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.

2.12.2 SBP - specialist referrals

Summary

This section covers the following:

  • referrals to a social worker or specialist officer, and
  • purpose of referrals.

Referrals to a social worker or specialist officer

Young people aged 17 years or under who claim SBP must be referred to a social worker or specialist officer to discuss available services such as financial planning services, FA entitlements and bereavement support groups. Attendance at the referral session should be encouraged.

Individuals who are 17 years and over who are experiencing and/or are susceptible to any of the following issues should also be referred to a social worker or specialist officer (Indigenous Customer Service Officer or MSO) for a professional assessment regarding:

  • inexperience in handling large sums of money
  • situations where an individual may be subject to pressure to use the payment unwisely
  • history of experiencing domestic or family violence
  • history of difficulties in managing finances
  • situations where an individual may be vulnerable to exploitation
  • gambling problems
  • substance addiction
  • homelessness or a risk of becoming homeless
  • previously had or currently has a child subject to child protection
  • intellectual disability, or
  • mental illness.

Any other individual may request assistance or referral to a social worker or specialist officer.

Purpose of referrals

The purpose of the referral is to assess the individual's needs and their required level of support to provide the individual with more detailed and specific information about available services such as parent/bereavement support groups, financial planning strategies and FA services and to enable a referral to other appropriate services as required.

Last reviewed: