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This topic contains information on overpayments of PP and DOP. This topic covers the following matters:
All arrears of pension payments, other than those at grant, are assessed for non-benefit PPP (1.1.P.52) purposes in the fortnight that the arrears are paid. Under this procedure the recipient may lose the benefit of the PP income free area for each earlier fortnight. They can request a review to have the arrears assessed as if they were received in the fortnight they were derived, taking into account the PP free area for each fortnight of the arrears period.
If the result of the review is an overpayment against the recipient, it should not be raised or recovered. There is no legislative basis for an overpayment in these circumstances, and the original assessment should remain unchanged.
The only 'double dipping' provision is contained in SSAct section 1003 that prevents payment if a child is receiving a pension under Part II or IV of the VEA. If an applicant claims DOP and is known to have claimed or be receiving double war orphan's pension from DVA, any overpayment arising for overlapping periods is adjusted from arrears. Arrears are not released until a DVA clearance has been received.
If DVA has a record of the recipient:
If the grant of double war orphan's pension causes an overpayment this amount will be withheld from any DVA payment.
There are a number of reasons that a debt may occur.
Examples: These include:
Act reference: SSAct section 1003 Double orphan pension not payable for child receiving a pension under the Veterans' Entitlements Act
Policy reference: SS Guide 3.5.2 DOP - Qualification & Payability
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Last reviewed: 9 February 2012
