3.7.1.110 Continuation, variation or termination of SpB
Summary
People who are identified as needing SpB for a short time, can be paid for up to 13 weeks from the date of decision. Payment of SpB must then be reviewed before the delegate determines whether payment can continue. If payment continues, it must be reviewed every 13 weeks. SpB can also be cancelled at any time.
Death of recipient
The estate of a deceased single SpB recipient is NOT entitled to one further instalment after the death of the recipient. Payment should however be made up to the date of death.
If the recipient was a member of a couple (1.1.M.120), the partner (1.1.P.85) may qualify for some bereavement assistance.
Death of partner
If the recipient is a member of a couple and their partner dies, the recipient may qualify for bereavement payment if they are a long term social security recipient and immediately before their partner died, the partner was:
- receiving a social security pension, OR
- receiving a DVA service pension, OR
- a long term social security recipient.
The death of a partner may necessitate a change in the person's SpB rate, based on their income and assets as a single person.
Act reference: SSAct section 768A Qualification for payments under this Subdivision, section 23(1)-'long-term social security recipient'
Policy reference: SS Guide 3.1.5 Bereavement payment provisions
Reviews & the MAP
SpB is reviewed every 13 weeks. This is especially important in short-term cases as SpB legislation allows the delegate to impose restrictions on periods of payment.