1.1.G.14 Grandparent (CCS, ACCS)

Definition

For the purposes of the CCS activity test and ACCS (grandparent), a grandparent or great-grandparent is defined as an individual (1.1.I.90) who:

  • has a biological grandparent or great-grandparent relationship to the child, or
  • is a grandparent or great-grandparent as a result of:
    • adoption,
    • step-parent relationships (including former partners),
    • artificial conception procedures,
    • de facto relationships, and
    • surrogacy arrangements (FAAct subsection 85CJ(3)).

Example 1: James and Shelley are the biological parents of their child Seth. James and Shelley separate and James marries Martina. Martina is Seth's step-parent. In later years Seth marries Sarah and they have a child Nathan. Martina is the step-grandparent of Nathan. Seth and Sarah eventually separate and Seth marries Helga. Helga is Nathan's step-parent and Helga's mother and father are Nathan's step-grandparents.

Example 2: Layla is the biological mother of Katharine. Layla dies and her cousin Danielle takes on the care of Katharine as her guardian, when Katharine is 3 years old. In later years, Katharine has a child Bernie. Danielle is not considered the grandparent of Bernie because she is not the natural, adoptive or step-grandparent of Bernie.

Act reference: FAAct section 85CJ Eligibility for ACCS (grandparent)

Last reviewed: 2 July 2018