2.2.1.40 Persons Experiencing Difficulty with Identity Verification

Summary

This topic explains the requirements for persons who are experiencing difficulties with POI documentation and covers:

• persons unable to provide documentation,
• POI for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and
• identity review period.

Persons unable to provide documentation

If a person's circumstances prevent them from providing POI documentation, they are NOT automatically exempt from the usual POI requirements. All efforts must be made to obtain satisfactory POI either:

• before payment is approved, OR
• at a later date, if the delegate is satisfied of their identity.

The onus for establishing POI is on the person. However, if a person experiences genuine difficulty providing POI documents, the department should assist them. The form 'Questions for Persons with Insufficient POI' can be used for all people unable to provide evidence as to their identity. It can be used if the person:

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

Explanation: This form contains questions that, because of their personal nature, are not likely to be known to other people.

Information gathered from the questions should be verified. The delegate then uses this information when making the decision to grant or reject the claim.

This form may also be used as a separate and alternative method for the delegate to satisfy themselves as to a person's identity if circumstances prevent the person from providing POI documentation in the usual manner.

Examples: The following persons may be unable to provide POI documentation:

• persons having a personal crisis,
• persons experiencing domestic violence,
• 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 POI documents from the person, which meet the formal requirements.

For information on POI for persons born overseas see 2.2.2 Verifying Personal Details.

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

POI for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples

If possible, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be subject to the same POI provisions 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. The 'Proof of Identity - Verification for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People' form can be used in these instances.

Explanation: This form is completed by an 'authorised reference', which can include:

• council chairman,
• school principal,
• minister of religion,
• doctor,
• departmental officer, OR
• well known officer of local welfare organisations.

Identity review period

If only minor reservations remain about a person's POI, a payment for 2 pay periods can be authorised while the remaining POI requirements are being satisfied.

Before authorising payment on this basis, the determining officer:

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

The person should be advised that if POI is not fully established within 2 pay periods, then payment will be stopped.

Explanation: If at the end of the period, the recipient's identity is still in doubt, payments made via the system are automatically cancelled at 28 days.

Act reference: SS(Admin)Act section 8 Principles of administration, section 80(1) Cancellation or suspension determination

Policy reference: SS Guide 2.2.1.10 General Procedures for Verifying Identity

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Last reviewed: 30 April 2012