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.

1.1.P.235 Personal effects & household contents

Usage

This definition applies to all payments subject to assets testing provisions.

Definition

'Personal effects and household contents' include:

clothing
jewellery
hobby collections (e.g. stamps and coins)
furniture
paintings and works of art
soft furnishings (e.g. curtains)
electrical appliances other than fixtures such as stoves and built-in items.
- Explanation: Permanent fixtures are regarded as part of the home and not as household contents.

Exclusions

The following are NOT personal effects and household items:

vehicles (e.g. cars, boats, trailers, caravans and motor cycles)
bullion
unmounted gems, and
collections held for other than purely personal purposes.

Policy reference: SS Guide 4.6.5.10 Assessing personal effects, household contents, vehicles & cash

Last reviewed: 1 July 2022

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