DIMA Annual Report 1996-97

Arrangements for the disadvantaged

Citizenship applicants who suffer a permanent substantial hearing, speech, sight or intellectual disability are exempt from requirements for basic English language and knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.

In addition, applicants aged 50 years or over are exempt from the requirement for basic English language. Those aged 60 years or over are exempt from the requirement for knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.

A concessional fee for grant of citizenship applications is available for people who are permanently financially disadvantaged and in receipt of particular social security or veterans' pensions. The concessional fee is $20.

Citizenship information and application forms are available from the national toll-free telephone inquiry service (C-TEL).

The service assists in ensuring equitable access to citizenship information for people in metropolitan and rural areas throughout Australia.

For people of non-English-speaking backgrounds, the Telephone Interpreter Service can be accessed through C-TEL.

Arrangements are made for departmental officers to make home visits to conduct citizenship interviews and conduct citizenship ceremonies for clients who are unable, for reasons of disability, to meet regular arrangements.

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