Section 53K — Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986: What happens if pensioner’s reassessed rate equals or exceeds combined pensioner couple rate

(1) This section applies during the bereavement period if the rate of pension applicable to the pensioner as a result of the partner’s death is equal to or greater than the sum of the rates of pension or social security pension that were payable to the pensioner and the partner on the last day of the last pension period that ended before the partner died. (2) The rate of pension that becomes applicable in respect of the pensioner as a result of the partner’s death applies with effect from the day of the partner’s death. (3) Part of the rate of pension payable to the pensioner is taken to be bereavement payment. The part concerned is equal to the rate of pension or social security pension payable to the partner on the last day of the last pension period that ended before the partner died. (4) This section has effect subject to sections 53M and 53NAA.