The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

2.2.10.20 Verification for DOP

Introduction

The following table lists the verification required for DOP. If more detail is required about specific verification, the second column indicates where you will find this.

Verification required More detail
Child's DOB This topic
Parents' death 2.2.6 Confirming a death
Surviving parents This topic
Refugee (1.1.R.110) status This topic
Date of arrival in Australia (1.1.A.320) This topic

Act reference: SSAct section 5(1)-'parent'

Verifying newborn DOB

A claim for a newborn child must be accompanied by proof of the child's DOB. This is usually obtained from the certificate, 'Certification of Birth', which is completed by the doctor or midwife attending the birth. Verification may also be obtained from the child's birth certificate, passport or other suitable documentation that verifies the child's DOB.

Verifying the DOB of an older child

Verification for an older child may be obtained from the child's birth certificate, passport or other suitable documentation that verifies the child's DOB. If FTB has been paid previously for a child, the previous guardian's record is sufficient proof of birth, as the previous guardian may already have proven birth.

Verifying details of surviving parents

The following table details the verification requirements if the child receiving DOP has a surviving parent.

If the surviving parent is … then …
on remand confirmation that the parent has been charged and that the offence they have been charged with carries a maximum penalty of at least 10 years imprisonment must be obtained.
imprisoned confirmation of the term of the prison sentence must be obtained.

a patient in a

  • psychiatric hospital, or
  • nursing home (1.1.N.140)
 the hospital should be contacted to confirm that the surviving parent will require care and treatment indefinitely.
uncontactable it must be verified that the claimant has made reasonable attempts to find the parent.

Act reference: SSAct section 993 Double orphan - not refugee

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.1.D.240 Double orphan (DOP)

Verifying refugee status

Verification of a child's refugee status is required before DOP can be granted.

If the child was accepted as a refugee before arrival in Australia, a photocopy of the relevant parts of the child's passport, travel document or visa should be made. If the child was accepted as a refugee after arrival in Australia, a photocopy of a letter from the Department of Home Affairs should be made. If these documents are not available, verification of the child's residential status should be obtained from the Department of Home Affairs.

Verifying date of arrival in Australia

If the date the child arrived in Australia affects the date of commencement of DOP, then the date must be verified. This can be verified at the same time as the DOB or refugee status.

Explanation: All information regarding refugee status and date of arrival comes from the Department of Home Affairs.

Last reviewed: