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.

5.2.1.30 Change of rate circumstances

Summary

An individual (1.1.I.90) is required to provide information regarding all circumstances that may affect the rate of FA (1.1.F.02), excluding CCS and ACCS, they receive. This topic covers:

  • rate circumstances affecting FA
  • rate circumstances affecting FTB
  • rate circumstances affecting only FTB Part A.

Note: Change of circumstances that may affect CCS and ACCS are outlined in 5.2.1.40.

Rate circumstances affecting FA excluding CCS & ACCS

An individual must notify Centrelink if:

  • they commence or cease providing care for an FTB or regular care child (1.1.R.21)
  • they become or cease being a member of a couple (1.1.M.50).

An individual should notify Centrelink if there are changes in their, or their partner's (1.1.P.30):

  • taxable income (1.1.T.20)
  • reportable fringe benefits
  • target foreign income (1.1.T.05), including tax exempt foreign employment income
  • total net investment loss (1.1.T.53)
  • tax free pension or benefit
  • reportable superannuation contributions (1.1.R.35), or
  • deductible child maintenance expenditure (3.2.7).

Act reference: FAAct Schedule 3 Adjusted taxable income

Policy reference: FA Guide 2.1.1 FTB child & regular care child, 3.2.3 Adjusted fringe benefits total, 3.2.6 Tax free pensions or benefits, 3.2.7 Deductible child maintenance expenditure

Rate circumstances affecting FTB

An individual who receives FTB by instalment must notify Centrelink if:

  • they and/or their partner leave Australia (1.1.A.120) even for a short time, or return to Australia
  • their FTB or regular care child
    • leaves Australia even for a short time, or return to Australia
    • commences or ceases receiving an income support payment (1.1.I.50)
    • commences or ceases being their partner
    • is prevented from being in their care without their consent, or is in their care to a reduced extent due to another person's non-compliance with a care arrangement (1.1.C.05)
    • becomes or ceases being an Australian resident (1.1.A.130)
    • who is not an Australian resident, commences or ceases living with them
    • dies
    • is aged 16 to 18 years and ceases or recommences full-time secondary study (1.1.F.60), or
  • the shared care percentage for their FTB or regular care child changes.

Policy reference: FA Guide 1.1.S.27 Senior secondary school child (FTB), 2.1.1.10 FTB child

Rate circumstances affecting only FTB Part A

An individual who receives FTB must notify Centrelink if:

  • their FTB child is aged 19 years and ceases or recommences full-time secondary study
  • they are, or are not, taking reasonable maintenance action, or
  • there is a change in the amount of their maintenance income.

If the individual receives RA as part of their FTB Part A rate, they must notify Centrelink of any changes to the amount of rent paid.

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

FAAct Schedule 1 clause 7 Standard rate

Policy reference: FA Guide 1.1.S.27 Senior secondary school child (FTB)

Last reviewed: