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.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 1994

Update 290G # Date 15 December 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Assessment of investment income - superannuation pensions assessment of income. See guidelines 27.13520 to 27.13706.

From 1 July 1994, the taxation definition of the undeducted purchase price (UPP) changed. Social Security has retained the pre July 1994 tax definition for calculating the deductible amount.

Update 289G # Date 15 December 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Assessment of income and assessable assets. See guidelines 27.15540 to 27.15550.

From 12 July 1994, all allocated pensions and allocated annuities purchased on or after 1 July 1992 will have their asset value equal to the account balance. Allocated pensions and allocated annuities purchased before 1 July 1992 will maintain the old asset treatment.

Update 288G # Date 15 December 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Assessment of investment income - superannuation pensions assessment of income. See guidelines 27.13500 to 27.13501.

From 1 July 1994, the taxation definition of the undeducted purchase price (UPP) changed. Social Security has retained the pre July 1994 tax definition for calculating the deductible amount.

Update 287G # Date 1 December 1994

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Special circumstances. See guidelines 12.16500 to 12.16505.

Improved administrative arrangements for young people.

Update 286G # Date 1 December 1994

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Lump sum arrears payments. See guidelines 2.7700 to 2.7702.

Improved administrative arrangements for young people with regard to lump sum arrears payments.

Update 285G # Date 1 December 1994

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Payment cycles - Weekly payment option. See guidelines 2.2130 to 2.2132.

Improved administrative arrangements for young people with regard to payment options.

Update 284G # Date 1 December 1994

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Notifiable events. See guidelines 17.7300 to 17.7307.

Text amendment to clarify policy - changes in circumstances.

Update 283G # Date 1 December 1994

CHAPTER 6 - DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Medical reviews - Manual reviews. See guideline 6.3030.

Special care must be taken when dealing with, and in deciding whether or not to medically review, clients with an intellectual or psychiatric impairment.

Update 282G # Date 17 November 1994

CHAPTER 20 - MOBILITY ALLOWANCE - Health Care Card concessions - sales tax exemptions. See guidelines 20.1220 to 20.1225.

Mobility allowance clients who receive a sales tax exemption are not entitled to continued Health Care Card concessions.

Update 281G # Date 17 November 1994

CHAPTER 25 - NON-CASH BENEFITS - Health Care Card income limits. See guidelines 25.4900 to 25.4907.

Changed cross reference concerning disqualifying limits of income.

Update 280G # Date 17 November 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Income from self employment. See guideline 27.8500.

Income from property leased out from lodgers is not business income, however NET profit is taken into account.

Update 279G # Date 17 November 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Pensions reviews of income and assets - notification provisions. See guideline 27.17210.

An obsolete reference to an eight week period for notification of income has been removed.

Update 278G # Date 17 November 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Assessment of assets - assessable assets - businesses (including farms). See guidelines 27.15810 to 27.15813.

To delete the need for businesses to be valued by the Australian Taxation Office and to clarify goodwill valuation.

Update 277G # Date17 November 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Assessment of assets - exempt assets. See guidelines 27.15150 to 27.15171.

Asset test exemption of compensation and insurance payments for damage to buildings, plant and personal effects.

Update 276G # Date 17 November 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Earnings Credit Scheme. See guidelines 27.5200 to 27.5368.

Introduction of partner allowance and resultant changes to the Guide to reflect this new allowance.

Update 275G # Date 3 November 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Definition and assessment of income types - excluded income. See guidelines 27.9430 to 27.9447 and 27.9470 to 27.9474.

Clarification that payments for jury duty and court appearances and payments under an approved personal care support scheme are exempt income under the Act.

Exclusion under the income test of compensation or insurance payments received for damage to buildings, plant and personal effects if the payments have not been spent within 12 months.

Update 274G # Date 3 November 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Income test for unemployment and sickness benefit. See guideline 27.2950.

Introduction of partner allowance and resultant changes to the Guide to reflect this new allowance.

Update 273G # Date 3 November 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Definition and assessment of income types - income overview. See guidelines 27.23010 to 27.23130, 27.23300, 27.23310 and 27.23320.

Introduction of partner allowance and resultant changes to the Guide to reflect this new allowance. Examples of job search and newstart allowance (JSA/NSA) calculations - single client living away from home and married client with partner in receipt of partner allowance/JSA/NSA.

Update 272G # Date 3 November 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Definition and assessment of income types. See guidelines 27.7210 to 27.7227, 27.7600 to 27.7601, 27.8110 to 27.8115, 27.8130 to 27.8134 and 27.8630 to 27.8635.

Definition and assessment of income types - introduction of partner allowance and resultant changes to the Guide to reflect this new allowance.

Update 271G # Date 3 November 1994

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Residence in an external Territory / Qualifying event occurring in an external Territory. See guidelines 1.8500 to 1.8508 and 1.8700.

Clarification of when residence in an external Territory can be used as qualifying residence for pension purposes.

Update 270G # Date 3 November 1994

CHAPTER 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Newstart allowances. See guidelines 26.1104 to 26.1801.

Introduction of partner allowance and resultant changes to the Guide to reflect this new allowance with regard to qualification period and rate of payment.

Update 269G # Date 3 November 1994

CHAPTER 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - Inclusion of partner allowees entitled to bereavement provisions. See guidelines 24.400 to 24.411.

Introduction of partner allowance and resultant changes to the Guide to reflect this new allowance.

Update 268G # Date 3 November 1994

CHAPTER 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - Remote area allowance - Absence of one member of a couple from a remote area allowance specified area. See guideline 23.6900.

Introduction of partner allowance and resultant changes to the Guide to reflect this new allowance.

Update 264G, 265G, 266G & 267G # Date 20 October 1994

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Partner allowance. See guidelines 15.200 to 15.203, 15.910 to 15.1805, 15.3300 to 15.3604, 15.4400 to 15.4403.

Introduction of partner allowance and resultant changes to the Guide to reflect this new allowance regarding eligibility for another payment, short term available funds test, exceptional or unforeseen expenses, direct deduction income test, partner unable to support, rate of benefit payable and payment of special benefit during temporary absence overseas.

Update 262G & 263G # Date 20 October 1994

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Loss of income - partner / Waiting period. See guidelines 14.4630 to 14.4633 and 14.6800 to 14.6801.

Introduction of partner allowance and resultant changes to the Guide to reflect this new allowance.

Update 258G, 259G, 260G & 261G # Date 20 October 1994

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Definition and assessment of income types / Provision of tax file number / Conditions of payment during education leavers waiting period / General Reviews - imprisoned or held in custody. See guidelines 12.620, 12.800, 12.1072 and 12.1083, 12.5000 to 12.5001 and 12.8000 to 12.8001, 12.17500 to 12.17504, 12.17500 to 12.17504.

Introduction of partner allowance and resultant changes to the Guide to reflect this new allowance.

Update 257G # Date 20 October 1994

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - payment to another person. Guidelines 2.4400 to 2.4402 have been deleted.

Introduction of partner allowance and resultant changes to the Guide to reflect this new allowance.

Update 256G # Date 20 October 1994

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - prison release/tax file numbers. See guidelines 1.13100 to 1.14109.

Introduction of partner allowance and resultant changes to the Guide to reflect this new allowance.

Update 255G # Date 6 October 1994

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS. See guidelines 1.8000 to 1.8008.

Introduction of partner allowance and resultant changes to the Guide to reflect this new allowance.

Update 254G # Date 6 October 1994

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS. See guidelines 1.3900 to 1.3903 and 1.5300.

Introduction of partner allowance and resultant changes to the Guide to reflect this new allowance.

Update 253G # Date 6 October 1994

CHAPTER 41 - HOME CHILD CARE ALLOWANCE - new chapter. See guidelines 41.000 to 41.13201.

Home child care allowance (HCCA) is a new payment for couples with children. HCCA 'cashes' out the higher rate dependent spouse rebate (DSR) for families with children, in the tax system.

Update 252G # Date 6 October 1994

CHAPTER 43 - PARTNER ALLOWANCE - new chapter. See guidelines 43.000 to 43.2201.

Introduction of partner allowance.

Update 251G # Date 6 October 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amount of earnings - job search, newstart, sickness allowance and special benefit. See guidelines 27.8630 to 27.8635.

This amendment changes references to weekly rate to fortnightly rate in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Update 250G # Date 6 October 1994

CHAPTER 39 - MATURE AGE ALLOWANCE - Qualifications and Payability. See guidelines 39.2400 to 39.4800.

Describes taxation treatment of Mature Age Partner Allowance (MAPA) for 1994-95 and 1995-96.

Update 249G # Date 6 October 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Employees/independent contractors. See guidelines 27.8690 to 27.8696.

This amendment discusses the differences between employees and independent contractors (self-employed persons) when applying the income test to JSA/NSA and pensions clients.

Update 247G & 248G # Date 22 September 1994

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Date of commencement of sickness allowance for clients serving a JSA deferment period. See guideline 14.7750.

Guideline 14.4720 previously advised that clients serving a JSA deferment period for non-compliance could qualify for SA in the deferment period. New guideline 14.7750 advises that if a client serving a JSA deferment period for non-compliance claims SA, payment cannot commence before the deferment period has expired.

Update 246G # Date 22 September 1994

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Medical certificates for sickness allowance. See guidelines 14.8000 to 14.9950.

The new guidelines outline the procedures to be followed when a client lodges a non-standard medical certificate in support of their claim for, or continuation of, sickness allowance.

Update 245G # Date 22 September 1994

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Cancellation of sickness allowance. See guideline 14.6300.

The revised guideline 14.6300 outlines the procedures to follow when a client reclaims sickness allowance after their maximum allowance period has expired.

Update 244G # Date 8 September 1994

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Cancellation of sickness allowance. See guidelines 14.7900 to 14.7941.

The revised guidelines 14.7900 to 14.7941 outline the procedures to follow when a client reclaims sickness allowance after their maximum allowance period has expired.

Update 243G # Date 8 September 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Assessing assets - shares in private companies. See guidelines 27.15605 to 27.15607.

Assess the asset value of partly paid shares in private companies according to whether or not they participate in a capital distribution when a company winds up. Where the shares participate, take the percentage the client has paid per share and multiply it by the net asset backing value per share. Where the shares do not participate in capital distributions, maintain an asset value which is a percentage of the nominal value that has been paid.

Update 242G # Date 8 September 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Treatment of income from boarders and lodgers where client pays rent. See guidelines 27.7810 to 27.7814.

Explanation of board and lodger income where client rents the accommodation. As the Act no longer defines the value of board and/or lodging received by a client, the value of a client's lodging is not to be deducted from mortgage interest or rent paid by the client.

Update 241G # Date 8 September 1994

CHAPTER 25 - NON-CASH BENEFITS - Health care cards - international health agreements. See guidelines 25.4700 to 25.4701.

Visitors from overseas with which Australia has an international health care agreement do NOT qualify for health care cards.

Update 240G # Date 8 September 1994

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Payment of arrears following annual student review. See guideline 17.6102.

Update 239G # Date 8 September 1994

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Meaning of full time education. See guideline 17.5002.

Amendment to definition of a secondary student.

Update 238G # Date 8 September 1994

CHAPTER 20 - MOBILITY ALLOWANCE - Revised mobility allowance guidelines. See guidelines 20.411 to 20.3104.

Amendments to policy about voluntary work, new category of job search client (CETP), health care card update, Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS), definition of 'continuing basis'.

Update 237G # Date 8 September 1994

CHAPTER 20 - MOBILITY ALLOWANCE - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 238G.

Update 236G # Date 8 September 1994

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Payment of arrears. See guideline 17.1000.

Amendment to Act reference.

Update 235G # Date 8 September 1994

CHAPTER 6 - DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Transfers from disability wage supplement to disability support pension. See guidelines 6.100 to 6.102.

This amendment clarifies the conditions of transfer from disability wage supplement to disability support pension.

Update 234G # Date 8 September 1994

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Whereabouts unknown. See guidelines 1.20100 to 1.20101.

Guidelines 1.20100 and 1.20101 also apply to cases of whereabouts unknown.

Update 233G # Date 8 September 1994

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 234G.

Update 232G # Date 8 September 1994

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Claims that are similar in character. See guidelines 1.1400 to 1.1435.

This details the scope and circumstances in which a social security payment or other Commonwealth payment can be treated as a claim for another social security payment that is claimed on a later date.

Update 231G # Date 8 September 1994

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 232G.

Update 230G # Date 25 August 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Family payment income and assets test. See guideline 27.27280.

Minor change to wording of revised estimates paragraph.

Update 229G # Date 25 August 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Family payment assets test. See guidelines 27.25001 to 27.25002.

Update of limits and thresholds for family payment assets test.

Update 228G # Date 25 August 1994

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Family payment assets test. See guidelines 17.1206 to 17.1207.

Change to date used in determining income limit for assets hardship provisions.

Update 227G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Assessment of investment income - debentures and unsecured notes. See guidelines 27.11600 to 27.11603.

Deferred interest debentures purchased before 1 January 1988 are assessed on realisation. All non-deferred interest debentures are assessed on an ongoing basis, regardless of the purchase date. Any debenture purchased before 20 September 1990 is not subject to the deeming rules.

Update 225G & 226G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Cancellation/Suspension of Family Payment - minor amendments. See guidelines 17.7000, 17.11100.

Update 224G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 37 - COMPENSATION RECOVERY - Effect of compensation on disability wage supplement and disability wage supplement wife pension - include in definition of compensation affected payment. See guideline 37.000.

Update 223G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - New employment entry payment for disability wage supplement clients. See guideline 26.000.

Update 222G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - Disability wage supplement - clarification of 'saved' fringe benefit status in regard to telephone allowance entitlement. See guidelines 23.4405, 23.4600.

Update 221G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 8 - CARER PENSION - Disability wage supplement - Assessment of carer pension when caree commences employment under the supported wage system. See guideline 8.1101.

Update 217G, 218G, 219G, 220G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 6 - DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Determining continuing inability to work, manifest inability to work, residents of remote areas, and rehabilitation programs. See guidelines 6.721, 6.735, 6.742, 6.1001, 6.1111, 6.3400.

Amendments to names of forms, and for change in name of government department (HS&H).

Update 216G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Inclusion of disability wage supplement in taxation guidelines. See guidelines 2.8000 to 2.8001.

Disability wage supplement is non-taxable for people under age pension age and taxable for people over age pension age.

Update 215G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Claim procedures for transfers to blind pension and interview streaming procedures for new claims. See guidelines 1.1800, 1.2003.

Add disability wage supplement as a valid pension type to text.

Update 214G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Ensuring that a claim is lodged. See guidelines 1.1310.

Add disability wage supplement as a valid claim type to text.

Update 213G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 7 - WIFE PENSION - Wife pension for woman whose partner is in receipt of disability wage supplement. See guidelines 7.001, 7.200, 7.700, 7.1000, 7.2200 to 7.2201, 7.2500.

Wife pension will be payable to partners of disability wage supplement recipients.

Update 212G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Transfer to sickness allowance from job search or newstart allowance. See guidelines 14.6700 to 14.6703.

From 21 March 1994 the incapacity periods for clients receiving job search or newstart allowance were standardised to 13 weeks.

Update 211G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Effect of marital status - effect on family payment income test. See guideline 27.25300.

Minor amendment of wording about the effect of marital status on the family payment income test.

Update 210G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 18 - CHILD DISABILITY ALLOWANCE - Cessation of child disability allowance and transfer to other payment. See guidelines 18.3001, 18.3400 to 18.3404.

Update 207G, 208G & 209G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Disability wage supplement blind - maintenance action. See guidelines 38.1105, 38.2005, 38.2580.

No maintenance action required if client or partner in receipt of disability wage supplement blind.

Update 206G # Date 11 August 1994

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Parental Means Test. See guideline 15.3000.

Minor text change updating parental income test to parental means test and further advice to assist in determining potential eligibility for special benefit.

Update 205G # Date 28 July 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 203G.

Update 204G # Date 28 July 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 201G.

Update 203G # Date 28 July 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Disability wage supplement and the maintenance income test. See guidelines 27.20000 to 27.20013.

Update of maintenance income free area. Maintenance income test does not apply if client or partner is blind and receives disability wage supplement.

Update 202G # Date 28 July 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Disability wage supplement earnings credit. See guideline 27.17511.

Disability wage supplement recipients qualify for accrual of earnings credit.

Update 201G # Date 28 July 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Effect of income on disability wage supplement. See guidelines 27.000 to 27.1204.

Update 199G # Date 28 July 1994

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Rewrite of chapter 12. See guidelines 12.000 to 12.21703.

Suggestions for amendments to chapter 12 were requested on December 1993. A first draft was sent to Policy Administration Units for comment in May 1994. A final draft has now been completed.

Update 198G # Date 28 July 1994

CHAPTER 36 - MEMBER OF A COUPLE - Benevolent homes . See guidelines 36.701 and 36.712.

As benevolent homes no longer exist in Australia, reference to benevolent homes has been removed from the Act

Update 197G # Date 28 July 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Benevolent homes. See guideline 27.4000.

As benevolent homes no longer exist in Australia, reference to benevolent homes has been removed from the Act.

Update 196G # Date 28 July 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Benevolent homes. See guideline 27.2853.

As benevolent homes no longer exist in Australia, reference to benevolent homes has been removed from the Act.

Update 200G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - amendment to table of contents to reflect update 195G.

Update 195G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Update of family payment rates for 1/1/94 and 20/3/94 rate changes . See guidelines 27.5500 to 27.6700.

Update 194G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Eligibility for urgent cheque payment. See guidelines 2.3600 to 2.3604.

Guidelines on the eligibility criteria for an urgent cheque payment have been included.

Update 193G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 194G.

Update 192G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - Date of effect for granting, or increasing, rent assistance. See guidelines 23.200 to 23.206.

Rent assistance is granted or increased from the date the client notifies the Department about their changed circumstances. This is so even if, after providing initial advice, they take extra time to provide verification of rent.

Rates of job search or newstart allowance are increased from the date of event or the beginning of the pay period in which the client notifies, whichever is the later. Pensions, family payment, sickness allowance and special benefit are increased from the date of notification.

Update 191G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Date of effect for increases in rate. See guideline 1.17205.

This amendment explains the effective dates for increasing a person's rate of payment. For pensions, family payment, sickness allowance and special benefit, the increase applies from the date of notification. For job search and newstart allowance, the increase applies from the date of event or the beginning of the pay period in which the client notified, whichever is the later.

Update 190G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 189G.

Update 189G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Family payment - employer provided benefits. See guidelines 27.25200 to 27.25243.

Update 188G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Family payment rates. See guidelines 27.28000 to 27.28124.

Update 187G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Family payment - PES student parents. See guidelines 27.25701 to 27.25704.

Update 186G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents to reflect updates 187G and 188G.

Update 185G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 40 - DISABILITY WAGE SUPPLEMENT - New chapter. See guidelines 40.000 to 40.6135.

Disability wage supplement was implemented on 1 July 1994 to provide income supplementation to eligible participants in the supported wage system.

Update 184G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Disability wage supplement - employment and education entry payments. See guidelines 26.4000 to 26.4401.

Recipients of disability wage supplement may qualify for employment and education entry payments.

Update 183G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 184G.

Update 182G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - Disability wage supplement bereavement payments. See guidelines 24.330 to 24.337.

Qualification and payability of bereavement payments in respect of a deceased disability wage supplement recipient.

Update 181G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 182G.

Update 180G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 6 - DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Transfer from disability support pension to disability wage supplement. See guidelines 6.5100 to 6.5102.

This amendment provides guidelines on the transfer of clients from disability support pension to disability wage supplement.

Update 179G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 6 -DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Transfers from disability wage supplement to disability support pension. See guidelines 6.240 to 6.274.

Procedures for medical examinations for clients transferring from disability wage supplement to disability support pension.

Update 178G # Date 14 July 1994

CHAPTER 6 -DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Amendment to table of contents to reflect updates 179G and 180G.

Update 177G # Date 30 June 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Determining dates of acquisition - unlisted to listed shares. See guidelines 27.12092, 27.12102 and 27.12105 to 27.12107.

The date of acquisition of shares is the date they were originally acquired regardless of their listing status at the time of acquisition.

Update 176G # Date 30 June 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents (#27) to reflect update 177G.

Update 175G # Date 30 June 1994

CHAPTER 39 - MATURE AGE ALLOWANCE - Mature age allowance payability. See guidelines 39.000, 39.650 to 39.655, 39.800, 39.2000, 39.4401 to 39.4403 and 39.4604 to 39.4607.

This amendment gives details of the effect of section 660XBF for breaks in CES registration, details on the transfer of NSA earnings credits and payment while overseas.

Updates 173G & 174G #Date 16/06/94

CHAPTER 6 - DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Medical reviews. See guidelines 6.200 to 6.224, and 6.3010 to 6.3040.

Special care must be taken when dealing with, and in deciding whether or not to medically review, clients with an intellectual or psychiatric impairment.

Update 172G # Date 16 June 1994

CHAPTER 6 - DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Amendment to table of contents to reflect updates 173G and 174G.

Update 171G # Date 16 June 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Shares acquired compulsorily. See guidelines 27.12135 to 27.12139.

If shares in a company are owned as the result of previously owned shares having been acquired compulsorily in a company takeover, the original acquisition date continues to apply.

Update 170G # Date 16 June 1994

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Nominee arrangements. See guidelines 2.4003 to 2.4006

The appropriate form for applications to appoint a nominee or for group schedule arrangements is 'Request to Appoint Nominee' (Form SS269.9106), not 'I want my payments made to another person'. Stocks of old forms should be destroyed.

Update 169G # Date 16 June 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Shares and other listed securities. See guidelines 27.12031 to 27.12033 and 27.12109.

Proceeds from the sale of rights issues will not be included in rates of return calculations because they are a specific type of capital return which enable a shareholder to preserve his or her shareholding from dilution effects.

Update 168G # Date 16 June 1994

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Update of chapter 17 - Family Payment. See guidelines 17.000 to 17.15501

Update 167G # Date 19 May 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Income from child care. See guidelines 27.8670 to 27.8675.

This amendment refers to the inclusion of all types of child care, not only family day care schemes, in the assessment of income.

Update 166G # Date 19 May 1994

CHAPTER 27 -DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 167G.

Update 165G # Date 19 May 1994

CHAPTER 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Job search and newstart allowance clients. See guidelines 26.4000 to 26.5302.

This amendment outlines eligibility for and payment of education entry payment to job search and newstart allowance clients.

Update 164G # Date 19 May 1994

CHAPTER 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 165G.

Update 163G # Date 5 May 1994

CHAPTER 8 - CARER PENSION - Release of medical information; social worker involvement. See guidelines 8.600 to 8.723.

This change provides:

(a) information about the need to obtain the caree's authority to release medical information;

(b) revised procedures for social worker involvement in carer pension cases;

(c) minor changes to clarify existing guidelines.

Update 162G # Date 5 May 1994

CHAPTER 8 - CARER PENSION - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 163G.

Update 161G # Date 5 May 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Valuation of assets not readily accessible. See guidelines 27.16030 to 27.16032.

Sets out situations where assets may be considered to have a reduced value where the client has limited access to them.

Update 160G # Date 5 May 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 161G.

Update 159G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 37 - COMPENSATION RECOVERY - Rewrite of chapter 37. See guidelines 37.000 to 37.9300.

This amendment consists of a general rewrite of the Compensation Recovery chapter.

Update 158G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Deprivation of income and assets. See guidelines 27.31000 to 27.31954.

Where a client deprives him or herself of an income producing asset, the deprived amount will be the higher of the rate of return or the deemed rate for a period of five years from the date of disposition.

Update 157G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Deduction of managed investment entry fees from managed investment income. See guidelines 27.13905 to 27.13908.

The previous policy was that the entry fee deduction allowed from managed investment income should be reduced by any commission returned to the client by the advisor. The revised policy is that the entry fee deduction will not be reduced in this situation.

Update 156G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - One year immediate annuities. See guidelines 27.13810 to 27.13811.

Products which are sold as one year term annuities and which provide for a single payment will not be regarded as annuities.

Update 155G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Life interests. See guidelines 27.7902 to 27.7903.

Outlines the treatment of income received from a life interest in a business managed by a non discretionary trust or where the client has a degree of control over how the business is conducted.

Update 154G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 8 - CARER PENSION - (1) Bereavement payments. See guidelines 8.4700 to 8.4713. (2) Transfer to or from carer pension. See guidelines 8.5100 to 8.5201.

(1) Revision of guidelines on bereavement payments for carer pensioners.

(2) This change provides guidelines for transfer of clients to carer pension from another pension or from carer pension to another pension.

Update 153G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 8 - CARER PENSION - (1) Temporary cessation of care. See guidelines 8.2600 to 8.2605. (2) Children. Guidelines 8.2900 to 8.2902 have been deleted. (3) Portability of carer pension. See guidelines 8.3100 to 8.3140.

(1) Revision of guidelines relating to qualification for carer pension during periods where care ceases temporarily.

(2) This change deletes reference to additional pension for children, as this has been replaced by additional family payment.

(3) Revised details of situations where carer pension is portable.

Update 152G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 8 - CARER PENSION - (1) Assessment of non-client caree. See guidelines 8.850 to 8.860. (2) Participation in education, training or employment. See guidelines 8.1500 and 8.1600.

(1) This update provides guidelines for assessing entitlement to carer pension where the person cared for is not a social security pensioner or beneficiary or service pensioner.

(2) This update provides minor changes to clarify existing guidelines.

Update 151G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 8 - CARER PENSION - See guidelines 8.002 to 8.102.

This update provides minor changes to clarify overview of legislation and definition of 'severely handicapped person'.

Update 150G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - Payment of bereavement lump sum to carer when person cared for had no partner. See guidelines 24.254 to 24.255.

This change clarifies the bereavement arrangements for carer pension clients.

Update 149G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 18 - CHILD DISABILITY ALLOWANCE - Rewrite of chapter 18. See guidelines 18.000 to 18.3400.

The chapter has been extensively revised to provide more guidance on eligibility and on procedures for consultation with social workers and Commonwealth Medical Officers. Guidelines on recent legislative amendments relating to respite care and split custody have also been included.

Update 148G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Local exchange trading systems and loss of income. See guidelines 14.4740 to 14.4744.

The guidelines advise that the value of credits accrued in a local exchange trading system are not income. Therefore, they are not considered to be a loss of income for sickness allowance purposes.

Update 147G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 148G.

Update 146G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Assets test hardship provisions. See guidelines 27.16100 to 27.16334.

This amendment expands and restructures the assets test hardship guidelines.

Update 145G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 146G.

Update 144G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Maintenance income test. See guideline 27.20611.

Update of the child support paydays and the corresponding family payment paydays affected under the maintenance income test for 1994.

Update 143G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Assets test. See guidelines 27.22300 to 27.22310.

Updates the allowable assets limits for home owners and non-home owners, and updates the withdrawal rate for the assets test.

Update 142G # Date 21 April 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Indexation update of rates. See guidelines 27.5100 to 27.5101.

Indexation update of allowance and benefit rates as at 20 March 1994.

Update 141G # Date 24 March 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Funeral investments and expenses paid in advance. See guidelines 27.15331 to 27.15332.

The amendment clarifies the difference between exempt funeral investments and funeral expenses paid in advance, the assignment of funeral policies, and the $5,000 limit on funeral investments.

Update 140G # Date 24 March 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Funeral investments and expenses paid in advance. See guidelines 27.9490 to 27.9494.

The amendment clarifies the difference between exempt funeral investments and funeral expenses paid in advance, the assignment of funeral policies, and the $5,000 limit on funeral investments.

Update 139G # Date 24 March 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents to reflect updates 140G and 141G.

Update 138G # Date 24 March 1994

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 135G.

Update 137G # Date 24 March 1994

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Sickness allowance/JSA for people in a CRS program. See guidelines 14.200.

From 21/03/94, people receiving JSA/NSA who start a CRS program stay on JSA/NSA for the duration of the program.

Update 136G # Date 24 March 1994

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Sickness allowance/JSA for people in a CRS program. See guidelines 14.10000 to 14.10004.

From 21/03/94, people receiving JSA/NSA who start a CRS program stay on JSA/NSA for the duration of the program.

Update 135G # Date 24 March 1994

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Sickness allowance/JSA for people in a CRS program. See guidelines 12.3500 to 12.3503.

From 21/03/94, people receiving JSA/NSA who start a CRS program stay on JSA/NSA for the duration of the program.

Update 134G # Date 10 March 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Irrecoverable loans/debts. See guideline 27.15630.

This amendment moves the guidelines on irrecoverable loans/debts to guidelines 27.15350 to 27.15362.

Update 133G # Date 10 March 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Treatment of irrecoverable loans/debts for assets test purposes. See guidelines 27.15340 to 27.15362.

The amendment removes the previous guidelines on 'blocked assets', and adds a section on irrecoverable loans/debts.

Update 132G # Date 10 March 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents to reflect updates 133G and 134G.

Update 131G # Date 10 March 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Embargo of British pension arrears. See guidelines 27.18100 to 27.18106.

Update of procedures for embargoing British pension arrears at grant of British pension.

Update 130G # Date 10 March 1994

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc.TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Verification of age. See guideline 1.5100.

The amendment explicitly identifies the required standard of proof to verify age.

Update 129G # Date 10 March 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Update of various cross references in Part F & G. See guidelines 27.12350 to 27.12816.

This amendment corrects the cross referencing so as to refer to the chapter 27 guidelines rather than to the old chapter 4 guidelines.

Update 128G # Date 10 March 1994

CHAPTER 25 - NON-CASH BENEFITS - Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. See guidelines 25.20000 to 25.20200.

This amendment provides information on the eligibility criteria and concessions available for the new Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

Update 127G # Date 10 March 1994

CHAPTER 25 - NON-CASH BENEFITS - Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and pensioner concession card. See guidelines 25.000 to 25.003.

This amendment provides information on the eligibility criteria and concessions available for the new Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. This amendment also changes the references to pensioner health benefit card to pensioner concession card.

Update 126G # Date 10 March 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Update of various cross references in Parts F & G. See guidelines 27.11400 to 27.11904.

This amendment corrects the cross referencing so as to refer to the chapter 27 guidelines rather than to the old chapter 4 guidelines.

Update 125G # Date 24 February 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents (#27) to reflect update 124G.

Update 124G # Date 24 February 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Income and asset test treatment of shares and other securities. See guidelines 27.15570 to 27.15580 (27.15590 deleted).

This amendment provides details on the revised treatment of shares and other securities following amendments to the Social Security Act which took effect in September 1993.

Update 123G # Date 24 February 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Income and asset test treatment of shares and other securities. See guidelines 27.11000 to 27.11104.

This amendment provides details on the revised treatment of shares and other securities following amendments to the Social Security Act which took effect in September 1993.

Update 122G # Date 24 February 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Income and asset test treatment of shares and other securities. See guidelines 27.12000 to 27.12370.

This amendment provides details on the revised treatment of shares and other securities following amendments to the Social Security Act which took effect in September 1993.

Update 121G # Date 24 February 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents (#27) to reflect update 122G.

Update 120G # Date 24 February 1994

CHAPTER 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Eligibility for Telephone Allowance for deceased clients. See guidelines 23.4900 to 23.4901.

This amendment clarifies that Telephone Allowance is not payable in respect of a deceased client during a bereavement period.

Update 119G # Date 10 February 1994

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Newly arrived residents' waiting period. See guidelines 1.10200 to 1.10203.

Waiting period for JSA and sickness allowance for newly arrived residents.

Update 118G # Date 10 February 1994

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc.TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Amendment to table of contents (#01) to reflect update 119G.

Update 117G # Date 10 February 1994

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Special benefit. See guideline 15.3201.

Clarifies the guidelines regarding concurrent serving of non-payment and liquid assets deferment periods.

Update 116G # Date 10 February 1994

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Simplify waiting period provisions. See guidelines 12.6000 to 12.6003.

Clarify a change announced in the 'Investing in the Nation' statement replacing from 20 September 1993 several existing provisions for waiving the ordinary waiting period with a single provision. Simplifying waiver provisions assists both clients and staff by making conditions of eligibility easier to explain and understand. It provides further incentive to do casual and/or insecure employment.

Update 115G # Date 27 January 1994

MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS - Amendment to Manual Table of Contents to reflect update 114G (issue of new chapter 39).

Update 114G # Date 27 January 1994

CHAPTER 39 - MATURE AGE ALLOWANCE - Issue of new chapter on mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance. See guidelines 39.000 to 39.4700.

Details eligibility and policy issues for mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance.

Update 113G # Date 27 January 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT -Legal basis for assessing RCV of pre 1989 annuity as an asset. See guidelines 27.15480 to 27.15487.

The RCV of a pre 1989 immediate annuity is assessable as an asset because a substantial part of the income under the annuity is deferred.

Update 112G # Date 27 January 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT -Loss of income. See guidelines 27.8645 to 27.8649.

This change outlines updates to policy for determining loss of income and its impact on the rate of sickness allowance.

Update 111G # Date 27 January 1994

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Loss of income. See guidelines 14.4690 to 14.4697.

The changes provide information on the effect of half pay sick leave on the rate of sickness allowance. They also provide updated information on assessing loss of income.

Update 110G # Date 27 January 1994

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Loss of income. See guidelines 14.4600 to 14.4621.

The changes provide information on the effect of half pay sick leave on the rate of sickness allowance. They also provide updated information on assessing loss of income.

Update 109G # Date 27 January 1994

CHAPTER 6 - DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Clarification of who determines continuing inability to work. See guidelines 6.600 to 6.603.

Clarifying who is responsible for examining the effect of a claimant's impairment over the next two years of his or her ability to work and acquire new work skills.

Update 108G # Date 13 January 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Overseas pensions British pensions treatment under Agreement. See guidelines 27.8920 (27.8921 to 27.8973 deleted).

Removal of superseded guideline from Guide. Revised policy is contained in guideline 3.700 et seq of International Agreements Manual.

Update 107G # Date 13 January 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 108G.

Update 106G # Date 13 January 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Where shares are purchased to obtain accommodation under certain shared equity housing schemes, the granny flat rules for homeownership, assessment of assets and rent assistance should be applied. See guidelines 27.15110 to 27.15115.

These references explain that, in certain shared equity schemes, purchase of shares for group housing should be considered under the granny flat provisions.

Update 105G # Date 13 January 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Where shares are purchased to obtain accommodation under certain shared equity housing schemes, the granny flat rules for homeownership, assessment of assets and rent assistance should be applied. See guidelines 27.15220 to 27.15255.

Under certain shared equity schemes, the purchase of shares to obtain supported group accommodation should be considered under the granny flat provisions. This applies, for example, with residents of Singleton Equity Housing Ltd, operating in Victoria.

Update 104G # Date 13 January 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update.

Update 103G # Date 13 January 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Local Exchange Trading Systems (LETS). See guidelines 27.9480 to 27.9482.

Credits received from participation in LETS schemes are now exempt income.

Update 102G # Date 13 January 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amendment to table of contents to reflect update 103G.

Update 101G # Date 13 January 1994

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Valuable consideration - LETS Schemes. See guidelines 27.9200 to 27.9205.

The value of goods and services provided under a recognised LETS Scheme will be exempt income for the income test.