2.2.11 Disability & Carer Verification

Introduction

The following table lists the verification required for the payments/benefits in the disability and carer grouping. If more detail is required about specific verification, the second column indicates where you will find this.

Act reference: SSAct section 10A(2)-'employment'

Verifying permanent blindness

The applicant must submit a specialist report, usually on a SA013 form, with their claim. The report can be from an ophthalmologist or from an optometrist as long as it is supported by an ophthalmologist. The delegate confirms that the criteria for permanent blindness are met. The report MUST state conclusively that the applicant satisfies the criteria for permanent blindness.

If the report does not state conclusively that the applicant satisfies the criteria for permanent blindness it must be referred to the HPAU for an opinion and/or interpretation. The HPAU will advise whether the person is, or is not, permanently blind, or whether further assessment by an ophthalmologist is necessary.

Act reference: SSAct section 95(1) Qualification for DSP-permanent blindness

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.1.H.60 Health Professional Advisory Unit (HPAU), 3.6.2.30 Manifest Grants & Continuing Inability to Work (DSP)

Verifying medical certificate

A medical certificate is to be verified ONLY if there is doubt about its accuracy and/or authenticity. If doubt exists, the doctor's practice, clinic or hospital should be contacted by telephone to confirm the authenticity of the certificate and/or the altered details.

Circumstances in which verification may be required are:

• certificate appears to have been altered or amended and the alterations have not been initialled by the issuing doctor,
• the certificate was issued by a doctor whose practice is located some distance away from the applicant's usual residence,
• there is a considerable time lag between the date of commencement of the incapacity and the date of issue of the first certificate,
• 'local' knowledge indicates that verification is warranted,
• the certificate shows a different medical condition not shown on previous certificates,
• certificates from hospitals or practices where certificates have been stolen in the past, OR
• if it is known that the doctor was absent overseas or interstate when the certificate was issued.

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.6.5.60 Assessment of SA

Verifying leave payment

A leave payment is confirmed by telephone with the applicant's employer or education institution.

Verifying employment or training

MOB cannot be granted without verifying the applicant's work or training details.

Explanation: Details of employment or vocational training are requested from the applicant in their MOB claim. These details should be verified unless the applicant provides the necessary proof of the employment or training such as:

• recent consecutive payslips showing the name of the employer and number of hours worked,
• a letter of appointment stating when the applicant started work, the likely duration of employment and the number of hours worked,
• a copy of a recent attendance sheet which has the applicant's name on it,
• a current enrolment record, or
• a letter from an accountant verifying the number of hours spent in self-employment.

If the applicant has trouble providing documentary evidence, the training organisation or employer can provide the information required. Telephone verification is also acceptable to avoid delays in payment. The details of who was contacted must be fully documented on the applicant file and confirmed, in writing, after grant.

Act reference: SSAct section 1035 Qualification for MOB

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.6.6.40 Assessment of Gainful Employment for Standard Rate MOB

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Last reviewed: 1 July 2011