4.15.3 Payment of SBP
Introduction
This section explains the payment arrangements for SBP. It includes:
- access to payment
- bank account for payment, and
- payment for multiple births.
Access to payment
Eligible individuals are paid SBP in a single lump sum. Payment is made on the earliest day practicable.
SBP cannot be paid through the tax system, but the payment can be remitted to the ATO to offset outstanding ATO debts.
Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 47 Payment of SBP
Policy reference: FA Guide 1.2.19 Stillborn baby payment (SBP) - description, 2.12 SBP eligibility
Bank account for payment
If the individual has claimed instalments of FTB, payment of SBP is made to the account nominated for FTB. If the individual is not receiving or claiming FTB instalments, they should nominate an account for payment. In some cases the individual may be paid by other means. Payment should generally be made into an account nominated and maintained by the individual, but can also be paid to the individual's payment nominee.
Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 47 Payment of SBP
Policy reference: FA Guide 4.3.3 Instalments paid by direct credit
SS Guide 8.5.1 Payment nominee
Payment for multiple births
SBP can be paid for each stillborn child in a multiple birth. As SBP is only payable for a child where neither the individual nor their partner has received or is receiving PLP for that child, individuals may elect to receive PLP for one child and SBP for another child or children of the same multiple birth. If eligible, the individual would receive SBP as a lump sum and PLP as instalment payments.
Example: Amanda is pregnant and currently working and has lodged a pre-claim for both PLP and FA for twins she is expecting within the next 3 months. On delivery, one child is stillborn. After the birth, it is determined that PLP is payable to Amanda for her live child. It is also determined that Amanda is entitled to be paid SBP for her stillborn child. Amanda will receive SBP for the stillborn child and separately receive PLP for the live child.