:
This change will take effect from 20 March 2009.
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
The asset value of your shares which are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and/or unit based managed investments has been reassessed. The adjusted value of these investments has been used to work out your income support supplement payment and has resulted in an increase to the amount of income support supplement paid to you. The value of other income and assets you may have has not been affected by this reassessment.
Please refer to the 'Shares and Managed Investments Information' Attachment included in this letter. This Attachment details all of your shares and/or managed investments regardless of whether there has been a change to that share or managed investment. It is important that you check that this list is a full and accurate statement of your shares and/or managed investments.
We have not provided you with a complete listing of any other income or assets you may have in your assessment, as they have not been changed in this assessment. However, they continue to be used in assessing the amount of income support supplement you are paid.
Your pension has also been adjusted in line with movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE).
Utilities allowance is a payment made to you to assist with the payment of energy, rates and water expenses. The quarterly instalment of the utilities allowance will be paid on 26 March 2009. The utilities allowance is a separate payment and is not included in your total fortnightly payment information referred to in this letter. The current rates of utilities allowance are:
Singles Rate - $XX.XX
Couples Rate (each) - $XX.XX
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas or receive remote area allowance) if your gross income is more than $XXXX.XX per fortnight or the value of your assets is more than $XXXXXX.XX.
We have explained your obligations to you in previous letters and the booklet 'You and Your Pension'. These obligations still apply.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
If you do not agree with this variation to your pension, you may apply to have it reviewed by a Review Officer at this office. If you do decide to apply, you must do so within three months of being advised of this decision. Such a request for review must be in writing, and must set out your reasons for seeking this review.
If you have any questions about matters concerning Income Support issues you should contact our Income Support Staff on 1300 550 452. For any other inquiries please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
As Delegate of the Secretary and Repatriation Commission
ATTACHMENTS
EXAMPLE 3A:
GPO Box 651, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact: Brisbane Office
Telephone: Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
1!!11 IIIll l 111 1I!! (Barcode?) Postal Address:
WILLIAM TELL GPO Box 651 Brisbane Qld 4001
29 ELLIOT STREET
SMITHFIELD QLD 4021 Telephone:
Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8479
8 March 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX333444
Dear Mr TELL,
This is to advise you that your:
This change will take effect from 20 March 2009.
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
The asset value of your shares which are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and/or unit based managed investments has been reassessed. The adjusted value of these investments has been used to work out your service pension payment and has resulted in your service pension being reduced to nil. The value of other income and assets you may have has not been affected by this reassessment.
Please refer to the 'Shares and Managed Investments Information' Attachment included in this letter. This Attachment details all of your shares and/or managed investments regardless of whether there has been a change to that share and managed investment. It is important that you check that this list is a full and accurate statement of your shares and/or managed investments.
We have not provided you with a complete listing of any other income or assets you may have in your assessment, as they have not been changed in this assessment. However, they continue to be used in assessing the amount of service pension you are paid.
Your pension has also been adjusted in line with movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE).
Pensioner Concession Card
As your service pension is no longer payable, you no longer qualify for fringe benefits from this Department. Please destroy your existing Pensioner Concession Card as it is illegal for this card to be used after cancellation and use can be checked by electronic validation by some concession providers.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Since you no longer qualify for fringe benefits for a Pensioner Concession Card, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) providing you are of pension age. A CSHC claim form and fact sheet are enclosed for your information. If you do not already have a CSHC from Centrelink and would like to claim a CSHC from the Department of Veterans' Affairs, please return your claim form in the envelope provided.
Your Right to Re-Apply
You may re-apply to have your service pension restored at any time if your income and/or assets fall below the limits that would allow for payment of the pension.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
Your Right of Review
If you do not agree with this variation to your pension, you may apply to have it reviewed by a Review Officer at this office. If you do decide to apply, you must do so within three months of being advised of this decision. Such a request for review must be in writing, and must set out your reasons for seeking this review.
If you have any questions about matters concerning Income Support issues you should contact our Income Support Staff on 1300 550 452. For any other inquiries please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
As Delegate of the Secretary and Repatriation Commission
DFISA LETTERS
EXAMPLE 4A:
GPO Box 651, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact: Brisbane Office
Telephone: Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
1!!11 IIIll l 111 1I!! (Barcode?) Postal Address:
PHILLIP JOHNSTON GPO Box 651 Brisbane Qld 4001
30 ELIZABETH STREET
TOOWOOMBA QLD 4045 Telephone:
IPSWICH QLD 4010 Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8479
8 March 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mr JOHNSTON,
This is to advise you that your:
This change will take effect from 20 March 2009.
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
The asset value of your shares which are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and/or unit based managed investments has been reassessed. The adjusted value of these investments has been used to work out your age pension payment and has resulted in an increase to the amount of age pension paid to you. The value of other income and assets you may have has not been affected by this reassessment.
Please refer to the 'Shares and Managed Investments Information' Attachment included in this letter. This Attachment details all of your shares and/or managed investments regardless of whether there has been a change to that share or managed investment. It is important that you check that this list is a full and accurate statement of your shares and/or managed investments.
We have not provided you with a complete listing of any other income or assets you may have in your assessment, as they have not been changed in this assessment. However, they continue to be used in assessing the amount of age pension you are paid.
Your pension has also been adjusted in line with movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE).
Telephone Allowance
Your quarterly telephone allowance will be paid on 26 March 2009, together with your pension payment. Your telephone allowance is a separate payment and is not included in your total fortnightly payment information referred to in this letter. The current quarterly telephone allowance rates are:
Singles Rate - $XX.XX (telephone only)
$XXX.XX (telephone with home internet)
Couples Rate (each) - $XX.XX (telephone only)
$XXX.XX (telephone with home internet)
Utilities allowance is a payment made to you to assist with the payment of energy, rates and water expenses. The quarterly instalment of the utilities allowance will be paid on 26 March 2009. The utilities allowance is a separate payment and is not included in your total fortnightly payment information referred to in this letter. The current rates for utilities allowance are:
Singles Rate - $XX.XX
Couples Rate (each) - $XX.XX
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas) if your combined gross income from all sources is more than $XXXX.XX per fortnight or the value of your combined assets is more than $XXXXXX.XX.
We have explained your obligations to you in previous letters. These obligations still apply.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
If you do not agree with this decision, you can contact your nearest Veterans' Affairs office and discuss the reasons for the decision. If you remain dissatisfied, you may apply to have the decision reviewed by an Authorised Review Officer, with no prior involvement in the case. If you decide to apply for a review more than 13 weeks from the day this notice is given to you, arrears can only be paid from the date we receive your application. Requests for review may be made in person, by telephone or writing.
The rate of DFISA paid to you is derived from your age pension assessment. You may seek to have your age pension assessment reviewed if you are dissatisfied with your DFISA rate.
If you have any questions about matters concerning Income Support issues you should contact our Income Support Staff on 1300 550 452. For any other inquiries please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
As Delegate of the Secretary
PAYMENT INFORMATION ATTACHMENT
The Department now calculates pension payments on a daily basis. This means that your fortnightly pension payment is made up of 14 days of entitlement of pension. Therefore, when there is a change to your circumstances on any particular day in the fortnight - your pension will be adjusted from that day. For that reason your pension payment may be different for one or two paydays after a reassessment.
Payment for 26 March 2009
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT $XXX.XX
This is made up of:
- Disability pension — XXX.XX
- Defence Force Income Support Allowance XX.XX
- Age pension — XXX.XX
- Pharmaceutical allowance X.XX
Payment for 9 April 2009
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT $XXX.XX
This is made up of:
- Disability pension — XXX.XX
- Defence Force Income Support Allowance XX.XX
- Age pension — XXX.XX
- Pharmaceutical allowance X.XX
Please Note: If you have an overpayment or lump sum advance which is currently being recovered (by deductions from your fortnightly pension), the amount paid into your account may be less than the total fortnightly payment shown above.
SHARES AND MANAGED INVESTMENTS INFORMATION
(Information current as at 08 March 2009)
You are receiving age pension at less than the maximum rate payable.
You are currently paid under the income test. The total of your assessed gross fortnightly income is $x,xxx.xx. The total of all your assets (excluding any deductible assets) is $xxx,xxx.xx.
Information about your shares and managed investments is provided below.
The asset value of your shares which are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and/or unit based managed investments have been automatically updated.
The asset values of any unlisted public company shares, overseas shares, options, rights and futures or account based managed investments you hold have not been updated. You must tell us if the asset value of these investments has varied by $1,000 or more.
The information below sets out the values for the shares and/or managed investments in your current assessment.
Listed Securities and Unlisted Public Securities
Description |
No. of Shares |
Asset Amount |
XXXXXX |
X,XXX |
$XX,XXX.XX |
QQQQQQQQQQQQQ |
XXX |
$ X,XXX.XX |
Managed Investments
Description |
Units |
Asset Amount |
VVVVVVVVVV |
XX |
$XX.XX |
CCCCCCCCCCCCC |
XXX |
$XX.XX |
Note: Income from financial assets is deemed.
Important Information: We have not provided you with a complete listing of any other income or assets you may have in your assessment, as they have not been changed in this assessment. However, they continue to be used in assessing the amount of age pension you are paid. If they have changed, please notify the Department immediately.
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas) if the above list of your Shares and/or Managed Investments is incomplete or incorrect; or if the number of shares or units you hold has changed. Please note that failure to advise of incorrect or missing information about your shares or managed investments, or about other income or asset changes, may lead to your pension being overpaid. Such overpayments are recoverable.
DATE OF ISSUE: 6 February 2009
Exchange Rate Variation of Pounds Sterling – Effect on Income Support & Disability Pensioners
Amends DI No. |
C01/2009 [52] |
Replaces DI No. |
Amended by DI No |
Purpose of Instruction |
The purpose of this Departmental Instruction is to provide information about the Pounds Sterling exchange rate variation exercise. |
Introduction |
Following the recent variation in UK - Australian exchange rates, DVA will apply a new exchange rate for the assessment of the rate of income support & disability pensions for those in receipt of all income paid in Pounds Sterling:
|
New Exchange Rate |
The exchange rate used to convert Pounds Sterling to Australian Dollars for income support assessment purposes has changed from one Pound Sterling = A$2.0483 to one Pound Sterling equals A$2.1195 (i.e. $A1 = ?0.4718). This rate reflects the average of the “on demand airmail buying rate” for the two weeks to 23 January 2009. |
Date of Effect10 February 2009 |
Effective from 10 February 2009 the current exchange rate will change. On pension payday 26 February 2009 pensioners with relevant British income would usually expect to receive a full installment at the new assessed rate. |
Automatic Processing |
Processing to implement the new exchange rate is scheduled for the evening of Monday, 9 February 2009. Amounts recorded as foreign super type non-government British other income (07), British Social Security Pension (08) or British Official Public Service/Forces Pension (09) will be varied by applying the exchange rate to the pounds sterling amount recorded, to determine the new rate of pension in Australian dollars. The income support payment will then be reassessed automatically. |
Manual Cases |
Cases with actions in submission or determined status will not be processed automatically and will be frozen. These cases will be listed on the manual listing for follow up action, and CMS/PIPS cases will be created automatically for action. Any cases processed through PIPS should be reassessed with effect from 10 February 2009 for payday 26 February 2009. |
Non-Government British Other Income (07) |
Previously non-government British other income (07) was refreshed every six months in March and September with other foreign currencies (GROOVER). As a result of a review of British pensions approved by the Repatriation Commission all sterling payments, including British other income (07) are adjusted in uniform exchange rate variations. |
British DP Cases |
Income Support pensioners who are in receipt of ISS, age pension (AP) or service pension with rent assistance (SPRA); and, who also receive disability (war) pension direct from Britain should have that disability pension converted to $A using this exchange rate. ISS, AP and SPRA should be recalculated by doing a PIPS assessment. These cases can be extracted through AIS by each location. Note: If DP has already been assessed as income in determining hardship cases it should not also be assessed as income for RA. |
EATS and Composite Cases |
EATS and Composite cases are subject to the daily exchange rate variation of plus or minus 2.5%. These cases can be extracted through AIS by each location and recalculated by doing a PIPS assessment. Attachment A shows the amount per fortnight in Australian dollars to be applied for the varying United Kingdom amounts. For further details refer to Departmental Instruction DI C — 22/2005 [44] issued by Veterans' Compensation. |
Printing & Lodgement of Letters |
SALMAT will print, envelope and lodge the advice letters with Australia Post on or before 19 February 2009. An advice letter will only be produced for cases where there is a variation in payment. The letters will be two pages and include the new exchange rate, amount of income and new ongoing pension amount. Joint letters will be produced where both members of a couple are in receipt of pension from the British government and their pension varies. Age pensioners will receive separate advices. |
Estimated Number of Advices to be Generated |
The approximate number of advices to be produced for each State are: |
NSW |
1979 |
VIC |
1697 |
QLD |
1705 |
SA |
1795 |
WA |
1616 |
TAS |
278 |
TAS OS CLIENTS |
304 |
TOTAL |
9,374 |
Tasmanian Overseas Clients |
Tasmanian clients who have an overseas postal address will have the full overseas address printed on their advice letters. The advice letters will be printed, enveloped and sent from the mailing house. |
Streamed Advices |
The following will be streamed for printing by IBM GSA and sent by courier to each location:
|
Contact officer |
The contact officer for this exercise is Sarah Paras [47]: ext 16534. |
John Sadeik
National Manager
Income Support
6 February 2009
ATTACHMENT A
POUND STERLING EXCHANGE RATE FOR PENSIONS FROM UK GOVERNMENT
Foreign exchange period Exchange rate
From |
To |
$ in ? |
? in $ |
10 February 09 |
0.4718 |
2.1195 |
|
13 January 09 |
9 February 09 |
0.4882 |
2.0483 |
18 November 08 |
12 January 09 |
0.4394 |
2.2758 |
21 October 08 |
17 November 08 |
0.4118 |
2.4284 |
23 September 08 |
20 October 08 |
0.4629 |
2.1603 |
26 August 08 |
22 September 08 |
0.4753 |
2.1039 |
20 May 08 |
25 August 08 |
0.4902 |
2.0400 |
26 February 08 |
19 May 08 |
0.4733 |
2.1128 |
15 January 08 |
25 February 08 |
0.4553 |
2.1964 |
9 October 07 |
14 January 08 |
0.4425 |
2.2599 |
28 August 07 |
8 October 07 |
0.4186 |
2.3889 |
3 July 07 |
27 August 07 |
0.4315 |
2.3175 |
27 March 07 |
2 July 07 |
0.4164 |
2.4015 |
10 October 06 |
26 March 07 |
0.4047 |
2.4710 |
11 April 06 |
9 October 06 |
0.4170 |
2.3981 |
30 August 05 |
10 April 06 |
0.4277 |
2.3381 |
2 August 05 |
29 August 05 |
0.4398 |
2.2738 |
21 June 05 |
1 August 05 |
0.4263 |
2.3458 |
1 February 05 |
20 June 05 |
0.4126 |
2.4237 |
4 January 05 |
31 January 05 |
0.4004 |
2.4975 |
23 November 04 |
3 January 05 |
0.4202 |
2.3798 |
12 October 04 |
22 November 04 |
0.4065 |
2.4600 |
20 July 04 |
11 October 04 |
0.3938 |
2.5394 |
6 July 04 |
19 July 04 |
0.3828 |
2.6123 |
25 May 04 |
5 July 04 |
0.3961 |
2.5246 |
2 March 04 |
24 May 04 |
0.4200 |
2.3810 |
25 November 03 |
1 March 04 |
0.4308 |
2.3213 |
DATE OF ISSUE: 3 February 2009
Unsigned Claim Forms
Amends DI No. |
|
Replaces DI No. |
C31/2007 [54] |
Purpose |
The purpose of this Instruction is to clarify what action should be taken if a claimant sends in an unsigned claim form, and how that claim should be treated. Please note that this DI replaces DI C31/2007. |
|
Introduction |
The various compensation and pension claim forms used by DVA require the claimant, or another person legally authorised to sign on the claimant's behalf, to sign the form. As well as showing that the claimant is a person who can claim, the signature indicates that the information on the form is true and complete, and authorises DVA to obtain medical information about the claimant needed to process and determine the claim. It is understandable that sometimes claimants may forget to provide a signature or may not see the last page of the form where the signature is requested. However, if a form is lodged without a signature, the validity of the claim will be unclear, and DVA will not be authorised to collect the information required to process the claim. Therefore, in order for claims in this category to be progressed, DVA officers must take action to obtain a signature from the claimant. |
|
Relevant Claim Forms |
Examples of forms to which this DI applies are as follows: Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
Claim for Compensation for Dependants of Deceased Members and Former Members (form D2053). |
|
Procedure |
If a DVA officer receives a claim form which does not include a signature from the claimant or another person legally authorised to sign on behalf of the claimant, the officer must complete the following steps:
NOTE: Do not seek any information from external agencies or medical professionals until a signed claim form is received. |
|
Date of Lodgement |
The date of lodgement for claim forms received without a signature is the date the form is originally received by DVA, and not the date the signed form is received. |
|
Informal Claims (VEA) |
A form received without a signature is not an informal claim for the purposes of the VEA. An informal claim is a claim received in the form of a written document other than in accordance with an approved form and is treated differently. See Departmental Instruction C39/97 [56] for information on informal VEA claims. Under the SRCA and the MRCA there is no distinction between an informal claim or a formal claim. There is but one claim made on an approved form and the claim must be signed by the person entitled to claim before any determination of liability or compensation is made. |
|
What if the claimant has died? |
If the claimant has died without signing his or her claim form and another person exists who is legally authorised, or can be approved by the Commission, to sign on the claimant's behalf, section 126 VEA, section 55 SRCA or section 321 MRCA applies. |
|
What if the person has already provided the information required? |
The signature on the claim form provides the claimant's authority to obtain any information about them that is required for processing the claim. If the person provides with their form detailed information addressing their claim, it may appear that their signature is not required. However, it is important to always obtain the person's signature, or the signature of a person legally authorised to sign on their behalf, whether or not it appears that it is required, because circumstances can arise during the processing of the claim that are not evident when it is received. An example of this is if the person has received compensation through another source, details of which are required for offsetting purposes. |
|
What if the claim form has been faxed or scanned? |
It is important to note that while a scanned signature can be accepted as authentic, for a form to be taken to be lodged it must be lodged in accordance with section 5T VEA, section 54 SRCA or section 323 MRCA. Current requirements for electronic lodgement are that only forms faxed to numbers specified in instruments number 2005/R28 (VEA) and an instrument made under section 323 of the MRCA are considered to be lodged. This means that where someone is lodging a form, it cannot be scanned and emailed. If a faxed form which has been otherwise correctly lodged via fax is not signed, the Delegate must process it in the same way as forms that have been sent in hard copy without a signature. |
|
Contact
|
Any enquiries about this Instruction or clarification on this issue should be directed to Veterans' Compensation Policy Section at the ACT location. |
|
Sean Farrelly
National Manager
Compensation Policy Group
DATE OF ISSUE: 31 January 2009
January 2009 Deeming Rate Change Letter Production and Mailout
Amends DI No. |
|
Replaces DI No. |
Purpose of Instruction |
This Departmental Instruction is to provide you with information about the processing arrangements for the January 2009 Deeming Rate change advice letter production and mailout. |
Introduction |
In recognition of the continuing downturn in the global investment market and recent interest rate reductions, the upper deeming rate for pension assessment purposes is to be reduced by 1%. As a result, the deeming rate for financial assets above the deeming threshold ($41,000 for singles and $68,200 for couples) is reduced from 5% to 4%. The below-threshold rate will remain unchanged at 3% - this rate was lowered in November 2008. The deeming rate change will be processed on the weekend of 31 January to 1 February 2009. Any SP/ISS/AP variations resulting from this exercise will be effective from 27 January 2009, the first day of the pension period, for payday 12 February 2009. Advice letters will only be produced for clients whose pension has varied due to a change in deemed income. Clients will not receive an advice if their pensions continue at the same rates. This Departmental Instruction provides information about the advice letter production and mailout for this processing exercise, and advises of any significant issues relating to the mailout. |
Advice Letter Target Audience |
|
$ Minimum Rules |
Note that there may be a small number of pensioners whose pension varied solely due to a previous suppression of less than $1 pension change, but whose deemed income remained unchanged. An advice in the format described in this instruction will not be produced, as such an advice will not convey the correct reason for the pension variation. Such cases, if any, will instead be reported out separately for further consideration. |
Blind Clients will not receive an advice |
Blind clients will not receive an advice. Where a member of a couple is assessed as 'blind', a single advice will be produced for the non-blind member who may be affected by the processing. An exception to this rule is when a Blind client on income support is also in payment of rent assistance (RA). The RA is subject to the income and assets tests, and as such the deeming rate change may result in a variation to their RA payment. Where there is a variation to the RA payment for these clients, an advice will be produced. |
Tasmanian Clients with Overseas Postal Address |
Advice letters for Tasmanian Office clients with an overseas postal address will have their advices printed and posted from the Mailing House. |
Single & Joint Addressed Letters |
All service pension and income support supplement recipient couples will receive a joint advice, provided the pensioner addresses are identical. This includes illness separated couples. The batch address defaults determining single and joint advices have been aligned with the PIPS PC daily advice defaults. Where both members of a couple have the same postal address recorded, a joint advice will be produced.
Important to note: Staff are reminded when granting Age Pension or for those clients in a joint assessment who request separate or single advices, they need to update this information using the mainframe PRODIMS - Client Correspondence Client Options (CO.CO) Screen - prior to the batch processing run to initiate the client request. The advice default requests set in CO.CO will override the DOCGEN and PIPS advice rules Age pensioner couples will receive separate letters, providing the advice default request has been set in CO.CO. |
Special Paragraph |
Clients whose payments are varied as a result of the Deeming Rate change will receive a paragraph outlining the change:Deemed Interest Rate Change – Financial AssetsWith effect from 27 January 2009, the deemed interest rates will change. The new deemed income rates of 3% for amounts up to $41,000 ($68,200 per couple) and 4% for amounts over $41,000 ($68,200 per couple), will be used to work out the amount of income calculated from your financial assets.
This has resulted in a change to the income amounts used to work out your rate of service pension/age pension/income support supplement. |
Income & Assets |
Clients' income and assets will not be provided in the advices. However, a table showing the total financial assets, deeming rates and deemed income will be provided. |
Obligations |
Full and Partial Obligations will be suppressed for all letters produced. The Financial Obligations paragraph, including the Prescribed Rates, will be present in the advices for all clients. |
Right of Review |
A right of review paragraph will be present in all letters. |
Deeming Rate Change Processing |
The Deeming Rate Change Processing is scheduled to run on the weekend 31 January to 1 February 2009. |
Critical Dates |
Processing weekend within DVA (includes advices processing) |
31 January to 1 February 2009 |
Transmission of Production Data to Mailing House |
Monday, 2 February 2009 |
Mailing House to commence printing Advice Letters |
Tuesday, 3 February 2009 |
Mailing House to commence National Lodgement of letters with Australia Post from: |
Friday, 6 February 2009 |
Mailing House must complete National Lodgement of all Advice Letters with Australia Post by: |
COB Friday, 6 February 2009 |
Printing of Letters |
The contracted mailing house, SALMAT Businessforce, will print, fold and insert advice letters, and handle all mail processing from their site at Mulgrave Victoria. |
Lodgement of Advice Letters with Australia Post |
Once the advice letters have been processed for all States they will be lodged as a national lodgement with Australia Post. Lodgement is scheduled to take place on 6 February 2009, with the deadline for all letters to be lodged with Australia Post by COB Friday, 6 February 2009. A representative from the Systems, Cards and Advices Team will notify and confirm all lodgement details. The Contact Officers for this exercise will be given progress reports and advised of any changes to this timetable. |
Cases in Investigation Stage |
The deeming rate change processing run will not update any assessment where a frozen action assessment exists. Any such cases will be listed for subsequent manual processing by State location staff. To minimise the number of manual cases created, all outstanding PIPS worksheets must be finalised or deleted by close of business Friday 30 January 2009. |
Treatment Advices to be Checked |
Enclosure (treatment change) advices will be printed at the nominated printer at each location, as listed: NSW - N604P QLD - Q403P SA - S116P TAS - T003P VIC - V011P WA - W014P These advices will be available on Monday morning 2 February 2009. It is suggested that these letters be checked for accuracy, and reconciled against the Advice Schedule Reports to ensure they reflect the correct treatment changes. |
ZIP Files of Advice Schedule Reports |
A Zip File listing details of all clients who receive an advice will be emailed to the Income Support System Support Officers in the week following the processing run. |
MOA 15 or MOA 16 Cases - An advice to be produced |
Clients who are paid War Widows Pension and Rent Assistance (RA) but whose income support supplement or service pension is paid at the nil rate will receive an advice letter if their RA has varied following the Deeming Rate change. |
Reprints of Advices Available using VIEW – Advices Tab |
Reprints of individual advice letters produced from the Deeming Rate change processing can be requested via VIEW - Advices Tab Reprint facility. The advices can be requested using the 'DAILY' option in Reprint Advices – Pre DOCGEN2 folder. Staff will be able to request a reprint immediately after the processing run on Monday 2 February 2009. |
Holding of daily advice letters |
Daily payment advice letters produced from 2 February 2009 after the processing run should be held pending notification that the Deeming Rate change letters have been dispatched. This will ensure that pensioners receive their advice letters in chronological order. |
Manual Advices Required – for PA only back onto payment of Service Pension |
Following the Deeming Rate change, there may be some instances where clients have gone from payment of Pharmaceutical Allowance (PA) (MOA 99 cases) only, onto payment of Service Pension. These cases are to be processed manually via PIPS. Following PIPS processing of these cases, a 'new grant' advice with fringe benefits paragraphs and other related new grant information is produced. A new grant advice does not convey the appropriate wording for this situation, and as such the PIPS advice should be suppressed and a manual advice produced. |
Income Support Contact Officers |
NSW, SA, WA & TAS: Peter Rajaratnam – ext 27106 QLD & VIC: Steve Jensen – ext 48835 |
Feedback from Staff |
Any concerns regarding letters produced as part of this run should be directed to Anissa Lam. Please forward your feedback or query to Anissa Lam via Phone : ext 27169 Fax : (02) 9213 7885 Email : anissa.lam@dva.gov.au [31] Every effort will be made to develop solutions to address any concerns raised. Please ensure that problems are reported as early as possible. |
Letter Content |
Details of the content of the letters, including sample letters and sequencing of paragraphs are included in Attachment A. Attachment A – Paragraph sequencing and Advice Letter Examples: Example 1A: SP increase – Either from Less than Maximum rate to Less than Maximum rate or increase from Less than Maximum rate to Max rate amount. Example 2A: Age Pensioner Increase, DFISA varied |
Letter Variables |
Please note, in the following samples:
|
ATTACHMENT A
EXAMPLE 1A:
GPO Box 651, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact: Queensland Office
Telephone: Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
1!!11 IIIll l 111 1I!! (Barcode?) Postal Address:
JOHN SMITH GPO Box 651 Brisbane Qld 4001
MARY SMITH
29 MARGARET STREET Telephone:
IPSWICH QLD 4010 Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8479
1 February 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mr and Mrs SMITH,
This is to advise you that your service pension has been increased. This change will take effect from 27 January 2009.
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
With effect from 27 January 2009, the deemed interest rates will change. The new deemed income rates of 3% for amounts up to $41,000 ($68,200 per couple) and 4% for amounts over $41,000 ($68,200 per couple), will be used to work out the amount of income calculated from your financial assets.
This has resulted in a change to the income amounts used to work out your rate of service pension.
FINANCIAL ASSETS VALUE |
DEEMED INTEREST RATE |
DEEMED INCOME PER FORTNIGHT |
$XX,XXX.XX |
3% |
$XX.XX |
$XX,XXX.XX |
4% |
$X — X — X.XX |
$XXX,XXX.XX |
$XXX.XX |
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas or receive remote area allowance) if your combined gross income from all sources is more than $XXXX.XX per fortnight or the value of your combined assets is more than $XXX,XXX.XX.
We have explained your obligations to you in previous letters and the booklet 'You and Your Pension'. These obligations still apply.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
If you do not agree with this variation to your pension, you may apply to have it reviewed by a Review Officer at this office. If you do decide to apply, you must do so within three months of being advised of this decision. Such a request for review must be in writing, and must set out your reasons for seeking this review.
If you have any questions regarding Income Support issues you should contact us on 1300 550 452 (Capital city callers) or 1800 550 452 (Non-Capital city callers). For any other enquiries please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner
as Delegate of the Secretary and Repatriation Commission
PAYMENT INFORMATION ATTACHMENT
The Department now calculates pension payments on a daily basis. This means that your fortnightly pension payment is made up of 14 days of entitlement of pension. Therefore, when there is a change to your circumstances on any particular day in the fortnight - your pension will be adjusted from that day. For that reason your pension payment may be different for one or two paydays after a reassessment.
Payment for 12 FEBRUARY 2009VeteranPartner
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT$XXX.XX $XXX.XX
This is made up of:
- Service pension XXX.XX XXX.XX
- Pharmaceutical allowance X.XX X.XX
Please Note: If you have an overpayment or lump sum advance which is currently being recovered (by deductions from your fortnightly pension), the amount paid into your account may be less than the total fortnightly payment shown above.
EXAMPLE 2A:
GPO Box 651, Brisbane QLD 4001 |
|
Contact: Queensland Office
Telephone: Bank of Queensland Centre
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
1!!11 IIIll l 111 1I!! (Barcode?) Postal Address:
PHILLIP JOHNSTON GPO Box 651 Brisbane Qld 4001
30 ELIZABETH STREET
TOOWOOMBA QLD 4045 Telephone:
Capital city callers: 133 254
Non-Capital city callers: 1800 555 254
Facsimile: (07) 3223 8479
1 February 2009
YOUR FILE NUMBER IS QX123456
Dear Mr JOHNSTON,
This is to advise you that your:
This change will take effect from 27 January 2009.
Details of your payments are provided in the Payment Information Attachment.
With effect from 27 January 2009, the deemed interest rates will change. The new deemed income rates of 3% for amounts up to $41,000 ($68,200 per couple) and 4% for amounts over $41,000 ($68,200 per couple), will be used to work out the amount of income calculated from your financial assets.
This has resulted in a change to the income amounts used to work out your rate of service pension.
FINANCIAL ASSETS VALUE |
DEEMED INTEREST RATE |
DEEMED INCOME PER FORTNIGHT |
$XX,XXX.XX |
3% |
$XX.XX |
$XX,XXX.XX |
4% |
$X — X — X.XX |
$XXX,XXX.XX |
$XXX.XX |
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you are living overseas) if your combined gross income from all sources is more than $X,XXX.XX per fortnight or the value of your combined assets is more than $XXX,XXX.XX.
We have explained your obligations to you in previous letters. These obligations still apply.
If you have told us recently about a change to your income and assets or your domestic situation, it may not have been processed before this letter was sent. If this is the case, we will send you another letter providing details of your new pension assessment when that change has been finalised. This normally takes no more than 4 weeks.
If you do not agree with this decision, you can contact your nearest Veterans' Affairs office and discuss the reasons for the decision. If you remain dissatisfied, you may apply to have the decision reviewed by an Authorised Review Officer, with no prior involvement in the case. If you decide to apply for a review more than 13 weeks from the day this notice is given to you, arrears can only be paid from the date we receive your application. Requests for review may be made in person, by telephone or writing.
The rate of DFISA paid to you is derived from your age pension assessment. You may seek to have your age pension assessment reviewed if you are dissatisfied with your DFISA rate.
If you have any questions regarding Income Support issues you should contact us on 1300 550 452 (Capital city callers) or 1800 550 452 (Non-Capital city callers). For any other enquiries please contact the Department at the address or telephone number shown at the top of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON STANLEY
Deputy Commissioner as Delegate of the Secretary
PAYMENT INFORMATION ATTACHMENT
The Department now calculates pension payments on a daily basis. This means that your fortnightly pension payment is made up of 14 days of entitlement of pension. Therefore, when there is a change to your circumstances on any particular day in the fortnight - your pension will be adjusted from that day. For that reason your pension payment may be different for one or two paydays after a reassessment.
Payment for 12 FEBRUARY 2009
TOTAL FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT $XXX.XX
This is made up of:
- Disability pension — XXX.XX
- Defence Force Income Support Allowance XX.XX
- Age pension — XXX.XX
- Pharmaceutical allowance X.XX
Please Note: If you have an overpayment or lump sum advance which is currently being recovered (by deductions from your fortnightly pension), the amount paid into your account may be less than the total fortnightly payment shown above.
DATE OF ISSUE: 20 January 2009
Exchange Rate Variation of Pounds Sterling – Effect on Income Support & Disability Pensioners
Amends DI No. |
C30/2008 [59] |
Replaces DI No. |
Amended by DI No |
C0 — 4/2009 [46] |
Purpose of Instruction |
The purpose of this Departmental Instruction is to provide information about the Pounds Sterling exchange rate variation exercise. |
Introduction |
Following the recent variation in UK - Australian exchange rates, DVA will apply a new exchange rate for the assessment of the rate of income support & disability pensions for those in receipt of all income paid in Pounds Sterling:
|
New Exchange Rate |
The exchange rate used to convert Pounds Sterling to Australian Dollars for income support assessment purposes has changed from one Pound Sterling = A$2.2758 to one Pound Sterling equals A$2.0483 (i.e. $A1 = ?0.4882). This rate reflects the average of the “on demand airmail buying rate” for the two weeks to 26 December 2008. |
Date of Effect13 January 2009 |
Effective from 13 January 2009 the current exchange rate will change. On pension payday 29 January 2009 pensioners with relevant British income would usually expect to receive a full installment at the new assessed rate. |
Automatic Processing |
Processing to implement the new exchange rate is scheduled for the evening of Monday, 19 January 2009. Amounts recorded as foreign super type non-government British other income (07), British Social Security Pension (08) or British Official Public Service/Forces Pension (09) will be varied by applying the exchange rate to the pounds sterling amount recorded, to determine the new rate of pension in Australian dollars. The income support payment will then be reassessed automatically. |
Manual Cases |
Cases with actions in submission or determined status will not be processed automatically and will be frozen. These cases will be listed on the manual listing for follow up action, and CMS/PIPS cases will be created automatically for action. Any cases processed through PIPS should be reassessed with effect from 13 January 2009 for payday 29 January 2009. |
Non-Government British Other Income (07) |
Previously non-government British other income (07) was refreshed every six months in March and September with other foreign currencies (GROOVER). As a result of a review of British pensions approved by the Repatriation Commission all sterling payments, including British other income (07) are adjusted in uniform exchange rate variations. |
British DP Cases |
Income Support pensioners who are in receipt of ISS, age pension (AP) or service pension with rent assistance (SPRA); and, who also receive disability (war) pension direct from Britain should have that disability pension converted to $A using this exchange rate. ISS, AP and SPRA should be recalculated by doing a PIPS assessment. These cases can be extracted through AIS by each location. Note: If DP has already been assessed as income in determining hardship cases it should not also be assessed as income for RA. |
EATS and Composite Cases |
EATS and Composite cases are subject to the daily exchange rate variation of plus or minus 2.5%. These cases can be extracted through AIS by each location and recalculated by doing a PIPS assessment. Attachment A shows the amount per fortnight in Australian dollars to be applied for the varying United Kingdom amounts. For further details refer to Departmental Instruction DI C — 22/2005 [44] issued by Veterans' Compensation. |
Printing & Lodgement of Letters |
SALMAT will print, envelope and lodge the advice letters with Australia Post on or before 23 January 2009. An advice letter will only be produced for cases where there is a variation in payment. The letters will be two pages and include the new exchange rate, amount of income and new ongoing pension amount. Joint letters will be produced where both members of a couple are in receipt of pension from the British government and their pension varies. Age pensioners will receive separate advices. |
Tasmanian Overseas Clients |
Tasmanian clients who have an overseas postal address will have the full overseas address printed on their advice letters. The advice letters will be printed, enveloped and sent from the mailing house. |
Streamed Advices |
The following will be streamed for printing by IBM GSA and sent by courier to each location:
|
Contact officer |
The contact officer for this exercise is Sarah Paras [47]: x16534. |
John Sadeik
National Manager
Income Support
20 January 2009
ATTACHMENT A
POUND STERLING EXCHANGE RATE FOR PENSIONS FROM UK GOVERNMENT
Foreign exchange period Exchange rate
From |
To |
$ in ? |
? in $ |
13 January 2009 |
0.4882 |
2.0483 |
|
18 November 2008 |
12 January 2009 |
0.4394 |
2.2758 |
21 October 2008 |
17 November 2008 |
0.4118 |
2.4284 |
23 September 2008 |
20 October 2008 |
0.4629 |
2.1603 |
26 August 2008 |
22 September 2008 |
0.4753 |
2.1039 |
20 May 2008 |
25 August 2008 |
0.4902 |
2.0400 |
26 February 2008 |
19 May 2008 |
0.4733 |
2.1128 |
25 February 2008 |
0.4553 |
2.1964 |
|
9 October 2007 |
14 January 2008 |
0.4425 |
2.2599 |
28 August 2007 |
8 October 2007 |
0.4186 |
2.3889 |
3 July 2007 |
27 August 2007 |
0.4315 |
2.3175 |
27 March 07 |
2 July 2007 |
0.4164 |
2.4015 |
10 October 06 |
26 March 07 |
0.4047 |
2.4710 |
11 April 06 |
9 October 06 |
0.4170 |
2.3981 |
30 August 05 |
10 April 06 |
0.4277 |
2.3381 |
2 August 05 |
29 August 05 |
0.4398 |
2.2738 |
21 June 05 |
1 August 05 |
0.4263 |
2.3458 |
1 February 05 |
20 June 05 |
0.4126 |
2.4237 |
4 January 05 |
31 January 05 |
0.4004 |
2.4975 |
23 November 04 |
3 January 05 |
0.4202 |
2.3798 |
12 October 04 |
22 November 04 |
0.4065 |
2.4600 |
20 July 04 |
11 October 04 |
0.3938 |
2.5394 |
6 July 04 |
19 July 04 |
0.3828 |
2.6123 |
25 May 04 |
5 July 04 |
0.3961 |
2.5246 |
2 March 04 |
24 May 04 |
0.4200 |
2.3810 |
25 November 03 |
1 March 04 |
0.4308 |
2.3213 |
1
Links
[1] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=comment/reply/24581%23comment-form
[2] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/21885%23comment-form
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22226%23comment-form
[4] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2010/c232010-bulk-issue-2011-nsw-transport-concession-card-tc1-and-vic-free-travel-voucher
[5] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2008/c292008-bulk-issue-2009-nsw-transport-concession-card-tc1-and-vic-free-travel-voucher
[6] mailto:sam.powell@dva.gov.au
[7] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22144%23comment-form
[8] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2009/c172009-exchange-rate-variation-pounds-sterling-effect-income-support-disability-pensioners
[9] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2007/c272007-exchange-rate-variation-pounds-sterling-effect-income-support-disability-pensioners
[10] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2000/c292000-exchange-rate-adjustments-british-disability-pensions-eats-composite-paid-australia
[11] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2010/c042010-exchange-rate-variation-pounds-sterling-effect-income-support-disability-pensioners
[12] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22160%23comment-form
[13] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2009/c092009-exchange-rate-variation-pounds-sterling-effect-income-support-disability-pensioners
[14] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2009/c182009-exchange-rate-variation-pounds-sterling-effect-income-support-disability-pensioners
[15] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22297%23comment-form
[16] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2010/c182010-annual-bulk-issue-2011-pensioner-concession-card-pcc
[17] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2008/c262008-annual-bulk-issue-2009-pensioner-concession-card-pcc
[18] http://www.premier.nsw.gov.au/Newsroom/Articles/2009_Articles/090610_CountryLink_pensioner_booking_fee_abolished.html
[19] http://www.countrylink.info
[20] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22588%23comment-form
[21] http://www.australia.gov.au/pensions
[22] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22501%23comment-form
[23] http://www.dva.gov.au/pensionreform
[24] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22582%23comment-form
[25] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2010/c142010-2011-commonwealth-seniors-health-card-cshc
[26] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2008/c212008-2009-commonwealth-seniors-health-card-cshc
[27] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22561%23comment-form
[28] mailto:martin.page@dva.gov.au
[29] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/21817%23comment-form
[30] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/21915%23comment-form
[31] mailto:anissa.lam@dva.gov.au
[32] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22700%23comment-form
[33] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2009/c062009-exchange-rate-variation-pounds-sterling-effect-income-support-disability-pensioners
[34] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22542%23comment-form
[35] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2010/c062010-indexation-british-official-public-service-and-armed-forces-pensions
[36] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2008/c102008-indexation-british-official-public-service-and-armed-forces-pensions
[37] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2004/c042004-british-income
[38] http://intranet/service_delivery_support/income_support/clik/procedures/index.htm#britishpensions
[39] mailto:Martin.Wright@dva.gov.au
[40] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/21822%23comment-form
[41] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2010/c072010-indexation-british-war-pensions-disability-pensions
[42] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2008/c092008-indexation-british-war-pensions-disability-pensions
[43] http://www.veterans-uk.com/pdfs/publications/va_leaflets/valeaflet9.pdf
[44] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2005/c222005-use-daily-exchange-rate-variations-eats-and-composite-cases
[45] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22406%23comment-form
[46] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2009/c042009-exchange-rate-variation-pounds-sterling-effect-income-support-disability-pensioners
[47] mailto:Sarah.Paras@dva.gov.au
[48] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22437%23comment-form
[49] mailto:Peter.Rajaratnam@dva.gov.au
[50] mailto:Steve.Jensen@dva.gov.au
[51] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/21863%23comment-form
[52] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2009/c012009-exchange-rate-variation-pounds-sterling-effect-income-support-disability-pensioners
[53] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22319%23comment-form
[54] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2007/c312007-unsigned-disability-pension-claims
[55] https://clik.dva.gov.au/javascript%3AgotoDoc%28%27/Clientforms/Documents/D2663.pdf%27%29%3B
[56] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/1997/c391997-informal-claims-disability-compensation
[57] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22585%23comment-form
[58] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/22003%23comment-form
[59] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/2008/c302008-exchange-rate-variation-pounds-sterling-effect-income-support-disability-pensioners