Department of Veterans Affairs. Information Handbook

Transcription

1 Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook 2008

2 Commonwealth of Australia 2008 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Commonwealth Copyright Administration, Attorney-General s Department, Robert Garran Offices, National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 or posted at Published by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Canberra, 2008 ISBN Publication no. P01688 Photos courtesy of the Australian Government Departments of Veterans Affairs, Health and Ageing; and The Canberra Times. Disclaimer The Information Handbook has been prepared for general guidance to assist the veteran community. It is only intended to be a guide and should not be regarded as an exhaustive list of benefits, services and concessions etc. Users of the handbook are encouraged to refer to DVA FACTS and also contact the relevant organisation to confirm details and, if necessary, obtain further information.

3 Contents Introduction...1 Veterans Affairs Network...2 The card system...3 Department of Veterans Affairs cards...3 Repatriation Health Card For Specific Conditions (White)...3 Repatriation Health Card For All Conditions (Gold)...3 Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Card (Orange)...5 Commonwealth Seniors Health Card...5 Pensioner Concession Card...6 Cards issued by other government agencies...6 Pensions...9 Compensation...9 Income Support...11 Pension rates...14 Reviews, appeals and renewal of claims...14 Veterans Review Board...15 Taxation and pensions...15 Allowances...16 Attendant allowance...16 Carer allowance...16 Carer payment...16 Clothing allowance...17 Decoration allowance...17 Loss of Earnings allowance...18 Pharmaceutical allowance...18 Pharmaceutical allowance (MRCA)...19 Recreation Transport allowance...19 Seniors Concession allowance...19 Telephone allowance...20 Telephone allowance (MRCA)...20 Temporary Incapacity allowance...20 Utilities allowance...20 Health services and aged care...21 Health services...21 Admissions to hospitals...23 Allied Health services...24 Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008 iii

4 Community Rehabilitation Services Convalescent Care Dental services Dental health services State government services Extended Care Centres Footwear Health services for veterans travelling or residing overseas Hearing services Men s Health Peer Education program Optical services and supplies Community optometrical schemes Pharmaceutical Benefits Psychiatric care after hours access Quality use of medicines VVCS Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service Vietnam Veterans Children Support program Vietnam veterans emergency hospital treatment Aged care Aged Care Australia Aged Care Information Line Military Compensation Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Group Permanent impairment (MRCA, SRCA) Incapacity payments (MRCA, SRCA) Medical treatment (MRCA, SRCA) Pharmaceutical allowance (MRCA) Household help (MRCA, SRCA) Attendant care (MRCA, SRCA) Rehabilitation (MRCA, SRCA) Transition Management Service (MRCA) Special Rate Disability Pension Safety Net Payment (MRCA) Motor Vehicle Compensation Scheme (MRCA) Telephone allowance (MRCA) Partners (MRCA) Dependant children (MRCA) Other dependants (MRCA) Funeral assistance (MRCA) Bereavement payments (MRCA) Veterans Review Board Transport and travel Airlines Ambulance services Community transport iv Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008

5 Disabled Persons Parking Scheme...49 Goods and Services Tax exemption on motor vehicles and replacement parts...49 Goods and Services Tax rebate scheme on motor cycles...50 Motor Vehicle Compensation Scheme (MRCA)...50 Motor vehicle registration...50 Repatriation Transport...51 Vehicle Assistance Scheme...52 Patient Transport Assistance Scheme...53 Concession Cards...53 Rail Great Southern Railway...53 Home assistance...54 Australia Post...54 Electricity and gas...54 Household help (MRCA, SRCA)...54 Rates, water and sewerage concessions...54 Telstra...54 Housing and accommodation...56 Defence Service Homes Loan...56 Home Support Loan...56 Defence Service Homes Insurance Scheme...57 Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme...57 Defence HomeOwner Scheme...58 Duty exemptions/concessions on property transfers...58 Veterans Home Maintenance Line...58 Residential care services...60 Residential aged care facilities...60 Independent living...61 Attendant care (MRCA, SRCA)...61 Community Aged Care Packages...61 Commonwealth Carelink Centres...61 Day Club Program...61 Home and Community Care program...62 Linkages program...63 HomeFront...63 National Relay Service...63 Rehabilitation Appliances Program...64 Respite care...65 Veterans Home Care...66 Grants and schemes...68 Building Excellence in Support and Training...68 Commemorations grants program...68 Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008 v

6 Veteran & Community Grants Veterans Children Education Scheme and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme Long Tan Bursary Financial services Australian Securities and Investments Commission Centrelink Financial Information Commonwealth Financial Counselling DVA financial information Financial Industry Complaints Service National Information Centre on Retirement Investments Inc Superannuation Complaints Tribunal Legal services Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme Aged Care Commissioner Office of the Privacy Commissioner State Government Public Advocates and Guardian Offices State Government Trustee Offices Legal Aid Employment Australian JobSearch Career Transition Assistance Scheme (Australian Defence Force) Centrelink Employment Services JobAccess New Enterprise Incentive Scheme Transition Management Service Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme Vocational rehabilitation (MRCA, SRCA) Commemoration and recognition Australian War Memorial Office of Australian War Graves Official Commemoration Saluting Their Service commemorations program Anzac Day Schools Awards Certificates of Appreciation Commemorations grants program Commemorative publications Commemorative websites Education resources Nominal Roll websites World War II commemorative medallion vi Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008

7 Ombudsman schemes...86 Commonwealth Ombudsman...86 Financial Ombudsman Service...86 State Ombudsman...86 Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman...87 Volunteering...88 Australian Volunteers International...88 Australian VolunteerSearch...88 Indigenous Community Volunteers...88 Volunteering Australia...88 Bereavement...89 Bereavement assistance and advice...89 Bereavement payments (MRCA)...89 Funeral assistance (MRCA)...89 Funeral benefit...90 Emergency relief...91 Service records and medals...92 Service medical records...92 Records of service...93 Service medals...93 Other Information...95 Age Page...95 Alzheimer s Australia...95 Carers Australia...95 Continence Aids Assistance Scheme...95 Continence Foundation...96 Council On The Ageing...96 Dementia...96 Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services...96 Diabetes Australia...97 Freedom of Information...97 Heart Foundation...97 Lifeline...98 Mensline Australia...98 National Public Toilet Map...99 National Seniors...99 Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia...99 Quit Now SANE Helpline Seniors Portal Veterans Line (Australia wide) Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008 vii

8 Publications Vetaffairs Abbreviations Index viii Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008

9 Introduction The Information Handbook is a guide to a wide range of Commonwealth, State and local government benefits and services. Eligibility for many of the benefits, services and concessions listed in this handbook are linked to Commonwealth and state government card systems. Please note that in this handbook the Gold Repatriation Heath Card for All Conditions is referred to as Gold Card; the White Repatriation Heath Card for Specific Conditions is referred to as White Card; and the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Card is referred to as the Orange Card. Details of DVA s benefits and services are provided in a series of fact sheets called DVA FACTS. A number of these fact sheets are referred to in this handbook. The complete range of DVA FACTS can be accessed on DVA s website or by contacting any DVA office. The material in the Information Handbook was up to date when printed in June That material however, is subject to change without notice. Details of any changes to the material in the handbook would be welcome and should be referred to the local Department of Veterans Affairs office. feedback@dva.gov.au Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook,

10 Veterans Affairs Network [Fact sheet: DVA 07] The Veterans Affairs Network (VAN) is a national network that provides information and assistance to access the services available from DVA. VAN staff can also assist by providing information to locate and access services provided by other Commonwealth, State or Local Government agencies. Phone: (metro) (country) Website: To contact your nearest VAN office Phone: Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008

11 The card system Department of Veterans Affairs cards The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has a card system for managing the provision of services and benefits to its clients. Please contact DVA for enquiries about any of the cards in this chapter that are issued by DVA on: Phone: (metro) (country) Website: Repatriation Health Card For Specific Conditions (White) [Fact Sheet: HSV 61] The White Card is issued to Australian veterans or mariners and allied veterans entitled to treatment of service-related conditions, or Australian veterans with malignant cancer (neoplasia), pulmonary tuberculosis, or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Vietnam veterans with anxiety or depression can also be issued with a White Card. Repatriation Health Card For All Conditions (Gold) [Fact Sheet: HSV 59] The Gold Card is issued to Australian veterans, their widow(er)s and dependants entitled to treatment for all medical conditions. A Gold Card is issued to veterans of Australia s defence force who: are ex-prisoners of war receive a disability pension at or above 100% of the general rate Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook,

12 receive a disability pension at or above 50% of the general rate and also receive any amount of service pension receive a disability pension including an additional amount under section 27 of the Veterans Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) for specific service-related amputations or blindness in one eye receive an age or invalidity service pension and satisfy the treatment income and assets reduction limit receive an age or invalidity service pension and are permanently blind in both eyes receive a service pension and have an impairment rating of at least 30 impairment points under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) received a disability pension for pulmonary tuberculosis before 2 November 1978 served in World War I are returned ex-servicewomen of World War II, that is, who served in Australia s defence force between 3 September 1939 and 29 October 1945 and who have Qualifying Service from that conflict are World War II veterans who served in Australia s defence force and mariners who served in Australia s merchant navy, between 3 September 1939 and 29 October 1945, who are aged 70 years or over, and have Qualifying Service from that conflict are veterans who served in Australia s defence force after World War II, who are aged 70 years or over, and have Qualifying Service under section 7A of the Veterans Entitlements Act Some dependants of veterans are eligible for a Gold Card if they are: a war widow or widower in receipt of the war widow(er)s pension a dependant child of a deceased veteran whose death has been accepted as war-caused, who is under 16 or between the ages of 16 and 25 and undergoing full-time education a child of a deceased veteran whose death was not war-caused and who had operational service, if the child is not being cared for by the remaining parent. There may be other circumstances under which a Gold Card can be issued. Please refer to DVA Fact Sheet HSV 59: Eligibility for the Repatriation Health Card For All Conditions (Gold). See also Fact Sheets: MRC 01: Overview of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 MRC 14: Compensation for Dependants Wholly Dependant Partners of Deceased Members and Former Members MRC 15: Compensation for Dependants Eligible Young Persons. 4 Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008

13 Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Card (Orange) [Fact Sheet: HSV 69] Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Card (Orange Card) holders are entitled to pharmaceuticals listed under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) for all medical conditions. An Orange Card is issued to Commonwealth and Allied veterans and mariners who: have qualifying service from World War I or II are aged 70 years or over, and have been resident in Australia for 10 years or more. Note: The Orange Card is for pharmaceuticals only. It cannot be used to access any medical or other health care treatment. Commonwealth Seniors Health Card [Fact Sheet: IS 126] The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is issued by either DVA or Centrelink to retirees of pension age who are not in receipt of a Veterans Affairs Service Pension, Income Support Supplement or Centrelink income support payment; whose assets are in excess of the pension cut-off point, but whose taxable income is below certain income limits; and who meet the residency requirements and are living in Australia. There is no assets test. The retiree must, however, meet the age and Qualifying Service requirements for Service Pension or the age requirement for the Centrelink Age Pension. Phone DVA or Centrelink for current Seniors Health Card income limits. The CSHC is reissued automatically each year in September (subject to continued qualification). CSHC holders are required to notify any change in their circumstances that may affect their eligibility for this card. Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook,

14 CSHC holders are entitled to the following concessions: prescription medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) at the concessional rate bulk-billed general practitioner appointments, at the discretion of the doctor an increase in benefits for out-of-pocket, out-of-hospital medical expenses above a certain threshold through the Medicare Safety Net a discount from Great Southern Railways for rail travel on The Ghan, The Indian Pacific and The Overlander additional concessions which may be offered by State or Territory and local governments and private providers. However, these providers offer these concessions at their own discretion, and the availability of these concessions may vary from state to state. Holders of a CSHC are also entitled to the Seniors Concession Allowance and Telephone Allowance. See separate entries in the Allowances chapter of this handbook. Pensioner Concession Card [Fact Sheet: IS 125] The Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) is issued automatically by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to all Service Pensioners, War Widow(er)s receiving an Income Support Supplement, and to Age Pensioners who receive their pension through DVA. The PCC entitles the cardholder to a range of benefits and access to services through government departments, local agencies and businesses. Concessions may include motor vehicle registration, council rates and utilities discounts. You should either ring the local office of the authority or business dealing with a concession for more information about entitlement to, or rate, of the concession. Alternatively, always produce your PCC when paying an account, and ask Is there a pensioner concession? Note: The PCC does not entitle cardholders to medical and other treatment at DVA expense. Cards issued by other government agencies Low income Health Care Card A low income Health Care Card (HCC) is available to people with incomes below set levels. The income test applies to average gross income for the eight weeks immediately prior to applying for, or renewing the card. The low income HCC is not subject to an assets test. 6 Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008

15 The low income HCC is not automatically reissued. Cardholders must re-apply every six months. Customers are required to notify Centrelink of any change in their circumstances that may affect their eligibility for all HCCs, including leaving Australia. This card is issued through Centrelink and may be useful to people who do not have a DVA Gold Card, and do not receive a DVA Service Pension or Centrelink Age Pension due to excess assets, but whose average income for the last 8 weeks was below certain limits (contact Centrelink for current limits). The low income HCC offers the same pharmaceutical concessions as the CSHC and also covers your dependants. You may also receive other concessions from other providers that may not be available with the CSHC. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may qualify for both concession cards. Low income HCC concessions include: prescription medications under the PBS for $3.60 (indexed) ambulance cover subsidised dental and optometric services car registration winter gas and electricity water and sewerage charges. Concessions may vary from State to State. There is no assets test, and no age limit. Centrelink Phone: Website: Medicare Card Every Australian citizen and permanent resident who resides in Australia is entitled to a Medicare card. All eligible veterans and war widow(er)s should have a Medicare card as well as their DVA Treatment Entitlement Card. The DVA Card must be used in the first instance when seeking medical treatment. However, in certain circumstances, it may be more advantageous or necessary for veterans and war widow(er)s to claim medical and treatment costs through Medicare rather than DVA, for example when travelling overseas. White Card holders should have a Medicare card, as they are only covered by DVA for treatment of accepted disabilities. Medicare Australia Phone: Website: Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook,

16 Seniors Card All states in Australia provide a Seniors Card scheme for people aged 60 years and over who are retired or not working full time. The Seniors Card Program provides a number of benefits. Eligibility criteria and benefits vary slightly in each State and Territory. 8 Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008

17 Pensions Please call the following numbers for enquiries about payments that are made by DVA: Phone: (metro) (country) Website: Compensation Disability Pension [Fact Sheet: DVA 12] Disability pension is paid to compensate veterans for injuries or diseases caused or aggravated by war service or certain defence service rendered on behalf of Australia before 1 July The various types of service which provide Eligible Service are specified in the Veterans Entitlements Act Disability Pensions are free of Income Tax and are not subject to Income or Assets Tests that apply for Service Pension purposes. There are four categories of Disability Pension. If you have an injury or disease caused or aggravated by service rendered on or after 1 July 2004, you may be eligible to claim disability compensation under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA). Information on disability compensation available under the MRCA can be found in the Military Compensation chapter of this handbook. Details are also contained in Fact Sheet MRC 01: Overview of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 and Fact Sheet MRC 02: Compensation Coverage for Members and Former Members of the Australian Defence Force. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). General Rate [Fact Sheet: DP 28] The General Rate is graduated from 10% to 100% according to the assessed degree of incapacity. Note that 100% Disability Pension does not mean the recipient is wholly incapacitated. It is quite in order for a veteran receiving 100% pension to be in full-time employment. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook,

18 Intermediate Rate [Fact Sheet: DP 29] The Intermediate Rate (mid-way between General and Special (TPI) Rates) is payable to veterans eligible for at least 70% of the General Rate, (or 100% General Rate for Pulmonary TB) and who can only work part time (less than 20 hours per week or 50% of normal hours for the veteran s usual occupation) or intermittently, solely because of accepted disabilities. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). Special Rate [Fact Sheet: DP 29] The Special Rate (SR) is paid to a veteran who is blinded in both eyes as a result of service; or who is eligible for at least 70% of the General Rate (or 100% General Rate for TB), and who, solely because of accepted disabilities, is unable to work for more than 8 hours per week and thereby suffers loss of earnings. SR is also known as Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI). Pension at the SR may also be paid under the same general conditions but where the incapacity is temporary (e.g. recovery from surgery). The Pension is then termed Temporary Special Rate (TSR). TSR is also known as Totally and Temporarily Incapacitated (TTI). Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). Extreme Disablement Adjustment [Fact Sheet: DP 30] Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) is paid to veterans eligible for 100% General Rate Pension, and with an Impairment Rating of at least 70 points, and a Lifestyle Rating of at least 6 points under DVA s Guide to Assessment of Rates of Pension (GARP), who are at least 65 years old, and who are not already eligible for the Intermediate or Special (TPI) Rates. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). War Widow(er)s Pension [Fact Sheet: DP 62] The War Widow(er)s Pension is payable, free of tax, and free of income/assets tests, to the surviving partner of a veteran: whose death is accepted as war/defence caused, or who died from other causes but was receiving at the time of death or after death became entitled to receive, TPI Pension, or EDA, or a double amputee, or who was an ex-prisoner of war and was receiving at the time of death, or after death became entitled to receive a Disability Pension. 10 Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008

19 No application is needed for the last two dot points. A claim for War Widow(er)s Pension is needed in all other cases. Note: With effect from 1 July 2008, widow(er)s of Intermediate Rate and Special (Temporarily Totally Incapacitated) Rate pensioners will be automatically entitled to the War Widow(er)s pension. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). Income Support Service Pension [Fact Sheets: DVA 10, IS 01, IS 02] Service Pension may be payable to veterans and mariners with Qualifying Service. This generally includes service incurring danger from hostile enemy forces in World War II and in operational areas including Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, the Gulf War, East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq. Veterans of British Commonwealth or allied forces who meet Qualifying Service and residency requirements may also qualify. Service Pension is paid at the same rate as Centrelink s Age Pension but is available to male veterans at age 60. Female veterans eligibility age is increasing progressively from 55 to 60 years between 1 July 1995 and 31 December Service Pension is also payable to veterans with Qualifying Service who are permanently incapacitated for work or permanently blind and under 60 years of age. Partners of veterans may also receive a Service Pension. For partner service pension claims lodged on or after 1 July 2008, the age requirement to be eligible for partner service pension increased from 50 years to the veteran pension age, unless the claimant has a dependant child or is the partner of a special rate (TPI) disability pensioner. Service Pension is income and assets tested except when paid to a blind pensioner. Note: From 1 January 2009, a married partner s entitlement to partner service pension will be limited to 12 months from the date of separation of the couple, unless the veteran or the partner starts a new relationship, in which case partner service pension entitlement will cease immediately. This measure will apply to all married partner service pension recipients who have been separated for 12 months as at 1 January Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). Income Support Supplement [Fact Sheet: IS 03] Income Support Supplement (ISS) may be payable to war widow(er)s who: are of qualifying age, or are under qualifying age, and Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook,

20 have a dependant child, or have a partner receiving Service Pension, ISS or Centrelink pension, or are permanently incapacitated for work. The rate payable for ISS is subject to income and assets tests. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). Age Pension [Fact Sheet: IS 05] An age pension provides a regular income for people with limited means. An age pension is paid to a person who has reached pension age, and is subject to income and assets tests. The majority of age pensioners are paid by Centrelink. However, eligible veterans who have an accepted disability or receive a disability pension from DVA, but do not have qualifying service, may be paid their age pension by DVA. Their partner may also receive their age pension from DVA, if eligible. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). Crisis payment [Fact Sheet: IS 121] A crisis payment is immediate financial assistance provided to people in severe financial hardship and suffering from extreme circumstances, domestic or family violence, or release from lawful custody. The crisis payment is a flat rate of one week s pension. It is a one-off non-refundable payment. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). Financial Hardship [Fact Sheet: IS 117] The hardship rules can assist people who are in severe financial hardship to receive a pension or increase their rate of pension. The hardship rules apply only to people whose pension is assessed under the assets test. Normally, if a person has substantial assets, those assets are used to produce income for their own support. However, there are cases where a person has substantial assets which produce little or no income and the person is unable, or cannot reasonably be expected, to sell or re-arrange their assets to produce income. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). 12 Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008

21 Lump sum advance [Fact Sheet: IS 115] A lump sum advance is an advance payment of pension of up to $500. It may be used for any purpose, such as unplanned expenses, repair of household goods, etc. The advance is payable if the person is an eligible pensioner at DVA. The lump sum advance is paid as a single lump sum. You can pay the advance back over 13 fortnights with no interest. Only one advance is available per person per annum. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). Pension Bonus Scheme [Fact Sheets: IS 07, IS 10] The pension bonus scheme is designed to encourage older people to stay in the workforce longer by offering a once-only lump-sum bonus to those veterans, partners of veterans and war widow(er)s who wish to keep working instead of claiming a pension. You may be able to be paid a pension bonus if you register as a member of the scheme on reaching pension age and defer payment of the service pension or income support supplement that you are eligible for, while continuing to work. You must continue to work for at least one year from your registration date to be eligible for a bonus. The pension bonus must be claimed at the same time as the pension or ISS is claimed. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). Pension Loan Scheme [Fact Sheet: IS 116] The Pension Loans Scheme (PLS) provides fortnightly income payments at a reasonable rate of interest to people who receive a reduced rate of service pension or income support supplement, or do not receive any payment because of the income or assets tests. A loan under the PLS can be repaid in full or in part at any time. The full amount of the loan plus interest owed will be recovered from the person s estate upon their death. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). Rent Assistance [Fact Sheets: IS 74, IS 75] Rent assistance (RA) is an allowance to help meet the cost of private (non-government) rental accommodation. If eligible for RA, it is paid in conjunction with service pension, income support supplement or social security payments (including age pension). Eligibility is assessed when claiming pension or upon notification of a relevant change to residential situation. Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook,

22 A minimum amount of rent, called a rent threshold, must be paid before RA becomes payable. The rent thresholds and the maximum RA amounts payable are different for singles and couples. These amounts are indexed and the current rates are quoted in the Fact Sheets referred to above. Disability pension income, or a variation to the amount of rent paid, can also affect the amount of RA payable. Note: If you have dependant children, your rent assistance is likely to be paid by the Family Assistance Office as part of your Family Tax Benefit. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). Dependant children [Fact Sheet: IS 48] Child-related payments are paid by Centrelink. However, service pensioners, war widow(er)s receiving an income support supplement and age pensioners paid by DVA have access to an additional income-free area under the income test if they have dependant children. To ensure you benefit from this free area, you need to let DVA know that you have dependant child/ren. Centrelink Phone: Website: Pension rates [Fact Sheets: IS 30, IS 164 IS 168] Current Rates Fact Sheets and Income/Asset Test Ready Reckoners for all DVA pensions are available from DVA. Pension and allowance rates are indexed in March and September. Income and assets test-free areas are indexed in July. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 9). Reviews, appeals and renewal of claims [Fact Sheets: DP 66, IS 135] Veterans, their partners, war widow(er)s dissatisfied with a decision in respect of a Service Pension or Income Support Supplement matter may, within three months of the decision, request in writing a review by a delegate of the Repatriation Commission. If dissatisfied with the delegate s decision you have a further right of appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). For reviews of Disability or War Widow(er)s Pension decisions the first level of appeal is to the Veterans Review Board, and thereafter to the AAT. Reviews about the rate of pension payable must be lodged within three months of the date of determination; or within twelve months if it concerns pension entitlement (lodgement of appeal within three months will maximise arrears payable if the appeal succeeds). 14 Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008

23 Where a claim for a new disability or for acceptance of death as service-related is disallowed, no renewal of the claim may be made within twelve months of the disallowance; the twelve month review period must expire before you can re-lodge an application. Phone: (metro) (country) Website: Veterans Review Board [Fact sheets: VRB 01 VRB 05] The Veterans Review Board (VRB) is an independent tribunal and is part of the Veterans and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation determining systems. The VRB reviews decisions of: the Repatriation Commission concerning entitlement to, and assessment of, disability pension, war widow s pension, orphans pension and attendant allowance under the Veterans Entitlements Act 1986 the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission concerning rehabilitation, compensation, and other benefits under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Note: Time limits apply. Phone: (metro) (country) Website: Taxation and pensions [Fact Sheets: PAT 11] DVA is unable to pay pensions or allowances unless advised of the recipient s Tax File Number or a valid exemption reason. Taxable income, in general, includes Service Pension and Income Support Supplement. Concessional arrangements apply to payments on the basis of permanent incapacity or blindness. If you receive a DVA payment that is taxable, the Department will send you a Payment Summary shortly after the end of each financial year. You need to lodge a tax return if your other taxable income plus the amount shown on your DVA Payment Summary is higher than the threshold set by the Australian Taxation Office. Australian Taxation Office Phone: Website: Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook,

24 Allowances Please call the following numbers for enquiries about payments that are made by DVA: Phone: (metro) (country) Website: Attendant allowance [Fact Sheet: DP 72] Attendant Allowance is payable to veterans suffering specified, service-related disablement (blind in both eyes, blindness with total loss of speech or total deafness, loss of certain limbs, or spinal/brain injury or incapacity of similar effect) to assist with the cost of an attendant. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 16). Carer allowance Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment available to parents or carers who provide daily care and attention for adults or children with a severe disability or medical condition ($ per fortnight as at January 2008). Carer Allowance is free of income or assets tests and is not taxable. This payment is indexed each January in line with Consumer Price Index changes. Carer Allowance may also be paid in addition to other payments, such as Service Pension, Carer Payment and Age Pension. Centrelink Phone: Website: Carer payment Carer Payment is an income support payment for carers who, because of the demands of their caring role, are unable to support themselves by participating substantially in the workforce. Carer Payment also allows for maximum opportunities to participate in society through respite provisions and training, education and employment assistance. Carer Payment is paid subject to meeting eligibility criteria and an income and assets test. Centrelink Phone: Website: 16 Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008

25 Clothing allowance [Fact Sheet: DP 73] Clothing Allowance is payable to veterans who due to service are blinded or have lost a limb, who wear a surgical appliance or who sustain more than usual damage to clothing because of a service-related disability. The allowance covers only exceptional wear and tear or damage to clothing. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 16). Decoration allowance [Fact Sheet: DP 74] Decoration Allowance is payable to a veteran who is paid disability pension and who received an eligible decoration awarded for gallantry during a war or during warlike operations covered in the Veterans Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA). You must be the recipient of one of the following decorations and be receiving disability pension to be eligible to receive Decoration Allowance: Imperial Honours Victoria Cross George Cross George Medal Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Service Cross Military Cross Distinguished Flying Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal Conspicuous Gallantry Medal Distinguished Service Medal Military Medal Distinguished Flying Medal Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Military Division)* Medal of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Military Division) ( ), and with Gallantry Emblem ( ) Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook,

26 Australian Honours System Victoria Cross for Australia Cross of Valour* Star of Gallantry Star of Courage* Medal for Gallantry Note: * These medals must be awarded during a war or during warlike operations covered in the VEA to qualify for the allowance. Victoria Cross In addition to Decoration Allowance, Victoria Cross recipients are entitled to receive an annual Victoria Cross Allowance. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 16). Loss of Earnings allowance [Fact Sheet: DP 75] Loss of Earnings Allowance is payable when a veteran (and in some cases, an attendant) loses earnings as a result of having to attend any office, clinic, hospital or doctor for treatment or investigation of a service-related disability, or investigation of a claimed condition. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 16). Pharmaceutical allowance [Fact sheet: HSV 92] A pharmaceutical allowance of $5.80 a fortnight, per family, is paid to eligible veterans to compensate them for the payment for each RPBS prescription item. Payments of advance pharmaceutical allowance can be made in certain circumstances, subject to strict eligibility criteria. For more information contact your nearest DVA office. The Safety Net Scheme The Safety Net Scheme ensures that you do not pay for more than 58 prescription items at the concessional rate in a calendar year, after which prescriptions are free. This equates to $ The Scheme is available to all Australians including DVA card holders and their families. An exception to this is made for certain items supplied within 20 days of a previous supply. You use a prescription record form to keep track of how much you and your dependant family have spent on medicines for safety net entitlement purposes. Every time an RPBS/PBS item or hospital medicine is dispensed ask the pharmacist to record the safety net value on the form. It is 18 Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008

27 your responsibility to keep track of how much has been spent and to know when the safety net limit has been reached. Repeat prescriptions for patients with chronic conditions If you have a chronic condition that you regularly take medicine for, and you have a formal care plan or team care arrangements with your doctor, you may be able to get a prescription that will provide you with 12 months worth of your medicine. You should talk to your doctor to see if this long-term prescription is suitable for your needs. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 16). Pharmaceutical allowance (MRCA) [Fact Sheet: MRC 23] For information on this topic, please refer to the Military Compensation chapter of this handbook. Recreation Transport allowance [Fact Sheet: DP 76] Recreation Transport Allowance is paid to assist Disability Pensioners with specified accepted disabilities (blind in both eyes, specified multiple amputations, or movement restriction equivalent to the loss of specified limbs) with the cost of transportation for recreation purposes. It is a condition of eligibility that the veteran must be able to undertake recreational outings. The rate payable varies according to the severity of the veteran s disabilities. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 16). Seniors Concession allowance [Fact Sheet: IS 127] The Seniors Concession Allowance (SCA) is paid quarterly to assist with payment of energy, rates, water and sewerage expenses. To be eligible for SCA, you must be a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder or an eligible Gold Card holder. An eligible Gold Card holder is the holder of a Gold Card for All Conditions, who is of veteran pension age and not already eligible for either Utilities Allowance or SCA. Veteran pension age is 60 for males and (currently) 58 for females. You do not need to apply for SCA. If you are eligible, the allowance will be paid automatically into your nominated bank account. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 16). Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook,

28 Telephone allowance [Fact Sheet: IS 13] The Telephone Allowance is indexed and automatically paid every three months to telephone subscribers who are also holders of a PCC or CSHC. The allowance is also paid to some other Gold Card holders and to those eligible under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act From pension payday 27 March 2008, pensioners in a household with a home internet connection, in addition to a telephone connection, received a 50% increase in telephone allowance. Note: If you change your address you should notify the Department of the change of phone number as well as your new address so that you continue receiving the telephone allowance. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 16). Telephone allowance (MRCA) [Fact Sheets: MRC 13] For information on this topic, please refer to the Military Compensation chapter of this handbook. Temporary Incapacity allowance [Fact Sheet: DP 77] The Department may pay an allowance where a veteran receives treatment for a service-related incapacity as an inpatient for a continuous period of 28 days, beginning on the first day of inpatient treatment. The treatment may include periods as an out-patient or while convalescing. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 16). Utilities allowance [Fact Sheet: IS 16] The Utilities Allowance is paid twice a year, in March and September, to holders of a PCC of veteran pension age, to assist with payment of energy, rates, water and sewerage expenses. You do not need to apply for the allowance. If you are eligible, the allowance will be paid automatically to the same bank account as your income support pension. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 16). 20 Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008

29 Health services and aged care Please call the following numbers for enquiries about the health services and benefits provided by DVA in this chapter: Phone: (metro) (country) Website: Health services Accessing medical services [Fact Sheet: DVA 13] Where a Health Service is to be provided at DVA s expense, it can only be provided to entitled veterans and war widow(er)s as determined by their DVA Treatment Entitlement Cards (Gold or White Card) and based on clinical need. Note: Entitled veterans and war widow(er)s should use their Gold or White Card, rather than their Medicare Card when seeing doctors or being admitted to public hospitals. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 21). Pension Concession Card (PCC) holders Please note your Medicare Card is required for basic hospital and medical treatment. When using Medicare services your Medicare Card should be used in conjunction with your PCC. Payment for services Whether receiving treatment through DVA or Medicare entitlements, the provider will ask to see your Entitlement Card, and you will be asked to sign an account to certify that you received the treatment. You should not sign any forms until you have obtained your treatment. If you are receiving a course of treatment, e.g. from a doctor, physiotherapist or dentist, only sign for that treatment at the time you receive it. If you are billed for any component of the treatment that you consider should be provided to you free of charge, then please contact the Department before paying the account. Note: When seeking to access treatment using your Gold or White Card, please ensure that the provider accepts DVA treatment arrangements before you accept treatment. Medicare Under the Medicare system, all Australian permanent residents are covered for medical and hospital treatment. Medicare covers all public hospital treatment charges for people choosing to be admitted as public patients. This includes free accommodation in shared rooms in public hospitals, free treatment by a hospital doctor, free outpatient treatment at public hospitals and certain specialised surgery. Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook,

30 Medicare will refund 85% of the scheduled fee for outpatient services, e.g. visits to GP (100% of scheduled fee for GP consultations), specialists, and pathology. While many doctors accept the Medicare rebate as full payment for treating PCC holders, there are no restrictions on how much a doctor can charge. Some GPs and specialists bulk bill, some charge the scheduled fee, and some charge higher fees in line with the Australian Medical Association s set of fees. The Medicare Safety Net The amounts that you pay between what your doctor charges and what you get back from Medicare (your out-of-pocket expenses) count towards the annual Medicare Safety Net Threshold. Once you or your family have reached the threshold amount in a calendar year, Medicare will refund 80% of your out-of-pocket costs for the rest of that year, on top of the 85% rebate on the schedule fee. This applies to the costs of going to your GP, as well as a range of treatments outside hospitals, including specialist visits, tests, x-rays and scans. You will need to keep all receipts for these services and provide them to Medicare. Information on the threshold amount that applies to you or your family can be obtained from any Medicare office. To ensure that you and your family are covered by the Safety Net, families and married or de facto couples need to register with Medicare for the Safety Net, and provide details of who is in your family, so that costs for all family members can be counted towards the threshold. Single people without dependant children do not need to register, as Medicare can easily count your expenses towards the threshold. If your family details change you will need to let Medicare know. You can register at any Medicare office or via the internet. This system is separate from the Safety Net for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) which applies when you have high costs for medicines in a calendar year. Public patient If you choose to be admitted as a public (Medicare) patient in a public hospital, you will receive treatment by doctors and specialists nominated by the hospital. You will not be charged for care and treatment, or after-care by the treating doctor. Private patient If you are a private patient in a public or private hospital, you will have a choice of doctor to treat you. Medicare will pay 75% of the Medicare Schedule fee for services and procedures provided by the treating doctor. If you have private health insurance some or all of the outstanding balance can be covered. You will be charged for hospital accommodation and items such as theatre fees and medicines. These costs can also be covered by private health insurance. Medicare Safety Net Phone: Website: 22 Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook, 2008

31 Local Medical Officer Scheme [Fact Sheet: HSV 80] Local Medical Officers (LMO) are responsible for general practitioner services to entitled veterans and war widow(er)s. They are aware of the Department s policies and procedures and can advise appropriately on most health matters. A LMO may refer you directly to specialists and other health providers who accept the Department s fees. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 21). Specialist medical services [Fact Sheet: HSV 81] If you hold a Gold Card, your Local Medical Officer (LMO) can refer you directly to any medical specialist who will accept the Department s fee rates, without reference to the Department. If you hold a White Card, your LMO can refer you directly to any medical specialist who will accept the Department s fee rates, without reference to the Department, if the treatment is related to your accepted service-related disabilities. There may be additional costs charged by the specialist (e.g. facility fees) that are not paid or reimbursed by the Department. Please check fees with your specialist prior to treatment. Contact numbers for DVA are at the beginning of this chapter (see page 21). Admissions to hospitals [Fact Sheet: HSV 76] Public and private hospitals and day procedure centres DVA has contractual arrangements with all public hospitals, most private hospitals and day procedure centres across Australia. If you are a Gold Card holder your doctor can generally arrange your admission directly to these hospitals without reference to DVA. However, if you are a Gold Card holder your doctor will still need to contact DVA to gain prior approval if you are being admitted for any of the following services and treatments: psychiatric respite convalescence care dental services compensable cases procedures that do not have a CMBS item number including cosmetic surgery Department of Veterans Affairs Information Handbook,