The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.N.40 Notification period

Introduction

The notification period is the period of time that an individual has in which to notify Centrelink of a change in their circumstances and still be considered to have notified in time.

Child care subsidy

For the purposes of CCS or ACCS, an individual receiving CCS or ACCS must notify Centrelink as soon as practicable of any event that affects their eligibility to receive CCS or ACCS or the level of their entitlement (1.1.E.30).

Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 67FB Notice of change of circumstances: individuals

Policy reference: FA Guide 5.2.1 Change of circumstances

Family tax benefit

Where an individual is receiving FTB via instalment (1.1.I.100) payments, they must notify Centrelink as soon as is practicable of any event that will reduce their entitlement or result in them being no longer eligible for the payment. However individuals who do not notify of the event will have their FTB payments reconciled at the end of the financial year and will have to pay back any amounts they should not have received.

Where an individual is receiving FTB via instalment payments and an event occurs that results in an increase in rate, the individual's FTB can usually be adjusted back to the beginning of the income year prior to the Secretary finding out about the change.

Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 25 Obligation to notify change of circumstances

Policy reference: FA Guide 5.2.1 Change of circumstances, 4.4.2 Date of effect of reassessments for instalment individuals

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