Source: http://clik.dva.gov.au/print/book/export/html/16038
Timestamp: 2019-08-23 03:13:07
Document Index: 718894791

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﻿ 9.3.3 Not a Member of a Couple
Home > Compensation and Support Policy Library > Part 9 Principles for Determining Pension Rate > 9.3 Relationship Status > 9.3.3 Not a Member of a Couple
For the purpose of the VEA, two people are regarded as not a member of a couple [3] if:
they are non-illness separated spouses [3], that is, they are legally married but living separately and apart on a permanent basis and not an illness separated couple [3] or a respite care couple [3] under section 5R(5) [5] VEA or section 5R(6) [5] VEA,
the Commission [3] has made a decision under section 5R(3) [5] VEA that they are not members of a couple, or
a delegate [3] of the Commission has determined that a de facto relationship [3] does not exist.
A person who is married [3] and separated on the grounds of a breakdown in the marital relationship is referred to as a non-illness separated spouse [3] for the purpose of the VEA. A non-illness separated spouse is defined in section 5E(1) [5] VEA as a person:
whose separation has not resulted in a direction under section 5R(5) [5] VEA.
Section 9.3.1 [7]
whose separation has not resulted in a determination under subsection 5R(5) of VEA [10].
An illness separated couple is a couple who cannot share a home because of the illness or infirmity of one or both partners. Illness separated couples may be paid the higher single rate of pension. Refer to subsection 5R(5) [11] of the VEA for the full definition.
Refer to subsection 5R(6) of the VEA [11] for the full definition.
Refer to section 11A [11] of the VEA for the full definition.
Eligibility for partner service pension after marital separation
A separated spouse who was legally married to a veteran will have their eligibility for partner service pension limited to 12 months from the date of separation on a permanent basis unless:
the person has reached age pension age, or
special domestic circumstances apply. More ? [14]
Eligibility partner [3] service pension [3] is lost from the date of separation where a spouse enters in to a de facto relationship [3] with another person. Eligibility for partner [3] service pension [3] is also lost on divorce from the veteran [3]
Partner service pensioner in special domestic circumstances
A separated spouse who was legally married to a veteran may retain eligibility for partner service pension if the Commission has made a decision that special domestic circumstances apply. Special domestic circumstances are accepted where:
the veteran has a psychological or mental health condition recognised by DVA and
there was an unsafe or abusive domestic environment in respect of the spouse or the spouse's family prior to separation and
the spouse and the veteran live apart and in separate residences.
An unsafe or abusive domestic environment means there was conduct, whether actual or threatened, by the veteran that caused the spouse and/or the spouse's children to fear for their personal well being or safety.
Partner service pensioner in a de facto relationship separates
When factors used to determine the existence of a de facto relationship [3] are no longer present, or where two people in a registered relationship are living separately and apart from each other on a permanent basis, the two people should not be regarded as members of a couple.
A de facto partner who separates from the veteran [3] on the grounds of breakdown in their relationship, becomes ineligible to receive partner service pension from DVA [3]. They may be eligible to receive a pension or allowance from Centrelink [3].
Eligibility for partner service pension for a non-illness separated spouse who is widowed
If a widow/widower in receipt of partner service pension separated from the veteran prior to the veteran's death, then they will lose eligibility for partner service pension 12 months from the date of separation unless special domestic circumstances apply or they reach pension age within 12 months of the date of separation.
A person may regain eligibility for partner service pension when there is a reconciliation and the partner [3] returns to live permanently with the veteran [3].
Separation and effect on ISS eligibility
A person who was granted ISS [3] on the basis of being the partner of an income support [3] pensioner remains eligible for ISS after a non-illness separation. This is because the person continues to meet the primary eligibility criterion of being a war widow/widower [3] and since 1 July 2008, it is no longer necessary to be of qualifying age, have a dependant child, be permanently incapacitated for work, or be the partner of an income support recipient, to be eligible for ISS. However, the person's rate of ISS may change once the assessment is updated to that of a single person .
Speration of Veteran Payment Couple
For seperation of a veteran paymnet couple refere to Part 3A Vertean Payment - Partners [21].
Section 38(2AB) [5] VEA
Section 38(2AC) [5] VEA
Section 38(2AD) [5] VEA
Section 38(2A) [5] VEA
3.1.4/Eligibility for partner service pension when separated from veteran [23]
Veterans' Entitlements (Partner Service Pension — Retention of Eligibility for Non-illness Separated Spouse)
Determination R25/2009 [11]
Section 11A [5] VEA
Policy Library –Relationship Separation From a Veteran
3.1.4/Eligibility for Partner Service Pension [27]
9.3.2/Definitions for Member of a Couple Status [30]
Policy Library – Overview of ISS Eligibility
Chapter 3.2 Income Support Supplement (ISS) Eligibility [32]
For the purposes of Part VI of the VEA [11], a reference to a veteran is taken to be a reference to:
a veteran as defined in subsection 5C(1) of the VEA [11];
a member of the Forces as defined in subsection 68(1) of the VEA [11]; or
a member of a Peacekeeping Force as defined in subsection 68(1) of the VEA [11].
For the purposes of Part VII of the VEA [11], according to subsection 5C(1), veteran means a person (including a deceased person):
in Part III and Part VIIC of the VEA [11] includes a person who is:
The DVA program area which administers income support payment [3] claims for means tested [3] pensions or benefits is called income support.
a veteran [3]; or
a person who was a member of the forces [3]; and
a war widow's/widower's pension [3]; or
Refer to 5E(1) [34] of the VEA for the full definition.
Separation of partnered persons
When a marriage or de facto relationship ceases to exist, the partners in that relationship are treated as not a member of a couple. If a couple claim to be separated they must establish that:
they are living separately and apart permanently, and
there has been an estrangement or breakdown in their marriage or de facto relationship.
Determining whether a couple have separated
There is no legal definition of separation; however, separation occurs when one or both of the parties to a relationship make the decision to sever or not resume that relation and acts accordingly. Generally, there would be a physical separation as well as an emotional separation between the couple and the delegate would need to consider:
the circumstances leading up to the separation,
whether it is a legal separation,
whether the separation is temporary, indefinite or permanent (ie. intentions for the future, likelihood of any reconciliation etc), and
details of the other partner's whereabouts, living in separate residences and of any maintenance or financial assistance given, received or sought.
Factors to consider in determining separation
Consideration is given to the extent to which the relationship has broken down taking into account the factors in section 11A [5] VEA, such as:
whether the couple's friends and regular associates see them as a couple,
attendance at social functions as a couple
is there any public demonstration of the separation,
the supporting evidence from independent professional people (doctor, policeman, social worker or Minister of Religion)
effort made physically separate and live independently of each other
steps taken to obtain separate accommodation
length of time residence continues to be shared after the separation
steps taken to initiate formal proceedings, divorce, property settlement, custody of children or maintenance
Circumstances for consideration of separated under one roof
Being separated under one roof can occur when a relationship has broken down and the parties have separated on a permanent basis, but continue to share accommodation or resume living at the same address. Each person will need to demonstrate that there has been an irretrievable breakdown in the relationship and provide an explanation for continuing to reside together. A couple in an 'unhappy' relationship or who separate for economic reasons, or who intend to reside together indefinitely are not likely to have grounds for being regarded as separated. There will need to be other extenuating circumstances for a consideration of being 'not a member of a couple' to be made, which may include legal impediments.
Separated under one roof how has the relationship changed
The sharing of accommodation may be a temporary or permanent arrangement for a variety of reasons. Consideration is given to the extent to which the relationship has changed in nature from prior to the separation:
division of assets, finances, payment of bills
changed responsibilities for household chores
one party has commenced a new relationship
steps taken to alter the home, annexing rooms
changed use of rooms in the home, eg exclusive use of the living room, bathroom
changes in social activities, such as watching television or eating meals together
changed arrangements for cooking meals, shopping
changed sleeping arrangements
changes in the associations with the other person's family or friends
plans or intentions for the future
Not considered to be separated under one roof
Two people will continue to be regarded as members of a couple if the following elements are present when they claim to be separated while living under the same roof:
provision of care or support for children in a family unit or environment
factors which indicate a de facto relationship [3] exists, as described in section 11A [5] VEA
A pensioner or claimant who does not agree with a decision of a delegate [3] that the person is not considered to be separated has the right to appeal such a decision. Statements from each person are required and they must demonstrate how the relationship has changed in nature from before the separation and detail that there is emotional and physical detachment with little prospect of reconciliation.
Section 12.5.2 [38]
Source URL (modified on 14/10/2014 - 11:10am): http://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/93-relationship-status/933-not-member-couple
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[6] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn377
[7] http://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/93-relationship-status/931-overview-relationship-status
[8] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#ref-cspol_part9_ftn376
[9] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#ref-cspol_part9_ftn377
[10] http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2004A03268
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[13] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn378
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[15] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn380
[16] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn381
[17] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn382
[18] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn383
[19] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn384
[20] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn385
[21] http://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-3a-veteran-payment/partners
[22] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#ref-cspol_part9_ftn378
[23] http://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-3-income-support-eligibility/31-service-pension-eligibility/314-partner-service-pension/eligibility-partner-service-pension-when-separated-veteran
[24] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#ref-cspol_part9_ftn379
[25] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#ref-cspol_part9_ftn380
[26] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#ref-cspol_part9_ftn381
[27] http://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-3-income-support-eligibility/31-service-pension-eligibility/314-partner-service-pension/eligibility-partner-service-pension
[28] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#ref-cspol_part9_ftn382
[29] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#ref-cspol_part9_ftn383
[30] http://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/93-relationship-status/932-member-couple/definitions-member-couple-status
[31] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#ref-cspol_part9_ftn384
[32] http://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-3-income-support-eligibility/32-income-support-supplement-iss-eligibility
[33] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#ref-cspol_part9_ftn385
[34] http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2015C00011
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[38] http://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-12-compliance-and-obligations/125-reviews-and-appeals/1252-income-support-and-review-decisions-repatriation-commission
[39] http://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16038#ref-cspol_part9_ftn386