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.

3.10.4.10 General notification period - 14 days

General rules

Recipients will generally have 14 days to notify (1.1.D.22) Centrelink of a change in circumstances.

Exceptions:

  • CIS recipients required to inform Centrelink of a proposal to leave Australia
  • bereavement events
  • where a recipient becomes aware of a payment of compensation (7 day notification period), and
  • exemptions granted by the Secretary.

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.10.4.20 Notification period for bereavement events - 28 days, 3.10.4.30 Notification period for certain social security pension recipients - 28 days, 3.10.4.40 Secretary can extend general notification period - 28 days

Notification period ends on a public holiday or weekend

Depending on the date of the event, some notification periods (1.1.N.125) will end on a weekend or a public holiday. In these situations, the notification period will end on the next working day after the weekend or public holiday.

Recipient becomes subject to a reduced notification period

If a recipient becomes subject to a reduced notification period, they must be advised in writing about their new notification period. It is for this reason that the new notification period will not come into effect until 7 days after the determination of the circumstance change which caused them to have a shortened notification period.

Example: A recipient returns from overseas and their notification period is reduced from 28 to 14 days.

Recipient becomes subject to an increased notification period

If a recipient becomes subject to an increased notification period, the increased notification will apply from the date of event (1.1.D.19) that led to the extension of the notification period.

Example: A recipient who leaves Australia permanently or intends to be away for at least 12 months will have their notification period extended from 14 days to 28 days from the date they left Australia.

No change for stimulus recipients

Recipients who must lodge a continuation form in order to receive payment must advise of all changes on the continuation form.

Benefit PPP/stimulus recipient couples

The benefit PPP recipient's 14-day notification period commences from the stimulus recipient's due to report day (by either lodgement of continuation form or provision of a statement).

Last reviewed: