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Proof of Identity - Verification for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

To make it easier for Indigenous Australians without proof of identification documents to claim a Centrelink payment or service, they may be able to use the Proof of Identity - Verification for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People (RA010) form. This form allows Centrelink to confirm that an Indigenous person is known within their community and can be used to assist them when claiming a payment or service.

Important Note: the Verification for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People form is not used to verify a person's status as an Indigenous person, it is only a way of verifying your identity.

When will Centrelink use the Verification for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People form?

A Centrelink Customer Service Officer will issue the form when an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person has insufficient proof of identity because they:

  • do not have conventional proof of identity records. For example their birth is not registered, they have no personal bank account or they have no bills in their own name.
  • have lost their documents due to fire, theft or natural disaster.

Please Note: Centrelink is unable to issue the Verification for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People form if you have forgotten to bring your proof of identity documents with you when you lodge your claim.

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Who can use the Verification for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People form?

This form can be used by Indigenous Australians (usually from rural or remote areas) who find it hard to provide adequate identification to Centrelink. It can be used to verify a person's identity by using an authorised referee from their community. The form can be used when:

  • you can't get or keep conventional identification documents, and
  • you are known by an appropriate referee within your community.

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Can the Verification for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People form be used for other purposes?

No. The Verification for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People form is only used to assist Indigenous Australians who are having difficulty proving their identity to Centrelink when they claim a payment or service.

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Who is an appropriate referee?

An appropriate referee is a person who is a:

  • Chairperson, Secretary or CEO of an accepted incorporated Indigenous organisation (including land councils, community councils and housing organisations). You can find out more by going to the Registrar of Aboriginal Corporations website.
  • CDEP co-ordinator
  • School Principal or School Counsellor
  • Minister of Religion
  • Treating Health Professional or Manager (Medical Services)
  • Centrelink Agent
  • Government employee (including Centrelink staff) of at least 5 years, or
  • Centrelink Indigenous Customer Service Officer or Indigenous Service Officer (can be less than 5 years).

The appropriate referee must:

  • know the person, or
  • be able to confirm the person's identity from records, and
  • be part of the community from which the person comes (i.e. either works or lives in that community).

Please Note: A person cannot be regarded as an appropriate referee if they have only known the customer for a short time or is part of their immediate family (i.e. parents, grandparents, siblings, children or grandchildren).

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Does the appropriate referee have to be present when a claim is being made?

No. However, the referee must be sure of the person's identity before completing the form long distance. As part of completing and signing the form, the referee is confirming that the person has either:

  • signed the form in their presence, or
  • is some distance away (kms/hours) and has been identified some other way. This may include by recognising their voice, knowing details of the person's circumstances (i.e. where they are living, who their family is etc.), or by recognising their handwriting.

If the referee is satisfied of the person's identity, they can complete and sign the form. A Centrelink Customer Service Officer may contact the referee for further details on how they identified the person.

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Download the Verification for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People form

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How can I get more Information?

For more information or to ask for help, you can:

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