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.

2.2.1.40 Persons experiencing difficulty with identity confirmation & verification

Summary

This topic explains the requirements for persons who are experiencing difficulties with identity confirmation and covers:

  • persons who require more time to provide documentation to confirm their identity
  • persons unable to provide documentation
  • persons who can confirm their identity with support
  • identity confirmation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and
  • identity review period.

For definitions of core identity terms, see glossary under topic 2.2.1.10.

Persons who require more time to confirm their identity

Persons who require more time to provide documentation and/or to complete a facial comparison (linkage) to confirm their identity can have an identity review period (56 days) applied when the determining officer:

  • has verified any available documents
  • is satisfied the person possesses the remaining documents and can provide them within the review period, and
  • is satisfied the person has taken reasonable steps to establish their identity prior to a review period being applied.

The person should be advised that if identity is not confirmed within the identity review period of 56 days, a reassessment of their identity is required to maintain their current payment. The reassessment can included additional time to gather documents to confirm their identity or where documents are no longer available, the reassessment will establish the person’s alternative identity for the claim.

Explanation: If at the end of the period, the recipient's identity is not confirmed and the person has not engaged in a reassessment of their identity, their payments may be cancelled, unless the person has demonstrated ongoing engagement or where their circumstances indicate that additional support and time is reasonable.

Persons unable to provide documentation

If a person's circumstances prevent them from providing identity documentation, all efforts must be made to establish their identity before payment is approved.

If a person experiences genuine difficulty providing identity documents, Centrelink can assist them to establish their identity under alternative identity arrangements. These arrangements can be used for all people unable to provide evidence as to their identity, such as when the person:

  • has provided some documents which do not fully satisfy the identity confirmation requirements, OR
  • is unable to provide any identity documentation.

Explanation: Persons who require alternative identity confirmation may be asked questions that, because of their personal nature, are unlikely to be known to other people.

Information gathered from these questions must be verified and documented on the system. The information is used to establish the person’s alternative identity based on their individual circumstances.

This process is used to establish a person's identity if circumstances prevent the person from providing identity documentation in the usual manner.

Example: The following persons may be unable to provide identity documentation:

  • persons having a personal crisis
  • persons experiencing family and domestic violence or other adverse personal circumstances
  • victims of a natural disaster
  • persons with certain disabilities such as an intellectual disability or a psychological/psychiatric condition
  • recently released prisoners
  • persons experiencing substance addiction
  • persons whose birth is not registered
  • transients who have no access to previous documents, or
  • homeless persons.

Continuing efforts must still be made to obtain identity documents from the person to establish a confirmed identity, including support to complete the manual verification of a person’s commencement of identity in Australia (commencement of identity document is to verify birth in Australia, or arrival in Australia).

For information on identity confirmation for persons born overseas see 2.2.2 Verifying personal details.

Persons who require support to verify their commencement of identity

Identity confirmation can only be achieved when the person's commencement of identity in Australia is verified through the provision of documents via the Document Verification Service (DVS). Persons who genuinely do not possess a commencement of identity document must be supported to verify their commencement of identity directly with the authority that issued the document. For example, the relevant Births Deaths and Marriages Register.

For information on identity confirmation for persons born overseas see 2.2.2 Verifying personal details.

Act reference: SS(Admin)Act section 8 Principles of administration

Policy reference: SS Guide 2.2.1.10 General procedures for confirming & verifying identity

Identity confirmation for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are subject to the same identity confirmation requirements as other people. This may be difficult in some circumstances, particularly for older people who do not have a birth certificate and those living in remote communities. 'Confirmation of Identity - Verification for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People' form can be used in these instances. Ongoing effort should be made to establish a confirmed identity, including support to verify their commencement of identity in Australia.

Explanation: This form is completed by an 'authorised referee', who can include:

  • Chairperson, Secretary or CEO of an incorporated Indigenous organisation (including land councils, community councils or housing organisations)
  • remote Australian employment service provider
  • school principal or school counsellor
  • minister of religion
  • treating health professional or manager in Aboriginal medical services
  • Services Australia staff or other government employee of at least 5 years, or
  • well known officer of local welfare organisations.

Identity review period

If only minor reservations remain about a person's identity, a payment for the identity review period (56 days) can be authorised while the remaining identity confirmation requirements are being satisfied.

Before authorising payment on this basis, the determining officer:

  • must have a reasonable belief that information to establish the person's identity will be made available during the identity review period, and
  • must ensure that immediate action is taken to confirm the person's identity.

Act reference: SS(Admin)Act section 8 Principles of administration

Policy reference: SS Guide 2.2.1.10 General procedures for confirming & verifying identity, 2.2.2 Verifying personal details

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