Age Pension (Blind) overview 065-04000000
Expand allThis document outlines information relating to Age Pension (Blind).
Government intent
The Australian Government recognises challenges experienced by older Australians and the need to access a greater level of financial and practical support. Measures have been put in place to strengthen the financial security of seniors, carers and people with disability. The Age Pension (Blind) is one of these measures and provides income support to eligible customers.
Services Australia aims to meet the needs of customers seeking help in retirement by ensuring customers receive the right payment from the earliest possible date of eligibility. It also aims to enhance the quality of life of older Australians through support for positive and healthy ageing and the provision of a cohesive framework of high quality and cost effective care services for frail older people and their carers.
Lodging a claim
It is a requirement of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 that any person wanting to receive a social security payment or a concession card must make a claim and the claim must be made in accordance with the Social Security (Administration) Act, for example, by phone, personal lodgement, etc.
A claim for Age Pension (Blind) can be lodged up to 13 weeks prior to qualification. This could include cases where a customer lodges an early claim within 13 weeks of Age Pension age, then goes overseas. The start date for payment will be the date the person qualifies for payment. A customer could also lodge an early claim where they are qualified for an Age Pension (Blind) but the Age Pension (Blind) is not payable at time of claim.
Qualification for Age Pension (Blind)
Customers claiming Age Pension (Blind) must be able to satisfy all criteria for Age Pension as well as be permanently blind.
For the purposes of the Social Security Act 1991, a customer is regarded as permanently blind when their vision is impaired as a result of a combination of visual problems to the extent they have no useful vision.
Transfer to Age Pension (Blind)
A customer who is currently on an income support payment and wishes to Age Pension (Blind) transfer provisions may not need to complete a claim form.
They can be transferred to Age Pension (Blind) when they meet all of the qualification criteria for Age Pension and the Social Security definition of permanent blindness.
Alternative letter formats
Customers in receipt of Age Pension (Blind) can choose to receive their Services Australia letters in an accessible format.
Contents
Qualification for Age Pension (Blind)
Age Pension (Blind) transfer provisions
Assessing Age Pension (Blind) Claims
Age Pension cancellations, suspensions, rejections and restorations