Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 1996

12 December 1996
1 December 1996
28 November 1996
31 October 1996
17 October 1996
3 October 1996
19 September 1996
5 September 1996
22 August 1996
8 August 1996
25 July 1996
11 July 1996
27 June 1996
13 June 1996
30 May 1996
16 May 1996
2 May 1996
18 April 1996
4 April 1996
2 April 1996
21 March 1996
20 March 1996
7 March 1996
22 February 1996
8 February 1996
1 February 1996
25 January 1996
11 January 1996
1 January 1996

Update 783G # Date 12 December 1996

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Child support paydays. See guideline 38.13000.

Child support paydays and affected family payment for 1997.

Update 782G # Date 12 December 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Vocational training courses and Labour Market programs. See guidelines 12.2300 to 12.2377.

Newstart allowance to replace job search allowance. Some other changes to the voluntary work provisions in line with the 20 September changes and some policy clarification on the allowable activities self employment development and group co-operative enterprises.

Update 781G # Date 12 December 1996

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Notifiable events - change in employment. See guideline 17.9102.

Clarification of the meaning of change jobs as a notifiable event.

Update 780G # Date 12 December 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Comparable foreign payments - amended addresses for overseas social security authorities. See guideline 42.2331.

Amended addresses for overseas social security authorities (Uruguay, Denmark, Iceland, Germany, El Salvador, France and Finland).

Update 779G # Date 12 December 1996

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Employer Provided Benefits - School Fees. See guidelines 17.7640 to 17.7641.

Clarification of the definition of a school fees benefit.

Update 919G # Date 1 December 1996

CHAPTER 26 - EDUCATION AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Employment and Education Payments. See guidelines 26.4400 to 26.6302.

Provides details of: eligibility for partner allowance, newstart mature age allowance; changes to qualifying period from registration with the Commonwealth Employment Service to receipt of income support payments; and current newstart allowance/youth training allowance, education entry payment entitlements.

Update 918G # Date 1 December 1996

CHAPTER 26 - EDUCATION AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Employment and Education Payments. See guidelines 26.000 to 26.1701.

Update 778G # Date 28 November 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Part l: Continuation Forms (Form SU19) - Part M: General Reviews. See guidelines 12.5340 to 12.17903.

Newstart allowance to replace job search allowance.

Update 777G # Date 28 November 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Part B: Activity Test & Part D: Allowable not payable. See guidelines 12.4000 to 12.5310.

Newstart allowance to replace job search allowance.

Update 776G # Date 28 November 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Vocational training courses and labour market programs.

Guidelines 12.2600 to 12.2614 have been deleted because newstart allowance has replaced job search allowance.

Update 775G # Date 28 November 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Part A: Basic Qualifications & Part B: Activity Test. See guidelines 12.700 to 12.2003.

Newstart allowance to replace job search allowance.

Update 774G # Date 28 November 1996

CHAPTER 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Clarify the meaning of rent paid as 'paid or payable' and correct a couple of typing errors. See guidelines 23.150 to 23.155 and 23.300 to 23.301.

Clarify the meaning of rent paid as 'paid or payable' and correct a couple of typing errors.

Update 772G to 773G # Date 28 November 1996

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION & CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Stopping of double payments. See guidelines 2.3000 to 2.3008 and 15.3100 to 15.3103. (deleted in issue 1330G)

Changes made to reflect National Instruction CB960167 - Transfers from period-based to payday-based payments.

Update 767G to 771G # Date 31 October 1996

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Part I of chapter 27 (maintenance income test) is now included in chapter 38 as Part K. Part K and Part L of chapter 38 are now Part L and Part M. See guidelines 38.1200, 38.4300 to 38.4304, 38.4800 to 38.4811, 38.6200 to 38.6203, and 38.9800 to 38.13000.

Part I of chapter 27 (maintenance income test) is now included in chapter 38 as Part K. Part K and Part L of chapter 38 are now Part L and Part M. Minor changes such as corrections to cross references have also been made.

Update 766G # Date 31 October 1996

CHAPTER 7 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Notification of discharge from an approved care organisation. See guidelines 17.16200 to 17.16202.

The notification period for Family Payment under Sections 872 and 873 has been changed from 14 days to 21 days.

Update 765G # Date 31 October 1996

CHAPTER 7 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Suspension/cancellation. See guidelines 17.12020 to 17.12025.

The notification period for Family Payment under Sections 872 and 873 has been changed from 14 days to 21 days.

Update 764G # Date 31 October 1996

CHAPTER 7 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Family payment reassessments. See guidelines 17.7800 to 17.782302.

The notification period for Family Payment under Sections 872 and 873 has been changed from 14 days to 21 days.

Update 763G # Date 31 October 1996

CHAPTER 7 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Claim procedures. See guidelines 17.1000 to 17.1003.

The notification period for family payment under sections 872 and 873 has been changed from 14 days to 21 days.

Update 762G # Date 31 October 1996

CHAPTER 7 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Changes to student income and dependency during the income year. See guideline 17.3233.

The notification period for family payment under sections 872 and 873 has been changed from 14 days to 21 days.

Update 761G # Date 17 October 1996

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc.TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Claim treated as claim for another social security payment. See guidelines 1.1400 to 1.1408 and 1.1440 to 1.1441.

The guidelines have been amended to advise that claims for compensation under State legislation cannot be accepted as a claim for social security payment.

Update 760G # Date 17 October 1996

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Eligibility for Urgent Cheque Payment. See guidelines 2.3600 to 2.3643.

The change clarifies the meaning of severe financial hardship for the purposes of deciding whether to issue an urgent payment.

Update 758 & 759G # Date 17 October 1996

CHAPTER 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - Lump sum bereavement payments. See guidelines 24.1600 to 24.2201 and 24.6300 to 24.6541.

These changes provide more up to date examples of lump sum bereavement payment calculations.

Update 757G # Date 3 October 1996

CHAPTER 40 - DISABILITY WAGE SUPPLEMENT - Cross reference to youth rates at guideline 6.150. See guideline 40.102.

Part of splitting of old chapter 27. Youth rates for disability support pension (DSP) and disability wage supplement (DWS) have been moved to guideline 6.150.

Update 756G # Date 3 October 1996

CHAPTER 6 - DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Transfer of youth rates from chapter 27 to guideline 6.150. See guidelines 6.150 to 6.182.

Part of splitting of old chapter 27. Youth rates for disability support pension (DSP) and disability wage supplement (DWS) have been moved to guideline 6.150.

Update 755G # Date 3 October 1996

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Dependant child under 16. See guidelines 17.3110 to 17.3120.

Clarification of dependancy of a child under five who's income is over the income limit.

Update 754G # Date 3 October 1996

CHAPTER 5 - AGE PENSION - Qualifying age for women - Increment for increase should be two yearly. See guidelines 5.010 to 5.011.

The qualifying age is increased each 24 months not 18 months.

Update 753G # Date 3 October 1996

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE See guidelines 14.000 to 14.6202.

This chapter has been rewritten taking into account the effect of the 'no more transfers from JSA' initiative which was implemented in March 1996.

Update 752G # Date 3 October 1996

CHAPTER 18 - CHILD DISABILITY ALLOWANCE - Recovery of Child Disability Allowance (CDA) overpayments to parents/guardians of children who have transferred to Disability Wage Supplement. See guidelines 18.3400 to 18.3403.

Child Disability Allowance (CDA) paid to a parent/guardian after grant of DWS is a recoverable overpayment. Amendment to correct current Guide reference.

Update 751G # Date 19 September 1996

CHAPTER 47 - DROUGHT RELIEF PAYMENTS - Date of commencement and date of effect of certificate. See guidelines 47.4000 to 47.4004.

Provision of drought declaration dates.

Update 750G # Date 19 September 1996

CHAPTER 47 - DROUGHT RELIEF PAYMENTS - Cessation of drought exceptional circumstances. See guidelines 47.10000 to 47.10004.

Provision of drought revocation dates.

Update 749G # Date 19 September 1996

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTION - Conditions of payment for special benefit. See guidelines 1.8000 to 1.8008.

Clarification of which available funds test to use in extended eligibility temporary entry permit (EETEP) cases.

Update 748G # Date 19 September 1996

CHAPTER 13 - FARM HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT - Re-establishment grant. See guidelines 13.21000 to 13.21001.

Correction to conditions under which grant is paid.

Update 747G # Date 19 September 1996

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Assurances of support. See guidelines 15.1300 to 15.1301.

Change of cross reference to rate payable.

Update 746G # Date 19 September 1996

CHAPTER 41 - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Member of a couple. See guidelines 41N.1010 to 41N.1013.

Clarification of definition of member of a couple.

Update 745G # Date 19 September 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Payment of job search allowance/newstart allowance for three weeks from date of commencement of AUSTUDY/ABSTUDY course. See guidelines 12.5320 to 12.5330.

The current wording in the guide provides an incorrect cancellation reason when a customer has returned to an AUSTUDY approved course. By using this code the customer does not receive their education entry payment.

Update 744G # Date 5 September 1996

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Claim treated as claim for another social security payment - inclusion of parenting allowance. See guidelines 1.1430 to 1.1434.

A claim for double orphan pension can be backdated to the date of an earlier claim for family payment, CDA and parenting allowance.

Update 743G # Date 5 September 1996

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

The change clarifies the meaning of severe financial hardship for the purposes of deciding whether to issue an urgent payment.

Update 742G # Date 5 September 1996

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Family payment income and assets test. See guidelines 17.17000 to 17.17600.

Family payment income and assets test details have been taken out of chapter 27 and put into chapter 17.

Update 741G # Date 5 September 1996

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Family payment income and assets test. See guidelines 17.6000 to 17.11971.

Family payment income and assets test details have been taken out of chapter 27 and put into chapter 17.

Update 740G # Date 5 September 1996

CHAPTER 41N - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Parenting allowance. See guidelines 41N.3600 to 41N.3601.

Commonwealth funded employment program (CDEP) exclusion.

Update 739G # Date 22 August 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Restructure of chapter 12, part B: Activity Test. Guidelines 12.9600 to 12.10004 have been deleted.

The information in part B has been restructured to reflect only activity test information. Information contained in other parts that relates to the activity test has been added into part B and includes:

1. voluntary unemployed;

2. misconduct;

3. cooperatives;

4. self employment development; and

5. activity test breaches.

Update 738G # Date 22 August 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Restructure of chapter 12, part B: Activity Test. See guidelines 12.250 to 12.253.

1. voluntary unemployed;

2. misconduct;

3. cooperatives;

4. self employment development; and

5. activity test breaches.

Update 737G # Date 22 August 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Restructure of chapter 12, part B: Activity Test. See guidelines 12.140 to 12.142.

1. voluntary unemployed;

2. misconduct;

3. cooperatives;

4. self employment development; and

5. activity test breaches.

Update 736G # Date 22 August 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Restructure of chapter 12, part B: Activity Test. See guidelines 12.2000 to 12.2123, 12.2300 to 2352, 12.2500 to 12.2553 and 12.2700 to 12.3505.

1. voluntary unemployed;

2. misconduct;

3. cooperatives;

4. self employment development; and

5. activity test breaches.

Update 735G # Date 8 August 1996

CHAPTER 49 - ADVANCE PAYMENTS - Advance payments of job search and newstart allowance. See guidelines 49A.000 to 49B.11300.

Addition of advance payments of job search and newstart allowance (49B.000 to 49B.11300) to chapter 49. Advance payments of pension, mature age allowance, mature age partner allowance and widow allowance (49A.000 to 49A.3300) was issued earlier as amendment 711G. Some renumbering changes have been made to 49A in this amendment.

Update 734G # Date 8 August 1996

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Family payment. See guidelines 17.3180 to 17.3183.

Deletion of references to job search allowance.

Update 733G # Date 8 August 1996

CHAPTER 18 - CHILD DISABILITY ALLOWANCE - 1. Rehabilitation (see guidelines 18.1300 to 18.1302); 2. Child disability allowance reviews - medical, non-medical, child 16, temporary absences, absences from the family home and assistance (see guidelines 18.2000 to 18.2621); 3. Child disability allowance child's transfer to disability support pension (see guidelines 18.3300 to 18.3303); 4. Guidelines for Australian Government Health Service Medical Officers (see guidelines 18.4000 to 18.7300)

1. Correction of a name change to a Commonwealth Department.

2. New medical and non-medical review cycle. Correction of renumbering to take account of new review cycle and correction of a name change to a Commonwealth Department. Amendment to guidelines on assessment of temporary absences. New on-line advices have been created.

3. Recipient's child disability allowance (CDA) is recoverable upon CDA child's transfer to disability support pension. Previous policy stated it wasn't recoverable.

4. Update of Australian Government Health Service Medical Officer (AGHSMO) guidelines as supplied by AGHS. These guidelines provide an outline of specific disabilities as they relate to child disability allowance eligibility.

Update 732G # Date 8 August 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - 1. Payment of JSA/NSA while sick (see guidelines 12.900 to 12.910) 2. Payment of JSA/NSA while sick - referral to Disability Support Officer. See guidelines 12.930 to 12.932.

1. Previous periods in receipt of sickness allowance count toward the 52/104 week limit for incapacitated customers if received immediately prior to exemption from the activity test.

2. Gives details of the Disability Support Officer's (DSO's) delegations and when it is appropriate to refer a customer to the DSO.

Update 731G # Date 8 August 1996

CHAPTER 43 - PARTNER ALLOWANCE - Combining JSA/NSA. See guidelines 43.1110 to 43.5000.

Job search allowance (JSA) will be abolished on 20 September 1996 and now called newstart allowance. Many references to JSA will be deleted prior to 20 September 1996 to make the Guide correct at that date. The changes usually involve text and heading deletions only and no renumbering.

Update 730G # Date 8 August 1996

CHAPTER 43 - PARTNER ALLOWANCE - Combining of JSA/NSA. See guidelines 43.000 to 43.211.

Job search allowance will be abolished on 20/9/96 and now called newstart allowance. Many references to job search will be deleted prior to 20/09/96 to make the guide correct at that date. The changes usually involve text and heading deletions only and no renumbering.

Update 729G # Date 8 August 1996

CHAPTER 18 - CHILD DISABILITY ALLOWANCE - Australian Government Health Service involvement. See guidelines 18.500 to 18.601.

Customer's documents need to be sent through the department's secure mail system and not the regular mail system.

Update 728G # Date 8 August 1996

CHAPTER 18 - CHILD DISABILITY ALLOWANCE - Child disability allowance backdating. See guidelines 18.100 to 18.103.

Clarifies that if CDA is backdated for one child, family payment can be backdated for all children in the family provided qualification existed.

Update 727G # Date 8 August 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Conversion of United Kingdom pounds to Australian dollars.

Social security does not set the UK exchange rate under Part 3.10, Division 2 of the Act.

Update 726G # Date 8 August 1996

CHAPTER 5 - AGE PENSION - Review of age pensioners paid under an International Agreement. See guidelines 5.1000 to 5.1004.

This amendment reinforces the procedures to be followed to ensure that pensioners paid under an International Agreement are reviewed correctly and in a timely manner.

Update 725G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 6 - DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Review of disability support pensioners paid under an International Agreement. See guidelines 6.3500 to 6.3502.

This amendment reinforces the procedures to be followed to ensure that pensioners paid under an International Agreement are reviewed correctly and in a timely manner.

Update 724G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 39 - MATURE AGE ALLOWANCE - Mature age allowance eligibility and payability. See guidelines 39.000 to 39.5100. (Rewrite of whole chapter).

This chapter has been rewritten to reflect the changes to mature age allowance from 1 July 1996, and includes the policy for both pension type and allowance type mature age allowance.

Update 723G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Death Review - review of circumstances of the surviving partner. See guidelines 1.17900 to 1.17901.

This amendment reinforces the procedures to be followed to ensure that pensioners paid under an international agreement are reviewed correctly and in a timely manner.

Update 722G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Combining of job search into newstart allowance. See guidelines 15.1100 to 15.3802.

Job search allowance will be abolished on 20/9/96 and now called newstart allowance. Many references to job search will be deleted prior to 20/9/96 to make the guide correct at that date. The changes usually involve text and heading deletions only and no renumbering.

Update 721G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Combining of job search into newstart allowance. See guidelines 15.000 to 15.005.

Update 720G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 11 - WIDOW B PENSION - Review of Widow B pensioners paid under an international agreement. See guidelines 11.4000 to 11.4003.

This amendment reinforces the procedures to be followed to ensure that pensioners paid under an international agreement are reviewed correctly and in a timely manner.

Update 719G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - Death of pensioner - surviving partner's new single rate. See guidelines 24.1300 to 24.1307.

This amendment reinforces the procedures to be followed to ensure that pensioners paid under an international agreement are reviewed correctly and in a timely manner.

Update 718G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Family payment notifiable events. See guidelines 17.9200 to 17.9206.

Clarification of procedures for income test following change in marital status.

Update 717G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Additional payments made by the United Kingdom.

The guidelines have been rewritten to include reference to additional payments made by the United Kingdom Department of Social Security which are excluded from the definition of income.

Update 716G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 47 - DROUGHT RELIEF PAYMENTS - Combining of job search and newstart allowance. See guidelines 47.14000 to 47.14013.

Update 715G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 46 - WIDOW ALLOWANCE - Combining of job search and newstart allowance. See guidelines 46.230 to 46.231 and 46.2000 to 46.3304.

Update 714G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 47 - DROUGHT RELIEF PAYMENTS - Combining of job search and newstart allowance. See guidelines 47.000 to 47.7009.

Update 713G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 46 - WIDOW ALLOWANCE - Combining of job search and newstart allowance. See guidelines 46.100 to 46.102.

Update 712G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION ENTRY PAYMENTS - Combining of job search and newstart allowance. See guidelines 26.1000 to 26.1003.

Update 711G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 49 - ADVANCE PAYMENTS - Advance payments of pension, mature age allowance, mature age partner allowance and widow allowance. See guidelines 49.000 to 49.3300.

Introduction of advance payments for pensioners, mature age allowees, mature age partner allowees and widow allowees.

Update 710G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 25 - NON-CASH BENEFITS - Combining of job search and newstart allowance. See guidelines 25.4000 to 25.4409.

Update 709G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 25 - NON-CASH BENEFITS - Combining of job search and newstart allowance. See guidelines 25.000 to 25.1007.

Job search allowance will be abolished on 20/9/96 and now called newstart allowance. Many references to job search will be deleted prior to 20/9/96 to make the guide correct as that date. The changes usually involve text and heading deletions only and no renumbering.

Update 708G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 8 - CARER PENSION - Carer pension - residence of carer - removal of adjacent rule. See guidelines 8.2500 to 8.2503.

From 1 July 1996, there is no longer a requirement that the carer live in the same home as, or an adjacent home to, the caree to receive carer pension. Carers who live some distance away from the caree will be eligible for carer pension, as long as the care requirements are met.

Update 707G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 8 - CARER PENSION - Carer pension - residence of carer - removal of adjacent rule. See guidelines 8.400 to 8.401.

Update 706G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Compensation periodic payments.

Correction of guidelines stating briefly which payments and under what circumstances require periodic payments of compensation to be treated as ordinary income rather than as a direct deduction.

KEY B27.7600

Update 705G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 8 - CARER PENSION - Carer pension - residence of carer - removal of adjacent rule. See guidelines 8.000 to 8.003.

Update 704G # Date 25 July 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Assessing foreign pension income.

The guidelines have been re-written to clarify the rules for the treatment of overseas pension and to refer the reader to relevant chapters in the Agreements Manual.

Update 702G # Date 11 July 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Forgone wages.

The amendment clarifies the treatment of forgone wages for calculating consideration when deprivation occurs.

Update 701G # Date 11 July 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Establishing the date of breach. See guideline 12.10600.

When establishing the date of breach for people who become unemployed due to a voluntary act or due to misconduct, the event is the person's unemployment.

Update 700G # Date 11 July 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Comparable foreign payment - New claim procedures. See guidelines 42.2440 to 42.2501.

Minor amendments have been made to accommodate the introduction of newstart mature age allowance from1 July 1996.

Update 699G # Date 11 July 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Comparable foreign payment - Foreign pension claim procedures. See guidelines 42.2330 to 42.2331.

The guideline includes an additional address for Hungary and has been reformatted.

Update 698G # Date 11 July 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Comparable foreign payment - New claim procedures. See guidelines 42.2010 to 42.2014.

Minor amendments have been made to accommodate the introduction of newstart mature age allowance from 1 July 1996.

Update 697G # Date 11 July 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Comparable foreign payment - Legislation - scope. See guidelines 42.1100 to 42.1112.

Changing pension types while overseas - amendments for 1 July 1996 changes to mature age allowance.

Update 696G # Date 11 July 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Method pf payment during absence from Australia. See guidelines 42.720 to 42.722.

The guideline has been updated to reflect pensions common platform processing for short-term portability.

Update 695G # Date 11 July 1996

CHAPTER 44 - INDEPENDENT RATE - UNDER EIGHTEEN YEAR OLDS - Independent rate assessments. See guidelines 44.000 to 44.6701.

This amendment updates Chapter 44 to reflect the introduction of youth training allowance.

Update 694G # Date 11 July 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Family payment income test.

Minor amendment to explanation of individual net rental property losses.

Update 693G # Date 11 July 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMING RATES OF PAYMENT - This part of chapter 27 details on the income assessment of investments that are not subject to extended deeming. Instructions for the income assessment of investments subject to extended deeming are now in chapter 30.

This change removes the sections which dealt with policies and procedures applying to the income assessment of financial assets before July 1996. Material on policies and procedures dealing with financial assets after June 1996 can be found in chapter 30. Guidelines for the income assessment of investments not subject to extended deeming remain in chapter 27 Part F.

Update 692G # Date 11 July 1996

CHAPTER 4 - COMPENSATION FOR DEFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION - Negligence claims, Compensation for Detriment Caused by Defective Administration Scheme and act of grace payments. See guidelines 4.000 to 4.20004.

Rewrite of chapter 4. These changes will update the policy relating to claims for Finance Direction 21/3, introduce the new scheme to compensate for detriment caused by defective administration, and advise of changes to the act of grace payment requirements.

Update 691G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Income assessment of investments. See guidelines 30.000 to 30.6500.

This chapter provides details of the extended deeming legislation, policy and procedures applying to the income assessment of financial assets from1 July 1996. Instructions for the income assessment of investments not subject to extended deeming remain in Chapter 27, Part F.

Update 687G to 690G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Combining of job search allowance into newstart allowance. See guidelines 2.1260, 2.2000 to 2.2002, 2.2110 to 2.2112, 2.3410 and 2.8000.

Job search allowance will be abolished in 20/9/96 and now called newstart allowance. All references to job search will be deleted prior to 20/9/96 to make the guide correct at that date. The changes usually involve text and heading deletions only and no renumbering.

Update 686G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 36 - MEMBER OF A COUPLE - Illness separated couples. See guidelines 36.700 to 36.731.

Illness separated couples: Cross reference on action to be taken in relation to former home updated; Reference to Health, Housing, Local Government and Community Services updated to Human Services and Health; Advice that retirement villages are covered by special residence provisions; Other minor changes to wording.

Update 685G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Review following expiration of home vacation exemption period.

Review following expiration of home vacation exemption period - references changed from 'nursing homes or Commonwealth funded hostel' to 'in a care situation, in residential care or looking after a person who is in a care situation'. Cross reference on retirement villages updated.

Update 684G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Rent assistance - married couples not residing together. See guideline 23.1200.

Rent assistance - married couples not residing together. A member of a couple is not an ineligible homeowner if they have left the matrimonial home to provide a substantial level of care for another person who needs, or in the Secretary's opinion is likely to need, that level for at least 14 consecutive days.

Update 683G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Temporary absence from principal home. See guidelines 1.18600 to 1.18602 and 1.19400 to 1.19406.

Change of reference from nursing home to 'in a care situation' (as defined in subsection 13(9) of the Act), which includes both nursing homes and a substantial level of care in a private residence. Addition of circumstances where rent assistance may be payable to home owners.

Update 682G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - Family payment bereavement payments. See guidelines 24.6300 to 24.6304.

Minor amendment to text of family payment bereavement.

Update 680G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Family payment income test - effect of claiming pension, allowance or benefit. See guidelines 17.8010 to 17.8011.

Explanation of the effect on the family payment income test for a person who claims a pension allowance or benefit.

Update 679G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Amendment to effect of commonwealth payments table. See guideline 17.10830.

Clarification of the effect of mobility allowance on family payment.

Update 678G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Amendment to students information. See guidelines 17.3140 to 17.3302.

Deletion of reference to transfer of students to DEETYA on 1 July 1996.

Update 677G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Family payment income test - amended tax assessment.

Clarification of the date of affect of reassessment of family payment following an amended tax assessment.

Update 676G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Family payment reassessments.

Clarification of reassessments as a result of a notifiable event.

Update 675G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Family payment income and assets tests.

Inclusion of codes for use on the FBA screen for Defence provided accommodation benefits.

Update 674G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Flexible lodgements of continuation forms. See guidelines 12.16010 to 12.16050.

This change describes the policy and procedures for changing the day on which customers lodge their continuation of payment forms.

Update 673G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Vocational training courses and labour market programs. See guidelines 12.2600 to 12.2604.

The guide incorrectly stated that approved courses were up to or less than six months rather than twelve months. The item should also refer to self employment development and group cooperative enterprises which are outlined in more detail in another section of the Guide.

Update 672G # Date 27 June 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Effect of Community Development Employment Program on partner's newstart allowance. See guideline 12.310.

Outlines the effect of Community Development Employment Program on newstart allowance where one member of a couple is participating.

Update 643G to 671G # Date 13 June 1996

Various chapters.

Update 642G # Date 13 June 1996

CHAPTER 41N - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Striking an annual rate of income. See guidelines 41N.6600 to 41N.6613.

This change clarifies procedures on income assessment where a customer does not know how much they will be earning in a given period.

Update 641G # Date 13 June 1996

CHAPTER 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Rent assistance - absence from Australia. See guidelines 23.1000 to 23.1002.

This change clarifies existing treatment of rent assistance when a person is absent from Australia.

Update 640G # Date 30 May 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - New Enterprise Incentive Schme/Aboriginal Employment Incentive Scheme. Qualification for Job search/Newstart Allowance. See guidelines 12.270 to 12.275.

NEIS participants - job search requirements prior to commencing the business.

Update 639G # Date 30 May 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Assessment of partly paid shares.

Correction to guidelines for assessment of partly paid shares in private companies.

Update 638G # Date 16 May 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Earnings of members of religious orders under a vow of poverty.

Assessment of earnings of members of a religion under a vow of poverty where the income is paid direct to the order. Treatment of out of pocket expenses.

Update 637G # Date 16 May 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Liquid Assets Waiting Period. See guidelines 12.7510 to 12.7530.

Incorrect headings on Liquid Asset Deferment Period led to confusion in Network. There also needs to be amendment to index.

Update 636G # Date 16 May 1996

CHAPTER 20 - MOBILITY ALLOWANCE - Qualifications and Payability, preclusion from payment. See guidelines 20.1200 to 20.1201.

The amended guidelines reflect the situations where qualification for mobility allowance is precluded.

Update 635G # Date 16 May 1996

CHAPTER 20 - MOBILITY ALLOWANCE - Vocational training. See guidelines 20.600 to 20.606.

The amendment provides a more concise definition of determining independent living skills training.

Update 634G # Date 16 May 1996

CHAPTER 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Sole Parent Pension - Period of Earnings. See guidelines 26.2100 to 26.2102.

The text in the Guide is incorrect. Section 664A (1) (d) of the Act states that the period is 'for more than four weeks'.

Update 629G # Date 2 May 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - 1) Activity test exemption - Jury duty. 2) No further transfers to sickness allowance. See guidelines 12.170 to 12.171 and 12.190 to 12.196.

1) Customers on JSA/NSA can be exempt from the activity test to a maximum of 13 weeks if they are selected to sit on a jury, ie empanelled.

2) Customers on JSA/NSA will not be exempt from the activity test if they are able to work eight hours per week or more.

Update 627G # Date 18 April 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - No further transfers to sickness allowance. See guidelines 12.7400, 12.7500 to 12.7507 and 12.7600 to 12.7612.

1) Ordinary waiting period - severe financial hardship - incapacitated customers.

2) Liquid assets waiting period-incapacitated customers and members of a couple.

3) Education leavers waiting period - incapacitated customers.

Update 626G # Date 18 April 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - No further transfers to sickness allowance. See guidelines 12.6000 to 12.7003.

Provisional commencement day, waiting and deferment periods for customers who are exempt from the activity test because of an incapacity.

Update 625G # Date 18 April 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Portability of partner allowance and parenting allowance to New Zealand. See guidelines 42.170 and 42.173.

From 1/1/96 Partner allowance and parenting allowance with New Zealand are now portable for limited periods during temporary absences from Australia.

Update 624G # Date 18 April 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Portability for former residents. See guideline 42.121.

This is a correction to a cross reference to guidelines on the portability for former residents.

Update 623G # Date 18 April 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Claiming pension from a non-comparable foreign payment country. See guidelines 42.2330 to 42.2340.

The guidelines update address for non-comparable foreign payment (CFP) countries and a new guideline on embargoing arrears from CFP countries.

Update 622G # Date 18 April 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Earnings Credit Scheme for allowances.

The amendments provide information on the changes to the Earnings Credit Scheme for allowance recipients that were announced in the 1995/96 Budget. From 20 March 1996, the maximum amount of Earnings Credit that can be offset against earnings is $100.00 a fortnight; the rate of accrual is the difference between a customer's ordinary income (OI) and the OI free area, and the earnings credit cannot be offset against income earned after a person ceased to qualify for allowance.

Update 621G # Date 18 April 1996

CHAPTER 9 - SOLE PARENT PENSION - Selective review at 8 & 12 weeks after grant. See guidelines 9.1300 to 9.1301.

Increase 8 & 12 week sole parent pension review targets from 50% to 70%.

Update 620G # Date 4 April 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Income and assets tests rates.

Correction of on-line advice letter to be used when income unknown.

Update 619G # Date 4 April 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Rent assistance for blind pensioners.

These amendments clarify payment of rent assistance to blind pensioners.

Update 618G # Date 4 April 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Changing pension types. See guidelines 42.1100 to 42.1170.

The guidelines have been rewritten to clarify the difference between transfer to age pension overseas (under section 48) and grant of a new pension overseas (under section 1212).

Update 617G # Date 4 April 1996

CHAPTER 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Pharmaceutical allowance. See guidelines 23.2000 to 23.2001.

These amendments update qualifications for pharmaceutical allowance.

Update 616G # Date 4 April 1996

CHAPTER 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Advance pharmaceutical allowance. See guidelines 23.3270 to 23.3322.

After pension records are converted to the new systems architecture known as Common Platform, payment of Advance pharmaceutical allowance can be made to each (or either) member of a couple as an individual. To date this has not been possible due to limitations with the previous pensions system.

Update 615G # Date 4 April 1996

CHAPTER 41N - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Parenting allowance. See guidelines 41N.7000 to 41N.7001.

This amendment is to include details about the Student Financial Supplement Scheme where it is paid to the partner of a parenting allowance recipient.

Update 614G # Date 4 April 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Changes to the newstart allowance claim process. See guidelines 12.13500 to 12.13804.

The current wording in the guide reflects procedures in place before 20 March 1996.

Update 613G # Date 4 April 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Income and Assets Tests.

Clarification of procedures for verification of income.

Update 612G # Date 4 April 1996

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Proof of base year income. See guidelines 17.7400 to 17.7403.

Clarification of procedures for verification of income.

Update 611G # Date 4 April 1996

CHAPTER 43 - PARTNER ALLOWANCE - Clarification of recent workforce experience. See guidelines 43.111 to 43.116.

These changes further clarify recent workforce experience criteria, especially regarding farmers and self employed persons.

Update 610G # Date 4 April 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Investigation of claims where unemployment may be due to a voluntary act or misconduct as a worker. See guidelines 12.9600 to 12.9703 and 12.10000 to 12.10004.

Clarification of the guidelines for investigation of cases involving misconduct or voluntary unemployment.

Update 609G # Date 4 April 1996

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Residence and Overseas Absences. See guideline 17.5000 to 17.5004.

Inclusion of temporary visa categories for family payment residency requirements.

Update 606G # Date 4 April 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Procedures for activity test exemptions in special circumstances - jury duty. See guideline 12.3310.

Customers on job search allowance/newstart allowance can be exempt from the activity test to a maximum of 13 weeks if they are selected to sit on a jury, ie empanelled.

Update 633G # Date 2 April 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Conversion of sterling to Australian dollars.

Social security sets a new UK exchange rate if the average of the Commonwealth Bank's on demand airmail buying rate over a ten day monitoring period varies by 2.5% or more when compared to the Department's exchange rate.

Update 605G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMING RATES OF PAYMENT - Community based care and other exempt assets subsections.

Complete restructure of exempt assets subsections of Part G: Assessment of Assets. New Community based care changes - changes to circumstances where rent assistance may be payable to homeowners. Changed references to nursing homes to 'in a care situation' as stated in subsection 13.9 of the Act, which includes both nursing homes and a substantial level of care in a private residence. Incorporation of considerable new material on other exempt assets including special residences, granny flats, sale-leaseback residences and company owned residences.

Update 604G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 22 - CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE - Childcare assistance. See guidelines 22.000 to 22.9200.

Chapter 22 has been rewritten to reflect the changes to the assessment of childcare assistance from 1 April 1996. It has also incorporated the policy and procedural aspects of the childcare assistance clerical procedures.

Update 603G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Monitoring the comparable foreign payment (CFP) legislation - P51 listings. See guidelines 42.2400 to 42.2418.

The guidelines incorporate national instruction CZ950215 of 15 November 1995 dealing with the action to be taken on P51 listings when monitoring the CFP legislation.

Update 602G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Parenting allowance. See guidelines 2.2001 to 2.2002.

This amendment is to include details about the parenting allowance paydays.

Update 601G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Parenting allowance. See guidelines 2.8000 to 2.8004.

This amendment is to include details about parenting allowance.

Update 600G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Parenting allowance. See guideline 17.10830.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance.

Update 599G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Parenting allowance.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance.

Update 598G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Parenting allowance.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance.

Update 597G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Parenting allowance.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance.

Update 596G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Parenting allowance.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance.

Update 595G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Parenting allowance.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance.

Update 594G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Parenting allowance. See guidelines 27.7500 to 27.7601.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance.

Update 593G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - 1. Parenting allowance. 2. Allowable business deductions - depreciation. See guidelines 27.8301 and 27.8502 to 27.8504.

1. This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance.

2. Allowable and non allowable depreciation items.

Update 592G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 41N - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Parenting allowance. See guidelines 41.1015 to 41.1037.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance including payment to foster parents.

Update 591G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Parenting allowance. See guidelines 23.6000 to 23.6003.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance.

Update 590G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Parenting allowance. See guidelines 1.18103 to 1.18104.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance.

Update 589G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Parenting allowance. See guidelines 2.9300 to 2.9308.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance.

Update 588G # Date 21 March 1996

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Parenting allowance. See guidelines 1.10200.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance.

Update 703G # Date 20 March 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - No further transfers for sickness allowance. See guidelines 12.21000 to 12.21903.

New part detailing reviews for incapacitated customers.

Update 632G # Date 20 March 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Lodgement of Form SU19. See guidelines 12.15300 to 12.15302.

Exemption from personal lodgement of SU19 due to incapacity.

Update 631G # Date 20 March 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Newstart allowance interviews. See guidelines 12.14100 to 12.14104.

Newstart allowance interview - non-attendance due to incapacity.

Update 630G # Date 20 March 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - No further transfers to sickness allowance. See guidelines 12.600 to 12.603.

Personal Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) registration is not required for incapacitated customers, CES and DSS should make local arrangements.

Update 628G # Date 20 March 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Payment of job search allowance/newstart allowance while sick. See guidelines 12.900 to 12.923.

General provisions for payment of job search allowance/newstart allowance while sick, two year preclusion period and payment while temporarily absent from Australia.

Update 608G # Date 20 March 1996

CHAPTER 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - 1995/96 budget changes to rent assistance. See guidelines 23.100 to 23.601.

The rent assistance (RA) changes announced in the 1995/96 Budget take effect from 20 March 1996. In addition to the cost of living increase, all rent thresholds increased by an extra $5.00 a fortnight, as too the maximum rates of RA for families with children. In addition, a strategy has been introduced to phase out the RA savings provisions more quickly.

Other changes permit RA to be paid to people 'in a care situation'.

New policy direction is given in relation to RA during certain periods of temporary accommodation, and outline treatment of housing assistance in lieu of cash maintenance.

Update 607G # Date 20 March 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Example of pension and rent assistance rate calculation.

This change updates the example provided for calculating a rate of pension with rent assistance.

Update 587G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Parenting allowance. See guidelines 1.1410.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance.

Update 586G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Parenting allowance. See guidelines 1.10000 and 1.10006.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to PgA.

Update 585G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - Parenting allowance. See guidelines 24.5100 to 24.5606.

This amendment changes the incorrect acronym of PA for parenting allowance to PgA, the correct acronym.

Update 584G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Parenting allowance. See guideline 1.6000.

This amendment is to update the guide to include references to parenting allowance.

Update 583G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 8 - CARER PENSION - Carer pension - March 1996 changes. See guidelines 8.000 to 8.5300.

Amendments to reflect two changes to legislation with effect from 21 March 1996 to:

extend eligibility for carer pension to include carers of severely handicapped people who are not income support recipients, subject to the care receiver having income and assets below the levels at which a person with one dependent child can receive minimum family payment (currently taxable income below $63,766 pa and assets below $584,500). The carer will still need to meet the pension income and assets tests;
continue payment of carer pension for 14 weeks when the person being cared for is permanently institutionalised.

Also, chapter re-written to provide more guidance on some policy issues.

Update 582G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Australian citizen child in the custody of a non permanent resident. See guidelines 15.2900 to 15.2940.

Change of title of special benefit category "Australian born children of illegal immigrants" to "Australian citizen child in the custody of a non permanent resident".

Update 581G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - OLA changes. See guideline 38.4530.

Some guide references required changes as most child support OLA advices have been amended from 19 March 1996.

Update 580G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - OLA changes. See guidelines 38.4846 and 38.4850.

Some guide references required changes as most child support OLA advices have been amended from 19 March 1996.

Update 579G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Available funds test. See guidelines 15.900 and 15.910 to 15.913.

Clarification of the calculation of available funds test for claimants with a partner and/or dependents.

Update 578G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - On-line advices changes. See guidelines 38.5120 and 38.5221.

Some guide references required changes as most child support OLA advices have been amended from 19 March 1996.

Update 577G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Ineligible to pension due to lack of residence. See guidelines 15.2100 to 15.2102.

Further clarification of qualifications for persons not residentially qualified for pension and caring for a child.

Update 576G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - On-line Advice (OLA) changes. See guideline 38.4504.

Some guide references required changes as most child support OLA advices have been amended from 19 March 1996.

Update 575G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - On-line Advice (OLA) changes. See guideline 38.2450.

Some guide references require changes as most child support OLA advices have been amended from 19 March 1996.

Update 574G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 6 - DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Qualifications and payability. See guidelines 6.1000 to 6.1005.

Manifest inability to work guidelines updated to reflect change in qualifications for Disability Support Pension.

Update 573G # Date 7 March 1996

CHAPTER 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Disability Wage Supplement (DWS) - Claim requirements. See guidelines 26.4100 to 26.4102.

A claim for Disability Wage Supplement should be regarded as a claim for an Employment Entry Payment.

Update 572G # Date 22 February 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Income from self employment - Business Losses. See guidelines 27.8530 to 27.8532.

Treatment for income and assets test purposes of business losses from related entities - off setting of such losses.

Update 571G # Date 22 February 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Deferring a claim for foreign pension. See guidelines 42.2060 to 42.2062.

The guideline clarifies that under the comparable foreign payment provisions, claimants for Australian pensions may defer claims for foreign pensions except if the Australian claim is under an Agreement and the Agreement provides that the claim be pursued immediately.

Update 570G # Date 22 February 1996

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Prison release. See guidelines 15.3800 to 15.3802.

The amendment deletes references to payment of special benefit to newly released prisoners during the waiting period for sickness allowance (consequent to changes allowing the waiver of the sickness allowance waiting period for people in hardship). The amendment also more accurately reflects the conditions under which special benefit can be paid to newly released prisoners.

Update 568G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Historical information - Job search allowance rates for under 18 years of age from January 1988 and rates of Parental Assets Test and YTA. See guidelines 27.2920 to 27.2930.

Changes to JSA and YTA rates based on January 1996 CPI.

Update 567G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Landcare and Environment Action Program (LEAP)- partners of LEAP recipients. See guidelines 45.2680 to 45.2684.

Income from LEAP is treated as ordinary income for the purpose of assessing the partner's youth training allowance.

Update 566G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 48 - MATERNITY ALLOWANCE - New Chapter. See guidelines 48.000 to 48.6305.

Maternity Allowance is a new payment being introduced for children born on or after 1 February 1996, for families who meet the family payment income, assets and residence tests.

Update 565G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Landcare and Environment Action Program - General. See guidelines 45.2660 to 45.2666.

Income from Landcare and Environment Action Program is treated as ordinary income for the purpose of assessing the partner's youth training allowance.

Update 564G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Shares and listed securities. See guideline 27.12180 to 27.12185.

Provides guidance as to the assessment of shares provided to an employee under an employees' share acquisition scheme; the treatment of shares from the scheme not yet paid for; and the treatment of any dividends paid on these shares.

Update 563G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - PORTABILITY. See guideline 42.950.

A post-departure review must now be carried out after 6 months absence from Australia when no departure certificate has been issued. Cases without a departure certificate are identified through data matching DSS records against DIEA passenger departure records. Reviews of matched cases are done centrally on behalf of the network by Liverpool Teleservice Centre. Adhoc reviews are done by Regional Offices.

Update 562G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - PORTABILITY. See guideline 42.733.

Update 561G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - PORTABILITY. See guideline 42.550.

Revised portability rules under the Agreement on social security with New Zealand.

Update 560G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - ABSTUDY. See guideline 27.8133.

Changes to basic text and cross references.

Update 559G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - ABSTUDY. See guideline 12.501.

Changes to basic text and cross references.

Update 558G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Child Support Scheme - Changes as a result of new initiatives introduced from 29 May 1995. See guidelines 38.000 to 38.11000.

Incorporates changes as a result of:

1) new provisions to allow clients to change from Child Support Agency (CSA) collection to private collection in certain circumstances;

2) new processing procedures for DSS clients when lodging a Child Support Agreement under Stage 2;

3) new provisions to allow the Child Support Registrar not to enforce a Court Order for a maintenance liability where the payer is receiving a social security pension or benefit and satisfies a prescribed income test, or the custody of the child/ren has changed; and 4) new grounds for presumption of parentage for ex-nuptial children in relation to child support assessments. When one of the new grounds for presumption of parentage is met, proof of parentage will not need to be supplied.

KEY B38.000

Update 557G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - PORTABILITY. See guidelines 42.170 to 42.189.

From 1 January 1996 pensions paid under the Agreement with New Zealand are now portable for limited periods during temporary absences from Australia.

Update 556G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Departures on or after 1 January 1996. See guidelines 42.010 to 42.162.

A post-departure review must now be carried out after six months absence from Australia when no departure certificate has been issued. Cases without a departure certificate are identified through data matching DSS records against DIEA passenger departure records. Reviews of matched cases are done centrally on behalf of the network by Liverpool Teleservice Centre. Adhoc reviews are done by Regional Offices.

Update 555G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Establishing the date of breach. See guideline 12.10600.

When unemployment is due to a voluntary act, the date of the breach will be the day after the date of the voluntary act rather than the day after the date last worked.

Update 554G # Date 8 February 1996

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - JOBSKILLS participants reclaiming newstart allowance. See guideline 12.2690 to 12.2692.

JOBSKILLS participants who complete the full 26 week placement will need to claim JSA and all waiting periods will apply. If the participant ceases the placement within 13 weeks of cancellation and claims a social security payment, NSA may be re-granted and the seven day ordinary waiting period will not apply.

Update 569G # Date 1 February 1996

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Urgent, early and replacement payments. See guidelines 2.3600 to 2.3606.

Due to the introduction of maternity allowance changes to the guidelines for issuing urgent cheques to customers as a result of costs associated with a newborn baby.

Update 553G # Date 25 January 1996

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

Improves reference to child support paydays and affected Family Payment paydays for current year. Cross references to 38.11000.

Update 552G # Date 25 January 1996

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Qualifications and payability. See guidelines 15.2500 to 15.2502.

Clarification of persons who may receive special benefit due to being socially marginalised.

Update 551G # Date 25 January 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT. See guideline 27.13540.

Update of superannuation pensions table of life expectation factors.

Update 550G # Date 25 January 1996

CHAPTER 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS. See guideline 24.5305.

Minor amendment of calculation figures.

Update 549G # Date 25 January 1996

CHAPTER 47 - DROUGHT RELIEF PAYMENTS - Links with other payments. See guidelines 47.14000 to 47.14013.

Amendments to guidelines to reflect changes to legislation.

Update 548G # Date 25 January 1996

CHAPTER 18 - CHILD DISABILITY ALLOWANCE - Child disability allowance eligibility will change as at 1 January 1996. See guidelines 18.000 to 18.7400.

Child disability allowance (CDA) eligibility will change as at 1 January 1996. CDA can be paid for a child up until the child turns 22 instead of 25. CDA forms (Form SC5 - CDA Claim Form) and (Form SC202 - CDA Determination of Claim/Review) have changed. They both now have 3 parts (A, B & C) instead of 2. Whole chapter has been reissued.

Update 547G # Date 11 January 1996

CHAPTER 27 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - new examples of rate calculations following amalgamation of basic family payment (BFP) and additional family payment (AFP). See guidelines 27.28000 to 27.30401.

Part N - examples of family payment calculations and part O - examples of lump sum child related bereavement payment calculations - rewritten.

Update 546G # Date 11 January 1996

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - This amendment clarifies the existing guideline. Where a client's employment has not been terminated and a payment of annual leave is made, then a loss of income has not occurred. See guidelines 17.7000 to 17.7004.

Update 681G # Date 1 January 1996

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Payment of family payment for over 16s. See guidelines 17.3130 to 17.3132.

Clarification of the definition of secondary studies.