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.

5.2.2 Information required for instalment claims

Introduction

This section contains one topic that outlines the obligations of an individual (1.1.I.90) who claims FTB via instalments (1.1.I.100) to provide notification of any changes in circumstances that may affect their entitlement (1.1.E.30) to or their rate of FTB.

An individual must notify Centrelink of anything that happens or is likely to happen that would:

  • make them ineligible for FTB, or
  • reduce their FTB rate.

This includes a change of address which must be notified within 14 days of the event.

This section covers information required in the following circumstances:

  • change in care arrangements, and
  • changes in income (1.1.I.20).

Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 7 How to claim, section 25 Obligation to notify change of circumstances, section 25A Secretary's power to approve a manner of notification

Policy reference: FA Guide 5.2.1.10 Change of circumstances - general provisions, 5.2.1.20 Change of eligibility circumstances, 5.2.1.30 Change of rate circumstances

Change in care arrangements

Individuals must report any change in care arrangements for an FTB child, whether in relation to a change to a written care arrangement (1.1.C.05), or to arrangements that are based on a verbal agreement or an established pattern of care (1.1.P.70). If 2 or more individuals share the care of an FTB child the notification of a change in the care arrangements by one individual may affect the FTB entitlement of the other carer. Once notified, Centrelink should contact each individual to confirm the change in care arrangements.

Explanation: If one parent/carer reports a change in care arrangements and that is confirmed by the other parent/carer, FTB entitlements should be reassessed from the date the change occurred. If one or more individuals disagree that a change has occurred, Centrelink must investigate whether a change has occurred before FTB entitlements are reassessed.

Note: An assessment of care that is determined by either Centrelink for FTB purposes or Child Support for child support purposes has the effect for the other agency in relation to care periods that began on or after this date. This means that where a care assessment has been determined by Child Support for child support purposes, that care assessment is used by Centrelink to assess eligibility for, and the rate of, FTB. For individuals who receive FTB from Centrelink and also have a child support assessment, changes in care can be advised via either avenue.

Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 25 Obligation to notify change of circumstances, section 25A Secretary's power to approve a manner of notification

Policy reference: FA Guide 5.2.1.10 Change of circumstances - general provisions, 5.2.1.20 Change of eligibility circumstances, 5.2.1.30 Change of rate circumstances

Changes in income

An individual must notify Centrelink if there is or is likely to be any increase or decrease in their or their partner's (1.1.P.30) income. This notification may result in mandatory continuous adjustment being applied to their rate where there is a notional overpayment.

Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 20 Determination of rate to be based on estimate, indexed estimate or indexed actual income, section 25 Obligation to notify change of circumstances

Policy reference: FA Guide 4.3.1.30 Mandatory continuous adjustment of FTB instalments

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