Clients aged 80 and over who receive a Centrelink pension overseas need to complete a proof of life certificate every two years to continue receiving their payment.
Background
From 20 December 2019, clients aged 80 or over who receive a qualifying Centrelink payment whilst overseas are required to provide a proof of life certificate every two years.
When the law was introduced, the explanatory memorandum* stated that administrative data showed a disparity in the death rate of Centrelink pensioners aged 80 years and above residing overseas, compared to pensioners in Australia. The Department advised the disparity suggested that Centrelink was not being notified in all cases, or in a timely manner, when a person dies overseas.
Impacted clients
The requirement to provide a proof of life certificate applies to clients who:
- have reached 80 years of age, and
- were continuously absent from Australia throughout the previous two years, and
- are receiving any of the following social security payments:
- age pension
- disability support pension
- carer payment
Proof of life certificate
Centrelink must notify impacted clients at least once every two years that they are required to provide a proof of life certificate.
Impacted clients must provide a proof of life certificate within 13 weeks of being given a notice by Centrelink.
A proof of life certificate must:
- include a statement that the client is alive, and
- be signed and dated by the client, or another person if the form allows for another person to sign on the person’s behalf provided that one or more specified requirements are met, and
- be signed, dated by an authorised certifier and include a statement that the authorised certifier:
- has sighted the person in their physical presence (video conferencing will not comply with this requirement), and
- has verified the identity of the person, and
- is satisfied that the person is alive.
Authorised certifiers
The following people are recognised as authorised certifiers in the person’s place of residence:
A person who, under the law of or applying at that place, is currently authorised or entitled to practise in that place as:
- a legal practitioner, or
- a notary public, or
- a medical practitioner, or
- a police officer
- a judge, magistrate or justice
- a registrar or deputy registrar
- an official of a local or regional government authority or pension agency
Timing of proof of life certificate
A proof of life certificate, must be completed and certified during the 13-week period from the date Centrelink issues a notice. However, if a client enters Australia within this 13-week period, the client is not required to give Centrelink a proof of life certificate.
Failure to provide certificate – suspension and cancellation of payment
Where the client does not return a compliant proof of life certificate or enter Australia within the 13 week period from the date of the notice, the client’s payment will be suspended for a period of up to 13 weeks. If they do not then provide the proof of life certificate or enter Australia within the 13 week suspension period, the client’s payment will be cancelled.
Endnotes
*Social Services Legislation Amendment (Overseas Welfare Recipients Integrity Program) Act 2019, Explanatory Memorandum to Bill
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