The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

Family Assistance Guide Updates - 2004

Family Assistance Guide Updates - 6 December 2004 (v1.58)

Topic No. Topic Title Change
1.1.D.65 Defence Force Income Support Allowance Corrected DVA disability pension to DVA adjusted disability pension.
1.1.G.15 Grandparent carer (CCB) New definition.
1.1.P.125 Principal carer (CCB) New definition.
1.2.2 Maternity Payment (MPY) - Description Updated maternity payment to abbreviation, MPY.
2.1.1.15 Verification of Child's Name & Date of Birth Updated maternity payment to abbreviation, MPY.
2.4 MPY Eligibility Updated maternity payment to abbreviation, MPY, in whole section.
2.5 MIA Eligibility Updated maternity payment to abbreviation, MPY.
2.6.3.10 Eligibility Requirements for up to 50 Hours CCB Added that from 1 November 2004 the work, training and study test will be waived for eligible grandparent carers so they can receive CCB for up to 50 hours of child care.
3.2.5 Net Rental Property Loss Added material regarding net rental property losses of a partnership, if it's sole purpose is property investment.
3.3 MAT & MPY Rate Updated maternity payment to abbreviation, MPY.
4.1.1 TFN Requirements Updated maternity payment to abbreviation, MPY.
4.1.1.25 TFN Requirements for MAT, MPY & MIA Updated maternity payment to abbreviation, MPY.
4.5 Claims for MAT, MPY & MIA Updated maternity payment to abbreviation, MPY, in whole section.

Family Assistance Guide Updates - 1 November 2004 (v1.57)

Topic No. Topic Title Change
1.1.D.65 Defence Force Income Support Allowance New topic.
1.1.I.50 Income support payment Included information relating to Defence Force Income Support Allowance.
1.1.L.30 Lodgement year Explained second lodgement year as per extension of time to lodge legislation.
1.1.L.40 Lower Earner New topic.
1.1.R.05 Receiving Updated to reflect modification of definition as a result of the introduction of DFISA.
2.1.1.15 Verification of Child's Name & Date of Birth Added maternity payment and MIA as payments requiring verification of child's date of birth.
2.1.1.70 Change of Care & Disputed Care Arrangements Deleted reference to having to apply for FTB to continue during a period of disputed care.
3.1.4.40 Income Test - FTB Part A Method 1 Added reference to Defence Force Income Support Allowance.
3.1.6.30 Court Orders & Registered Agreements Replaced references to social security benefit with FTB under 'Stage 2 of the CSS'.
3.1.9.10 Calculating FTB Part B Change terminology from 'secondary' to 'lower' earner.
3.1.9.20 Income Test - FTB Part B Change terminology from 'secondary' to 'lower' earner
3.2.6 Tax Free Pensions or Benefits Added Defence Force Income Support Allowance to list of tax free pensions and benefits.
4.2.2.20 Specific Requirements for Past Period Claim Amendments to include extension of time lodgement requirements.
4.5.1 Claims for MAT, Maternity Payment & MIA Added verifying child's date of birth for maternity payment and maternity immunisation allowance.
6.4.3.20 Non-Lodger Process Included information relating to the effect of extension of time limits legislation on non-lodger process.
6.4.3.30 Outcomes of Non-Lodger Process Included information relating to the effect of extension of time limits legislation on non-lodger process.

Family Assistance Guide Updates - 20 September 2004 (v1.56)

Topic No. Topic Title Change
2.1.2.10 Residency Requirements Included visa subclass 695 Return Pending Visa.
3.2.2 Taxable Income Added information and example relating to taxable income.
3.2.4 Target Foreign Income Added exchange rates for 1 July 2004.
3.6.2 FTB Rent Assistance - Historical Rates & Thresholds Removed duplicate entries for 20/03/2003 and 20/09/2002.

Family Assistance Guide Updates - 2 August 2004 (v1.55)

Topic No. Topic Title Change
1.2.2 Maternity Payment - Description Added policy references for apportioning and payment by instalments.
2.4.1 Eligibility for Maternity Payment Updated policy and added material relating to abduction and disputed care.
2.4.2 Apportioning of Maternity Payment Added more detail relating to apportioning and care arrangements.
2.4.3 Maternity Payment Instalments New topic.
2.5 MIA Eligibility Clarified eligibility criteria for children born before 1 January 2003 and on/after 1 January 2003.
3.2.6 Tax Free Pensions or Benefits Included payments under the Military and Compensation Act as tax free pensions or benefits.
4.5.1 Claim for MAT & MIA Clarified that claim for MIA needs to be lodged on or before the child's second birthday
4.7.1 CCB Approved Services - Statements for Payment Updated information relating to service bulk listing.

Family Assistance Guide Updates - 1 July 2004 (v1.54)

Topic No. Topic Title Change
1.1.I.70 Income thresholds (CCB) Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
1.1.M.27 Maximum weekly benefit (CCB) Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
1.1.M.30 Maximum weekly entitlement (CCB) Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
1.1.M.60 Minimum hourly rate (CCB) Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
1.1.S.100 Standard hourly rate (CCB) Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
1.2 Description of Payments Updated topic list to reflect introduction of maternity payment.
1.2.1 Family Tax Benefit (FTB) - Description Included FTB Part A supplement.
1.2.2 Maternity Payment - Description Replaced previous content with description of maternity payment, which replaced MAT and the baby bonus as of 1 July 2004. Previous content, Maternity Allowance (MAT) - Description, has been moved to 1.2.5
1.2.3 Maternity Immunisation Allowance (MIA) - Description Updated background to allowances for maternity.
1.2.5 Maternity Allowance (MAT) - Description New topic. Description of MAT moved from 1.2.2 to 1.2.5, updated background to allowances for maternity.
Part 2 Eligibility Updated topic list to reflect introduction of maternity payment.
2.1.2.30 Temporary Absence from Australia Updated 26 weeks to 13 weeks in relation to portability of greater than minimum rate FTB Part A and RA, effective 1 July 2004.
2.4 Maternity Payment Eligibility Replaced entire section with eligibility provisions for maternity payment, which replaced MAT and the baby bonus as of 1 July 2004. Previous content, MAT Eligibility, has been moved to 2.7
2.4.1 Eligibility for Maternity Payment New topic covers eligibility provisions for maternity payment, which replaced MAT and the baby bonus as of 1 July 2004.
2.4.2 Apportioning of Maternity Payment New topic covers apportioning of maternity payment, which replaced MAT and the baby bonus as of 1 July 2004.
2.5 MIA Eligibility Updated policy to reflect that MIA is not income tested for children born on or after 1 January 2003.
2.7 MAT Eligibility New topic. MAT eligibility moved from 2.4 to 2.7.
Part 3 Rate Calculation Changed index to reflect introduction of maternity payment.
3.1 FTB Rate Calculation Included FTB Part A supplement.
3.1.1.10 Calculating a Rate of FTB - Overview Included FTB Part A supplement.
3.1.1.20 Current FTB Rates & Income Test Amounts Included FTB Part A supplement.
3.1.1.50 FTB during Absence from Australia Clarified distinction between 'eligibility' and 'entitlement' and changed '26 weeks' to 13 weeks' overseas absence.
3.1.1.60 Indexation of FTB Included FTB Part A supplement.
3.1.4.10 Method 1 - Calculating the Maximum Rate of FTB Part A Updated taper rate to 20 cents in the dollar from 1 July 2004. Updated example.
3.1.4.20 Standard Rate - FTB Part A Method 1 Included FTB Part A supplement.
3.1.4.40 Income Test - FTB Part A Method 1 Updated taper rate, after reaching the income free area, to 20 cents in the dollar from 1 July 2004.
3.1.5.50 Reasonable Maintenance Action Completed Added information on discharging of arrears when moving from CSA collect to private collect.
3.1.7.11 Assessable Maintenance Income Included reference to maintenance received from a non-custodial parent.
3.1.8.10 Method 2 - Calculating the Maximum Rate of FTB Part A Included FTB Part A supplement.
3.1.9.10 Calculating FTB Part B Updated to reflect taper rate of 20 cents in the dollar from 1 July 2004.
3.1.9.20 Income Test - FTB Part B Updated to reflect taper rate of 20 cents in the dollar from 1 July 2004.
3.3 MAT & Maternity Payment Rate Changed title to reflect introduction of maternity payment.
3.5.1 CCB Entitlement - General Provisions Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
3.5.2.20 Calculating the Approved Care Taxable Income Percentage Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
3.5.2.40 Calculating the Approved Care Adjustment Percentage Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
3.5.2.50 Calculating the Approved Care Multiple Child Percentage Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
3.5.2.70 CCB Adjustment Percentage Example - 1 Child, Income below Upper Threshold Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
3.5.2.80 CCB Adjustment Percentage Example - 4 Children, Income above Upper Threshold Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
3.5.2.90 CCB Adjustment Percentage Example - 2 Children, Income above Upper Threshold Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
3.6.5 Historical Rates Clarified when indexation occurs.
3.6.5.10 CCB - Historical Standard Hourly Rate Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
3.6.5.20 CCB - Historical Income Thresholds Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
3.6.5.30 CCB - Historical Maximum Weekly Benefit Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
3.6.5.40 CCB - Historical Maximum Weekly Entitlement Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
Part 4 Claims & Payments Updated topic list to reflect introduction of maternity payment.
4.1.1.25 TFN Requirements for MAT, Maternity Payment & MIA Added requirements for maternity payment.
4.1.2 Protection of Payment Added maternity payment to list of protected payments.
4.3.1.10 FTB Payment Delivered Through Centrelink & ATO Included information on the FTB Part A supplement.
4.3.1.20 FTB Payment Choices for Instalment Customers Included information on the FTB Part A supplement.
4.4.1 Summary of Reasons for FTB Reassessment Added that from 1 July 2004 FTB can be reassessed if the customer goes overseas without notifying.
4.5 Claims for MAT, Maternity Payment & MIA Updated to reflect introduction of maternity payment.
4.5.1 Claims for MAT, Maternity Payment & MIA Included information on claiming maternity payment.
4.5.2 Determination of MAT, Maternity Payment & MIA Claims Included information on determining maternity payment claims.
4.5.3 Payment of MAT, Maternity Payment & MIA Included information on payment of maternity payment.
4.6.4.20 Minimum Rate CCB as Reduced Fees - Rest at End of Year Updated to reflect indexation of CCB rates.
6.4.1 Overview of Reconciliation Included reference on where more information on the FTB Part A supplement can be found.
6.4.1.30 Reconciliation Process Included information about the FTB Part A supplement.
8.4.2.20 CCB Indexation - Historical Transitional Arrangements Clarified indexation provision.

Family Assistance Guide Updates - 7 June 2004 (v1.53)

Topic No. Topic Title Change
3.1.6.20 Presumption of Parentage - Stage 2 Deleted information on special provisions applying in Western Australia as special provisions no longer apply.

Family Assistance Guide Updates - 3 May 2004 (v1.52)

Topic No. Topic Title Change
3.1.4.30 Rent Assistance Updated rent assistance rates and clarified rent assistance eligibility requirements.
3.2.6 Tax Free Pensions or Benefits Clarified tax free pensions or benefits.
3.6.2 FTB Rent Assistance - Historical Rates & Thresholds Updated historical rates.

Family Assistance Guide Updates - 5 April 2004 (v1.51)

Title of this page and previous guide update pages have had minor changes.

Topic No. Topic Title Change
2.1.1.15 Verification of Child's Name & Date of Birth Added material relating to verifying date of birth of unaccompanied humanitarian minors.
2.6.2.20 Australian Residency Exceptions for CCB Added Criminal justice stay visa to list of visa subclasses determined by the Minister.

Family Assistance Guide Updates - 22 March 2004 (v1.50)

Topic No. Topic Title Change
2.1.1.10 FTB Child of an Individual Added special category visa holder to the criteria for an FTB child.
3.3 MAT Rate Updated rate.
3.4 MIA Rate Updated rate.
3.6.4 MAT & MIA - Historical Rates Added rate from 20 March 2004.

Family Assistance Guide Updates - 1 March 2004 (v1.49)

Topic No. Topic Title Change
2.1.1.20 Shared Care & Change of Care Summary Clarified material relating to limiting payment for past periods.
2.1.2.10 Residence Requirements Added Criminal Justice Stay visa to exception to residence requirement for FTB.
2.4.1 Eligibility for MAT Added explanation to material relating to a stillborn child.
3.1.5.30 Taking Reasonable Maintenance Action Amended reasonable maintenance action table.
3.1.11 Advance Payment of FTB Part A Updated details of FTB advance where FTB child turns 16, 21 or 25.

Family Assistance Guide Updates - 2 February 2004 (v1.48)

Topic No. Topic Title Change
1.1.A.100 Assessable period (CCB) Topic deleted.
1.1.R.10 Reconciliation of CCB entitlement (CCB) Clarified policy on reconciliation of CCB entitlement.
4.6.1 General Provisions for Individual's Claims & Payments Updated policy on approved care fee reduction option.

Family Assistance Guide Updates - 5 January 2004 (v1.47)

Topic No. Topic Title Change
1.1.E.17 Eligibility (FTB & CCB) New topic.
1.1.I.10 Immunisation requirements (MIA, CCB) Updated policy.
3.1.1.10 Calculating a Rate of FTB - Overview Clarified FTB income test by changing 12 weeks to 6 fortnights.
4.4.5.10 Failure to Provide Information - General Provisions Corrected legislation references.