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.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 2007

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 3 December 2007 (v1.130)

Topic No Topic Title Details
1.1.B.70 Board & lodging (RA, SpB) Clarified definition.
1.1.F.180 Fringe benefits (income test assessment) Updated definition.
1.1.G.68 Group payments Updated terminology.
1.1.P.127 Payment nominee Updated terminology.
1.1.P.237 Personal Support Programme (PSP) Updated definition.
1.1.R.55 Receiving Updated terminology.
1.1.S.125 Severe financial hardship - OWP, SWPP, LAWP, IMP Updated terminology.
1.1.S.176 Significant disadvantage Updated terminology.
1.2.3.10 Age Pension (Age) - Description Updated terminology.
1.2.3.20 Wife Pension (WP) - Description Updated terminology.
1.2.3.40 Widow B Pension (WidB) - Description Updated terminology.
2.2.1.30 Identity Verification Requirements Removed duplicate word.
2.2.1.40 Persons Experiencing Difficulty with Identity Verification Updated terminology.
2.2.9 Retirement & Widows Verification Updated terminology.
3.2.3.20 Payability of YA Updated terminology.
3.2.5.70 Assessment & Mandatory Procedures for YA - Unreasonable to Live at Home Updated terminology.
3.2.9.110 Approved Activity - Work Experience Placement(WEP) Programme New topic.
3.2.11.10 Satisfying the YA Activity Test Updated to reflect that from 1 January 2008 a person cannot be considered eligible for YA if the person ceases full-time study and fail to notify Centrelink within 14 days.
3.2.12.40 Activity Test Exemption - Special Circumstances Added information on Indigenous cultural business and ensuring consistency in exemptions granted for cultural and sorry business for Indigenous Australians.
3.3.1.30 Payability of PA Updated terminology.
3.4.1.10 Qualification for Age Updated terminology and added additional act references.
3.4.1.20 Payability of Age Updated terminology.
3.4.1.40 Supplementary Benefits & Assistance for Age Recipients Updated terminology.
3.4.1.50 Notification & Recipient Obligations for Age Updated terminology.
3.4.1.60 Continuation, Variation or Termination of Age Updated terminology.
3.4.2.10 Qualification for WP Updated terminology.
3.4.2.20 Payability of WP Updated terminology.
3.4.2.30 Supplementary Benefits & Employment Assistance for WP Recipients Updated terminology.
3.4.2.40 Notification & Recipient Obligations for WP Updated terminology.
3.4.2.50 Continuation, Variation or Termination of WP Updated terminology.
3.4.4.20 Assessment of Desertion for WidB Updated terminology.
3.4.4.50 Payability of WidB Updated terminology.
3.4.4.70 Supplementary Benefits & Employment Assistance for WidB Recipients Removed references to JET and updated terminology.
3.4.4.80 Notification & Recipient Obligations for WidB Updated terminology.
3.4.4.90 Continuation, Variation or Termination of WidB Updated terminology.
3.4.7.30 Bonus Periods for PBS Updated terminology.
3.4.7.40 Accruing Membership of PBS Updated terminology.
3.4.7.100 Amount of PBS Bonus Updated terminology and examples. Added example calculation for illness-separated couple when marital status has not changed.
3.4.7.110 Sample PBS Calculations Updated rates used in example 3.
3.5.1.88 Eligibility for PPP Where There is a Polygamous Relationship Updated terminology.
3.6.6.10 Qualification for MOB Updated terminology and added information on Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) provider programmes and where MOB recipients are working 15 hours per week in the open labour market for productivity based wages.
3.6.7.115 Payability of Child Disability Assistance Payment New topic.
3.8.1.40 Notification, Verification & Recipient Obligations for RA Updated terminology.
3.8.1.60 Payments that may be Treated as Rent Clarified policy.
3.8.1.90 Temporary Accommodation & RA Clarified policy.
3.8.1.102 Special RA Rules for People in Accommodation for Older People (Life Interest Rules) Clarified summary and updated terminology.
3.8.1.120 Examples of Assessment - RA Sharers Provisions Updated terminology.
3.8.3.20 PES Qualifying Study for Tertiary Students Updated terminology.
3.8.3.30 PES & Secondary Students Updated terminology.
3.8.3.110 Notification & Recipient Obligations for PES Updated terminology.
3.8.8.10 Qualification for RAA Updated terminology.
3.8.8.20 Payability of RAA Clarified policy.
3.8.8.40 Usual Place of Residence for RAA Updated terminology.
3.8.8.60 Continuation, Variation or Termination of RAA Clarified policy.
3.9.3.36 Target Foreign Income Updated terminology.
3.9.3.40 Treatment of Income Components for CSHC Updated terminology.
3.12.1 Pension GST Supplement Updated terminology.
4 Income & Assets Updated terminology.
4.1.2.10 Disposal of Assets Pre 1 July 2002 Updated terminology.
4.1.2.20 Disposal of Assets Post 1 July 2002 Updated terminology.
4.1.3 Deprivation of Assets & Income - Effect on Income Updated terminology.
4.1.9 Hardship Provisions Updated terminology.
4.1.11 The Rolling Five Financial Year Deprivation Provisions & Other Deprivation Changes Updated terminology.
4.2.8 YA Means Tests & Limits Updated terminology.
4.3.1.30 Rate of Income - Couples, Blind Pensioners & Children Updated terminology.
4.3.2.31 Income Exempt from Assessment - Specifically Approved Title changed. Updated terminology. Added to personal care support schemes approved by Ministers.
4.3.2.35 Income Exempt from Assessment - s 8 (11) Exempt Lump Sums Included details of various lump sum determinations, clarified FaCSIA's overall co-ordinating role in exempting agreed lump sum amounts as income and that determinations can only be backdated 13 weeks.
4.3.3.60 Deferred Income, Salary Sacrifice, Valuable Consideration & Fringe Benefits Added information on reportable fringe benefits amount.
4.3.9.10 Income from Maintenence, Property Settlements & Life Interest Updated terminology.
4.3.9.50 Income from Gifts, Legacies, Royalties & Native Title Claims Updated terminology.
4.3.9.60 Income from Private Companies & Trusts Updated terminology.
4.4.1.40 Exemption of Financial Investments from Deeming Updated the Ministers' role in the application of this policy as a result of machinery of government changes.
4.4.2.30 Description - Deprived Assets Updated terminology.
4.4.2.60 Description - Sale of Principal Home or Other Property Updated terminology.
4.6 Assets Updated terminology.
4.6.4.50 Granny Flats - Features, Rights & Interests Updated terminology.
4.6.7.70 Determining Severe Financial Hardship - Drawings From an Unincorporated Business Updated terminology.
4.6.7.80 Notional Ordinary Income - Overview Updated terminology.
4.6.7.110 Notional Ordinary Income - Person's Farm Used by a Family Member Updated terminology.
4.6.7.120 Notional Ordinary Income - Other Farming Situations Updated terminology.
4.9.1.30 Specific Provisions for Assessing Income Streams Clarified means test treatment of transition-to-retirement income streams.
4.9.2.60 Sections 9A (Lifetime) & 9B (Life Expectancy of the SSAct Applying Prior to 20/09/2004 Updated terminology.
4.9.3.30 Income Test Assessment of Asset-Tested Income Streams Corrected comments on minimum/maximum withdrawal requirements for account-based income streams.
4.10.3 Historical Age & Invalid (Disability Support) Pension Income & Assets Limits Updated terminology.
4.10.4.20 Historical Widow B Means Test Limits & Additional Payments Updated terminology.
4.12.7.10 Income Attribution Updated terminology.
4.12.7.20 Allowable & Non-allowable Deductions Updated terminology.
4.12.7.40 Distributions of the Income of a Private Trust or Private Company to an Attributable Stakeholder Updated terminology.
4.12.7.50 Distributions of the Income of a Private Trust or Private Company to a Non-attributable Stakeholder Updated terminology.
4.12.7.60 Assessment of Other Income from a Private Trust or Private Company Updated terminology.
4.12.8.10 Reassessments of a Controlled Private Trust or Controlled Private Company Updated terminology.
4.12.8.20 Overpayments Relating to Controlled Private Trusts & Controlled Private Companies Updated terminology.
4.12.9.10 Resignations from a Controlled Private Trust or Controlled Private Company on or After 01/01/2002 Added example to clarify general provisions.
4.12.10.30 Disposal of the Assets of a Private Trust or Private Company On or After 01/01/2002 Removed example.
4.12.11.10 Aggregation Assessments of Controlled Primary Production Private Trusts & Private Companies Updated terminology.
4.12.11.30 Other Primary Production Issues Updated terminology.
4.13.1.25 Treatment of Specific Compensatory Type Payments Clarified treatment of 'approved' personal support schemes.
4.13.3.10 Overview of Periodic Compensation Payments Clarified income test concessions and treatment of payments from an income protection policy.
4.13.3.20 Effect of Periodic Compensation on a Compensation Recipient Clarified income test concessions.
8.3.3.30 Backdated Start Days -YA Updated terminology.
8.3.3.110 Backdated Start Days -PES Updated terminology.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 5 November 2007 (v1.129)

Topic No Topic Title Details
1.1.A.95 Advertised vacancy (NSA, YA) Deleted topic.
1.1.A.170 Appropriate tax year (YA) Updated terminology.
1.1.A.370 Averaging for self-care skills (CA)(child) Updated terminology.
1.1.C.10 Care & attention (CA) Updated terminology.
1.1.C.15 Care definitions Updated terminology.
1.1.C.50 Carer preclusion period (PBS) Updated terminology.
1.1.C.105 CDEP scheme quarter Updated terminology.
1.1.C.107 Centrelink Disability Officer (DSP) Updated terminology.
1.1.C.108 Centrelink Psychologist (DSP, NSA) Updated terminology.
1.1.C.170 Clean slate provisions (YA) Deleted topic.
1.1.D.70 Dependent child Added qualification for the 'with dependent child' rate of payment where a person has at least 14 percent care of a child.
1.1.D.90 Dependent child (for YA independence purposes only) Updated terminology.
1.1.D.100 Dependent YA recipient, independent YA recipient (YA) Updated terminology.
1.1.E.102 Employment income Updated terminology.
1.1.E.135 Evidentiary certificate (PBS) Updated terminology.
1.1.E.168 Exempt accommodation (RA) Updated terminology.
1.1.G.20 Gainful work (PBS) Updated terminology.
1.1.I.200 Interventions (DSP, NSA) Deleted topic.
1.1.L.50 Liquid assets Updated terminology.
1.1.L.70 Locally accessible labour market (DSP) Updated definition and terminology.
1.1.L.90 Long term available funds test (SpB) Updated terminology.
1.1.N.55 New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) Updated terminology.
1.1.N.75 Nil paid recipients, zero paid recipients (NSA, YA) Updated terminology.
1.1.N.126 Notification reporter Updated terminology.
1.1.P.20 Parental home (NSA, YA, DSP, RA) Updated terminology.
1.1.P.30 Parental income free area (YA) Updated terminology.
1.1.P.60 Partner income free area Updated terminology.
1.1.P.70 Partner, partnered, partnered (partner in gaol) Updated terminology.
1.1.S.110 Severely disabled (DSP) Updated terminology.
1.1.S.259 Specialised assessor (NSA, DSP) Deleted topic.
1.1.S.345 Statement reporter Updated terminology.
1.1.S.380 Substantial assistance (MOB) Updated terminology.
1.1.T.70 Temporary incapacity to work (NSA, YA (jobseeker)) Updated terminology.
1.1.T.170 Treating health professional (THP)(CA) Updated terminology.
1.1.V.20 Validation of THP questionnaire (CA (child)) Updated terminology.
1.1.V.60 Vocational training (MOB) Updated terminology.
1.1.V.70 Voluntary work (NSA, YA, MOB) Updated terminology.
1.1.W.15 Weeks: Seasonal work, intervening & self-supported Updated terminology.
1.2.1.10 Newstart Allowance (NSA) - Description Updated terminology.
1.2.5.30 Sickness Allowance (SA) - Description Updated terminology.
1.2.5.50 Carer Allowance (CA) - Description Removed some historical information under the heading 'Background information'.
1.2.7.30 Pensioner Education supplement (PES) - Description Updated terminology.
1.2.7.60 Education Entry Payment (EdEP) - Description Updated terminology.
2.2.1.10 General Procedures for Verifying Identity Updated terminology.
2.2.1.30 Identity Verification Requirements Updated terminology.
2.2.1.40 Persons Experiencing Difficulty with identity Verification Updated terminology.
2.2.5.80 Verifying Treatment of Recipients with Partner in Gaol - General Provisions Updated terminology.
2.2.8 Other Labour Market & Older Students Verification Updated terminology.
2.2.11 Disability & Carer Verification Updated terminology.
3.1.2.10 Application of Waiting Periods Updated terminology.
3.1.2.20 Liquid Assets Waiting Period Updated terminology.
3.1.2.30 Treatment of Liquid Assets Updated terminology.
3.1.2.50 Ordinary Waiting Period Updated terminology.
3.1.2.60 Other Waiting Periods for NSA & YA Updated terminology.
3.1.5.112 Death of PP Recipient's Partner Updated terminology.
3.1.5.115 Death of PP Child Updated terminology.
3.2.5.50 Assessment of Serious Risk Updated terminology.
3.2.8.30 Job Search - Unsuitable Work - Principal Carer Parents Updated examples.
3.3.2.90 Continuation, Variation or Termination of MAA Removed information on MAA reviews.
3.4.7.20 Registration for PBS Added information regarding who can register for the scheme.
3.4.7.50 Non-accruing Membership of PBS Updated information on disposal preclusion period.
3.4.7.60 PBS Work Test Clarified policy relating to work performed outside Australia for the purpose of meeting the PBS work test.
3.4.7.70 Gainful Work for PBS Added additional example.
3.6.4.10 Qualification for CP Updated payments that carers of children with disabilities who do not qualify for CP may be eligible.
3.6.4.70 Changes to Carer Situation - Effect on CP Qualification Updated terminology.
3.6.4.100 Assessment of CP Claim - Medical Information Updated terminology.
3.6.4.130 Supplementary Benefits & Employment Assistance for CP Updated terminology.
3.6.7.30 Qualification for CA Updated terminology.
3.6.7.150 Start Day for CA Updated terminology.
3.6.7.175 Bereavement Provisions for CA Updated terminology.
3.8.1 RA - Qualification & Payability Updated terminology.
3.8.1.50 Continuation, Variation or Termination of RA Updated terminology.
3.8.1.80 Government Rent & RA Updated terminology.
3.8.1.108 Assessing RA Payable Updated State and Territory rent relief schemes.
3.9.1.30 Qualification for Ex-CA (child) HCC for 16-25 Year Old Students Clarified policy.
3.9.1.80 Start Day for HCC Added information relating to Ex CA (child) HCC.
3.9.1.100 Termination of HCC Added information relating to Ex CA (child) HCC.
3.9.3.32 Employer Provided Benefits - Cars Updated examples on determining the relevant age of a car.
3.11.1.20 Debts arising before 01/07/2001 under the SSAct & the 1947 Act Updated terminology.
3.11.1.50 Penalty Interest Debts before 01/07/2001 Updated terminology.
4.1.1 General Provisions of Deprivation Clarified policy in relation to deprivation and work done by a family member.
4.9.2.17 Retention of Asset Test Exemption for ATE Income Streams Purchased from 20/09/2004, or from 20/09/2007 Added additional information on conditions for retention of assets test exemption where a new income stream is created from previously exempt or partially exempt asset test income stream.
5.1.1.20 YA - Current Rates Added qualification for the 'with child' rate of payment where a person has at least 14 percent care of at least one child.
5.1.4 Families & Parenting - Current Rates Revised overview.
5.1.8.20 Common Benefit Rates Added qualification for the 'with child' rate of payment where a person has at least 14 percent care of at least one child.
5.2.6.20 RA Savings Provisions - 1974 to 1987 Updated terminology.
5.2.6.40 TAL & Telephone Rental Concession - January 1990 to Present Date Clarified information relating to eligibility.
6.2.7.10 RA Reviews Updated terminology.
6.3.8.20 RA Overpayments Updated terminology.
6.7.1.60 Debts Arising from AAT Stay Orders Updated terminology.
6.7.2.30 Debt Recovery by Deductions Updated terminology.
8.3.3.20 Backdated Start Days - NSA Updated terminology.
9.2.13 Visa Subclasses 900 - 999 Payment Eligibility Visa Subclass 988 Maritime Crew (Temporary) New visa subclass.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 2 October 2007 (v1.128)

Topic No Topic Title Details
3.1.5.100 Bereavement Payment Provisions for PA Recipients Updated terminology.
3.2.12.40 Activity Test Exemption - Special Circumstances Clarified when exemption cannot be extended for refugees.
3.5.1.250 Participation Requirements Exemption - Special Circumstances (PP) Clarified when exemption cannot be extended for refugees.
3.5.8.40 Notification & Recipient Obligations for DOP Updated terminology.
3.5.8.50 Continuation, Variation or Termination of DOP Updated terminology.
3.9.1.30 Qualification for ex-CA (child) HCC for 16-25 Year Old Students New topic.
3.9.1.40 HCC Provisions for Children & Dependants Added extension of HCCs to 16-25 year old full-time students who are ex-CA (child) care receivers.
3.9.3.35 Employer Provided Benefits - Financial Investment & Expense Benefits Updated terminology.
4.1.4 Deprivation Related to Trusts & Private Companies before 01/01/2002 Updated terminology.
4.1.8 Deprivation Related to Private Annuities Updated terminology.
4.2.10 SpB Income Test & Limits Updated terminology.
4.3.4.10 Application of the IMP Added treatment of cashed out leave entitlements.
4.6.5.65 Loans that No Longer Exist Amended the criteria for determining when a loan to a company ceases to exist.
4.9.2.17 Retention of Asset Test Exemption for ATE Income Streams Purchased from 20/09/2004, or from 20/09/2007 Clarified policy in relation to changes to the Government Superannuation Plan.
4.13.2.30 Compensation Part of Lump Sum - 50% Rule Clarified requirements of the Tasmanian Motor Accident Insurance Board.
7.1.5.60 Portability Table Updated for portability of YA and Austudy.
7.2.1 Pre-departure Arrangements for Portable Pensions Updated terminology.
7.2.1.30 Medical Examination for DSP Updated terminology.
7.2.2 Rate of Portable Pension Updated terminology.
9.2.3

Visa Subclasses 150-199 Payment Eligibility

Visa subclass 175 Skilled - Independent

 New visa subclass.
9.2.3

Visa Subclasses 150-199 Payment Eligibility

Visa subclass 176 Skilled - Sponsored

 New visa subclass.
9.2.5

Visa Subclasses 300-399 Payment Eligibility

Visa subclass 302 Emergency (Permanent Visa Applicant)

 Updated to reflect that an assurance of support is not required for this visa subclass.
9.2.7

Visa Subclasses 450-499 Payment Eligibility

Visa subclass 475 Skilled - Regional Sponsored

 New visa subclass.
9.2.7

Visa Subclasses 450-499 Payment Eligibility

Visa subclass 476 Skilled - Recognised Graduate

 New visa subclass.
9.2.7

Visa Subclasses 450-499 Payment Eligibility

Visa subclass 485 Skilled - Graduate

 New visa subclass.
9.2.7

Visa Subclasses 450-499 Payment Eligibility

Visa subclass 487 Skilled - Regional Sponsored

 New visa subclass.
9.2.12

Visa Subclasses 850-899 Payment Eligibility

Visa subclass 885 Skilled - Independent

 New visa subclass.
9.2.12

Visa Subclasses 850-899 Payment Eligibility

Visa subclass 886 Skilled - Sponsored

 New visa subclass.
9.2.12

Visa Subclasses 850-899 Payment Eligibility

Visa subclass 887 Skilled - Regional

 New visa subclass.
10.1.9.30 Working Life Residence for Agreement Payments Added information relating to when a person ceases to be a member of a couple.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 20 September 2007 (v1.127)

Topic No Topic Title Details
1.1.A.25 Accumulation phase Updated terminology.
1.1.C.265 Compulsorily preserved superannuation benefits (CPSB) Updated terminology.
1.1.E.260 Extreme financial hardship - income stream withdrawals Updated terminology.
1.1.O.30 Ordinary income Updated definition.
1.1.V.25 Valuable consideration Updated definition and added act reference.
3.2.9.50 Approved Activity - Full-time WFD Removed information relating to jobseekers with a pattern of work avoidance.
3.9.1.45 Foster Child HCC Updated information on POI requirements.
3.9.1.70 Low Income HCC - Assessment of Income Updated income limits for the low income card.
4.1.5 Deprivation Related to Deceased Estates & Separation Clarified deprivation rules where a person is the executor of the estate.
4.2.3 Pensions & Benefits Assets Tests & Limits Updated terminology.
4.3 Ordinary Income Updated terminology, wording and references.
4.3.2.10 Income Received to Cover Expenses Clarified treatment of payments to reimburse people for expenses.
4.3.8.20 Income from Sale of Property - Payments Deferred or by Instalments Updated terminology.
4.3.9.30 Income from Personal Injury Insurance Schemes Clarified treatment of sickness and accident payments.
4.6.4.60 Granny Flats - Reasonable Value Conversion Factors Updated terminology.
4.6.7.130 Rate Calculation Under the Hardship Provisions Changed asset test reduction rate.
4.7.1.30 Assessment of Business Deductions & Losses for Sole Traders & Partnerships Clarified allowable deductions in relation to the depreciation of plants relating to a business.
4.7.1.40 Assessment of Assets for Sole Traders Updated terminology.
4.7.1.50 Assessment of Assets for Partnerships Clarified treatment of loans to a business by a partner.
4.9.2.15 Characteristics of Asset-Test Exempt Income Streams Purchased from 20/09/2004 & before 20/09/2007 Updated date relating to required characteristics of an ATE income stream.
4.12.10.40 Concessions for Income Support Recipients surrendering Control of a Private Company or Private Trust before 01/04/2002 Updated terminology.
5.1.1.20 YA - Current Rates Updated rate.
5.1.7.10 RA - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.60 TAL - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.110 UA - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.8.10 Common Pension Rates Updated rates.
5.1.8.20 Common Benefit Rates Updated rates.
5.2.1.20 Single Unemployment & Sickness Benefit - November 1984 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.1.30 Married Unemployment & Sickness Benefit - November 1984 to Present Date Updated rate.
5.2.2.10 Rates of Pension - July to Present Date Updated rate.
5.2.2.20 Additional Payments - April 1943 to Present Date Updated rate.
5.2.3.10 Widow Class A, Supporting Parent's Benefit, Sole Parent Pension - Rates from July 1942 to Present Date Updated rate.
5.2.3.30 Widow B, C & D Pension, Bereavement Allowance - July 1942 to Present Date Updated rate.
5.2.4.40 RA (families with children) - December 1987 to Present Date Updated rate.
5.2.4.50 Parenting Payment & Associated Rates - July 1995 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.6.10 RA Rates - June 1990 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.6.40 TAL & Telephone Rental Concession - January 1990 to Present Date Updated rate.
8.3.3.15 Backdated Start Days - Transitional Arrangements for Pension Claims from 20/09/2007 to 20/12/2007 New topic.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 3 September 2007 (v1.126)

Topic No Topic Title Details
1.1.A.125 Allowable income (HCC) Updated terminology.
1.1.A.155 Annual payment Updated terminology.
1.1.A.230 Arm's length loan. Updated terminology.
1.1.A.240 Arm's length transaction Updated terminology.
1.1.C.215 Company - public & private Updated terminology.
1.1.D.250 Draw down phase Updated terminology.
1.1.F.135 Financial investments Updated terminology.
1.1.L.45 Lifetime Updated terminology.
1.1.P.240 Pharmaceutical allowance rate (PhA) Updated terminology.
1.1.P.270 Pharmaceutical concessions (HCC, PCC, CSHC) Updated terminology.
1.1.P.377 Preservation age Updated terminology.
1.1.R.105 Reference tax year (CSHC) Updated terminology.
1.1.R.135 Relevant number Updated terminology.
1.1.S.320 State care (YA) Added definitions for supported and unsupported state care.
1.1.S.370 Student income bank (YA, Austudy) Updated terminology.
1.1.T.180 Trust Updated terminology.
1.2.3.80 Retirment assistance for Farmers Scheme (RAFS) - Description Added information relating to closure of scheme.
1.2.8.10 Health Care Card (HCC) - Description Updated policy.
3.1.5.20 General Provisions for Bereavement Payments Updated terminology.
3.1.5.25 Bereavement Payment Provisions for Singles Updated terminology.
3.1.5.40 Both Members of Couple Die during Bereavement Period Updated terminology.
3.1.5.50 Bereavement Payments for Couples where One Member is a DVA Pensioner Updated terminology.
3.1.5.70 The Lump Sum Bereavement Payment Updated terminology.
3.1.5.80 LBP Example Calculations - Members of a Couple Living Together Updated terminology.
3.1.5.90 LBP Example Calculations - Members of a Couple Updated terminology.
3.2.1.45 Exemption from RapidConnect Provisions Updated definition of jobseekers aged 55 years and over who are exempt from RapidConnect.
3.2.8.10 Job Search - Overview Moved details from mature age newstart allowance recipients aged 55 and over to 3.2.8.40.
3.2.8.40 Job Search - Setting Job Search Requirements Added details on mature age newstart allowance recipients aged 55 years and over and clarified that jobseekers must remain connected to an appropriate Provider of Australian Government Employment Services while doing voluntary work.
3.2.11.40 Approved Courses of Study for YA Updated terminology.
3.4.8 Qualification for RAFS Updated whole section to reflect closure of scheme on 31 July 2001.
3.4.9.10 Qualification for BVA Updated terminology.
3.4.9.20 Payability of BVA Removed information relating to CDEP.
3.4.9.40 Supplementary Benefits & Employment Assistance for BVA Recipients Updated terminology.
3.4.9.50 Notification & Recipient Obligations for BVA Updated terminology.
3.4.9.60 Continuation, Variation or Termination of BVA Updated terminology.
3.7.4.60 Payability of CrP - Extreme Circumstances (other) Clarified that CrP is not payable when a person has qualified for an AGDRP or other disaster relief payment in relation to the same extreme circumstance.
3.8.1.100 Ineligible Homeowners & RA Updated for extension of the 12 months asset test exemption on principal home sale proceeds.
3.8.2.10 Qualification for PhA Updated terminology.
3.8.2.30 PhA - Income & Assets Testing Updated terminology.
3.8.8.50 Notification & Recipient Obligations for RAA Recipients Updated terminology.
3.8.9.10 Eligibility for FAA Updated terminology.
3.8.10.60 Waiting & Preclusion Periods for CPS Updated material relating to leave entitlements and the income maintenance period.
4.9.2.17 Retention of Asset Test Exemption for ATE Income Streams Purchased from 20/09/2004, or from 20/09/2007 Updated to reflect changes in relation to Government Superannuation Plan.
4.12.1.30 Determining a Controlled Private Company from 01/01/2002 Updated terminology.
4.12.1.40 The Source Test Updated terminology.
4.12.1.50 Associate Rule Updated terminology.
4.12.2.20 Derivation & Attribution Periods Updated terminology.
4.12.3.35 Life Interests & Remainder Interests Updated terminology.
4.12.4.10 Valuation of the Assets of Designated Private Trusts & Designated Private Companies Updated terminology.
4.12.12 Additional Privacy Guidelines for Private Trusts & Private Companies Updated terminology.
4.13.2.30 Compensation Part of Lump Sum - 50% Rule Added information on State schemes where damages payments and no-fault compensation has been paid.
4.13.4.10 Overview of the Application of the Special Circumstance Provisions Added links to various Federal Court and AAT cases and clarified special circumstances provisions.
4.13.4.20 Factors to Consider When Determining Special Circumstance Provisions Clarified special circumstances provisions.
8.1.8 Interviews Updated policy for non-attendance at interview.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 13 August 2007 (v1.125a)

Topic No Topic Title Details
1.1.D.70 Dependent child Removed section relating to 'Qualification for the 'with child' or 'dependent child' rate of payment where a person has at least 14 per cent care of a child'.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 6 August 2007 (v1.125)

Topic No Topic Title Details
2.2.5.15 Polygamous Relationships Updated terminology.
2.2.5.20 Verifying Living Separately & Apart Updated terminology.
2.2.5.70 Verifying a Respite Care Couple Updated terminology.
3.1.2.45 NARWP Savings Provisions Clarified NARWP savings provisions for Commonwealth seniors health card.
3.5.1.210 What is the MO Initiative? (PP) Revised suitable activities and failure to fulfil MO requirements.
3.5.1.230 Participation Requirements Exemption - Pregnancy (PP) Clarified activity test requirements for pregnant PP recipients.
3.7.2.40 SpB for People not Residentially Qualified for Other Payments Updated terminology.
3.7.5.30 SpB Activity Test Exemptions Added that SpB activity tested pregnant women are not required to undertake job search 3 months before the date they expect to give birth.
4.3.3.30 Employment Income for Pensioners of Age Pension Age Clarified that PPS or DSP recipients are not exempt from the IMP provisions, even though they are of age pension age.
4.3.6.10 Income from Overseas Payments - General Rules Clarified treatment of CFP payable to surviving spouses in the bereavement payment period.
5.4 Advance Payments Added PPP to list of benefits/allowances which an advance payment is available for.
7.1.4 Requirements for Former Residents of Australia Receiving a Portable Pension Updated to reflect extension of portability under SSAct section 1218C to people who go overseas to seek medical treatment under the Commonwealth Medical Treatment Overseas Program.
7.1.5.50 General Rules of Portability

Added that a DSP recipient with a terminal illness going overseas permanently should be paid at the inside Australia rate for 13 weeks, then after 13 weeks paid at the outside Australia rate. An accompanying carer should receive 13 weeks portability.

Updated to reflect extension of portability under SSAct section 1218C to people who go overseas to seek medical treatment under the Commonwealth Medical Treatment Overseas Program.
7.1.5.60 Portability Table Added that a DSP recipient with a terminal illness going overseas permanently should be paid at the inside Australia rate for 13 weeks, then after 13 weeks paid at the outside Australia rate. An accompanying carer should receive 13 weeks portability. Added extension of portability under SSAct section 1218C.
7.3.1.10 Summary of CFP Legislation Corrected explanation 2.
9.1.2.130 Criminal Justice Stay Visas (CJSV) Expanded introductory paragraph to include the authorities that can request a Criminal Justice Stay Certificate. Added that study rights will be attached to the visa.
9.2.1 Visa Subclass 070 Bridging (Removal Pending) Added CrP to payments visa holder may be eligible for.
9.2.2 Visa Subclass 117 Orphan Relative Deleted note that visa holders are always subject to an AoS.
9.2.5 Visa Subclass 309 Spouse (Provisional) Added CrP to payments visa holder may be eligible for.
9.2.5 Visa Subclass 310 Interdependency (Provisional) Added CrP to payments visa holder may be eligible for.
9.2.6 Visa Subclass 447 Secondary Movement Offshore Entry Added CrP to payments visa holder may be eligible for.
9.2.7 Visa Subclass 451 Secondary Movement Relocation Added CrP to payments visa holder may be eligible for.
9.2.9 Visa Subclass 695 Return Pending Added CrP to payments visa holder may be eligible for.
9.2.10 Visa Subclass 785 Temporary Protection Added CrP to payments visa holder may be eligible for.
9.2.10 Visa Subclass 786 Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) Added CrP to payments visa holder may be eligible for.
9.2.10 Visa Subclass 787 Witness Protection (Trafficking) (Temporary) Added CrP to payments visa holder may be eligible for.
9.2.11 Visa Subclass 820 Spouse Provisional Added CrP to payments visa holder may be eligible for.
9.2.11 Visa Subclass 826 Interdependency (Provisional) Added CrP to payments visa holder may be eligible for.
9.2.14 Visa Subclass ZB 951 Criminal Justice Stay Visa Added visa subclass number and CrP to payments visa holder may be eligible for.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 26 July 2007 (v1.124a)

Topic No Topic Title Details
1.1.D.70 Dependent child Corrected definition for child under 16.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 2 July 2007 (v1.124)

Topic No Topic Title Details
1.1.A.375 AWOTE, relevant AWOTE, AWOTE weeks Updated rates.
1.1.B.90 Breaches (NSA, YA, Austudy)(deleted - see topic) Deleted topic.
1.1.D.70 Dependent child Added examples to clarify policy.
1.1.L.60 Liquid funds (SpB) Updated terminology.
1.1.P.56 Partial capacity to work (NSA, YA (jobseeker), PP & SpB (NVH)) Removed incorrect definition of a job capacity assessment.
1.1.P.412 Principal carer Clarified that only one member of a couple can be regarded as the principal carer.
1.1.P.416 Principal carer - shared care Added information on principal carer status and legal responsibility.
1.1.S.170 Short term available funds test (SpB) Updated terminology.
1.2.6.10 Special Benefit (SpB) - Description Updated terminology.
1.2.6.30 Crisis payment (CrP) - description Updated to include new category of crisis payment, person remaining in the home after the removal of a family member due to domestic or family violence.
2.2.13.20 RA - Verification Required Revised verification required.
3.1.4.41 Effect of Home Detention on Social Security Benefits, Social Security Pensions, PP, PES & CrP Updated terminology.
3.2.9.70 Approved Activity - Full-time Short Course Clarified policy.
3.2.12.70 Activity Test Exemption - Principal Carer Parents with Special Family Circumstances - Case-by-Case Exemptions Deleted duplicate words.
3.5.1.280 Participation Requirements Exemption in Special Family Circumstances - Case-by-Case (PP) Deleted duplicate words.
3.6.1.10 Qualification for DSP - 30 Hour Rule Amended residence qualification criteria.
3.6.1.12 Qualification for DSP - 15 Hour Rule Amended residence qualification criteria.
3.6.1.100 Continuation, Variation or Termination of DSP - 30 Hour Rule Clarified restoration of disability support pension for grandfathered and transitional group DSP.
3.6.1.102 Continuation, Variation or Termination of DSP - 15 Hour Rule Clarified restoration of disability support pension for transitional group DSP.
3.6.2.20 Manifest Grants & Rejections for DSP Changed the number of hourse per week able to work from 30 to 15 for manifest rejection of DSP.
3.6.4.90 Payability of CP Changed the hours a carer can cease providing constant care to work, study or train from 20 hours to 25 hours a week.
3.7.4.70 Payability of CrP - Released Prisoners Added payability of CrP for people who are on home detention.
3.8.1.10 Qualification for RA Included extra details about rent assistance eligibility during breach period.
3.8.1.106 Special RA Rules for Couples & Families with Children Added details about rent assistance eligibility during an 8 week non-payment period.
3.8.3.10 Qualification for PES Clarified qualification for PES.
3.9.3.30 Assessment of Income for CSHC Updated to reflect change in financial year and the Better Super changes which came into effect from 1 July 2007.
4.4.1.20 Operation of Deeming Updated to reflect change in deeming threshold.
4.4.1.50 Deeming Rate Calculation - Single DSP Recipient Updated to reflect change in deeming threshold.
4.4.1.60 Deeming Rate Calculation - Age Couple Updated to reflect change in deeming threshold.
4.4.1.70 Deeming Rate Calculation - Single WidB Recipient Updated to reflect change in deeming threshold.
4.4.1.80 Deeming Rate Calculation - NSA Recipient, Partner Receiving PP Updated to reflect change in deeming threshold.
4.4.1.90 Deeming Rate Calculation - Pensioner & Non-Pensioner Couple Updated to reflect change in deeming threshold.
4.4.2.10 Deemed Income from Savings Investments Updated for extension of the 12 months asset test exemption on principal home sale proceeds.
4.6.2.10 General Provisions for Exempt Assets Updated for extension of the 12 months asset test exemption on principal home sale proceeds.
4.6.3.10 General Provisions for Assessing the Principal Home Updated for extension of the 12 months asset test exemption on principal home sale proceeds.
4.6.3.20 Determining Homeowners & Non-Homeowners Updated for extension of the 12 months asset test exemption on principal home sale proceeds.
4.6.3.60 Exempting the Principal Home - Temporary Vacation of Property Updated for extension of the 12 months asset test exemption on principal home sale proceeds.
4.6.3.70 Exempting the Principal Home - Care Situations Updated for extension of the 12 months asset test exemption on principal home sale proceeds.
4.6.3.80 Exempting the Principal Home - Sale Proceeds (from 1 July 2007) Updated for extension of the 12 months asset test exemption on principal home sale proceeds.
4.6.4.70 Granny Flats - Additional Features Updated for extension of the 12 months asset test exemption on principal home sale proceeds.
4.6.8.70 Determining the Effective Use of the Land Corrected 'Amalgamation prior to 9 May 2006'.
4.8.1.10 Overview of Superannuation Updated who can contribute to superannuation plans.
4.9.1.10 Background to Income Streams Updated to reflect the changes arising from Government Super Plan.
4.9.2.15 Characteristics of Asset-Test Exempt Income Streams Purchased from 20/09/2004 & before 20/09/2007 Updated to reflect the changes arising from Government Super Plan.
4.9.2.17 Retention of Asset Test Exemption for ATE Income Streams Purchased from 20/09/2004, or from 20/09/2007 Updated to clarify policy in relation to the Government Super Plan.
4.9.2.25 Asset Test Assessment of ATE Income Streams Purchased from 20/09/2004 & before 20/09/2007 Updated to reflect the changes arising from Government Super Plan.
4.9.2.30 Income Test Assessment of Asset-Test Exempt Income Streams Updated to reflect the changes arising from Government Super Plan.
4.9.2.40 Commuting an Asset-Test Exempt Income Stream to a Lump Sum Amended allowance commutations under hardship provisions.
4.9.2.50 Joint Income Streams Updated to reflect the changes arising from Government Super Plan.
4.9.3.10 General Provisions for Asset-Tested Income Streams Updated to reflect the changes arising from Government Super Plan.
4.9.3.30 Income Test Assessment of Asset-Tested Income Streams Updated to reflect the changes arising from Government Super Plan.
4.9.5.60 Pension Valuation Factors & Percentage Factor for Allocated Income Streams Updated to reflect the changes arising from Government Super Plan.
4.10.3 Historical Age & Invalid (Disability Support Pension) Income & Assets Limits Updated rates.
4.10.4.10 Historical Widow Class A & Sole Parent Benefit Means Test Limits Updated rates.
4.10.4.20 Historical Widow B Means Test Limits & Additional Payments Updated rates.
4.12.11.20 Qualification Provisions for the Primary Production Concession Updated historical threshold amounts.
4.14.3.40 Means Testing of Special Disability Trusts Updated historical asset value limits.
9.2.7 Visa Subclass 496 Skilled Area Sponsored (Provisional) Added new visa subclass.
9.2.12 Visa Subclass 883 Skilled Designated Area Sponsored (Residence) Added new visa subclass.
10.14.100

German Glossary

German Child Raising Pension/Child Raising Pension

 Clarified definition.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 4 June 2007 (v1.123)

Topic No Topic Title Details
1.1.A.40 Activity test (NSA, YA (jobseekers) Clarified that payment is not payable where a person indicates they do not intend to meet activity test requirements.
1.1.A.58 Adjacent land New topic.
1.1.N.12 National Training Wage Award rate (YA) Updated rates.
1.1.P.412 Principal carer Clarified that there can only be one principal carer in a couple.
1.1.P.427 Private land (curtilage) Topic deleted. Current policy found in new topic 1.1.A.58.
1.1.R.105 Reference tax year (CSHC) Updated terminology.
1.2.7.80 Remote area allowance (RAA) - description Updated terminology.
2.2.2 Verifying Personal Details Included information relating to hermaphrodites (intersex persons).
2.2.5.10 Determining a Marriage-Like Relationship Clarified 'living separately and apart'. Replaced references to de facto relationship with marriage-like relationship.
2.2.5.30 Determining Separation Under One Roof Clarified 'living separately and apart'.
2.2.5.40 Transgender Couples New topic.
3.2.1.35 Move to Area of Lower Employment Prospects for NSA, YA & SpB Recipients Clarified MALEP policy.
3.2.7.10 NSA/YA Activity Testing - Overview Clarified that payment is not payable where a person indicates they do not intend to meet activity test requirements.
3.2.8.40 Job Search - Setting Job Search Requirements Clarified activity test requirements for pregnant jobseekers.
3.2.12.20 Activity Test Exemption - Pregnancy Clarified activity test requirements for pregnant jobseekers.
3.2.12.40 Activity Test Exemption - Special Circumstances Clarified use of activity test exemption when caring for an adult.
3.2.12.60 Activity Test Exemption - Principal Carer Parents with Special Family Circumstances - Automatic Exemptions Clarified that a principal carer parent must be home schooling at least one child for which they are principal carer to gain an automatic exemption.
3.2.13 Activity Test Compliance Arrangements Clarified compliance policy.
3.2.13.10 Types of Penalties & Failures Clarified compliance policy.
3.2.13.20 Rules for Applying Penalties Clarified compliance policy.
3.2.13.30 Reasonable Excuse Clarified reasonable excuse policy.
3.2.13.40 Transitional Arrangements for Breaches Determined Prior to 01/07/2006 Clarified compliance policy.
3.5.1.160 When are Activity Agreements Required? (PP) Clarified that jobseekers must work at least 30 hours per fortnight to satisfy their participation requirements.
3.5.1.190 Other Approved Activities (PP) Added Work Experience Placement Programme to list of approved activities for jobseekers on PP. Clarified the role of community work in meeting participation requirements.
3.5.1.270 Participation Requirements Exemption in Special Family Circumstances - Automatic (PP) Clarified that a principal carer parent must be home schooling at least one child for which they are principal carer to gain an automatic exemption.
3.7.2.10 SpB for Newly Arrived Residents Clarified newly arrived resident waiting period exemptions for SpB.
3.8.12 SCA - Qualification & Payability Updated terminology.
4.4.1.80 Deeming Rate Calculation - NSA Recipient, partner Receiving PP Updated deeming rates.
4.4.1.90 Deeming Rate Calculation - Pensioner & Non-Pensioner Couple Updated deeming rates.
4.14.3.50 Reporting Requirements for Special Disability Trusts Clarified who can prepare the financial statements.
5.1.7.100 SCA - Current Rate Updated rate for June 2007 instalment.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 7 May 2007 (v1.122)

Topic No Topic Title Details
1.1.P.412 Principal carer Moved content from 1.1.P.414 to new topic number 1.1.P.412.
1.1.P.414 Principal carer - disputed care arrangements & abduction New topic. Content previously found in 1.1.P.414 now in 1.1.P.412.
3.1.2.40 Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period Clarified exemptions from the Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period.
3.1.2.70 Exemptions from Waiting Periods Updated policy in relation to principal carer exemption from the Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period.
3.2.2.20 Current Working Arrangements Clarified information relating to income from employment.
3.2.3.10 Qualification for YA Updated and clarified policy in relation to the school leaving age.
3.2.8.60 Job Search - Jobseeker Diaries Clarified requirements for principal carer parents and jobseekers with a partial capacity to work.
4.3.2.35 Other Income Exempt from Assessment - s8 (11) Exempt Lump Sums Added details of the exempt lump sum determination Social Security Exempt Lump Sum (Restructuring Grants under the Tobacco Grower Adjustment Assistance Package 2006) Determination 2007.
4.3.6.20 Overseas War Pensions Added to list of British war allowances treated as income for social security purposes.
4.3.6.40 Restitution Payments - Netherlands Added information on Netherlands Civilian War Victims 1940-1948 (WUBO) Payment.
9.2.5 Visa Subclass 310 Interdependency (Provisional) Added entitlement to low income card.
9.2.6 Visa Subclass 447 Secondary Movement Offshore Entry Added entitlement to low income card.
9.2.7 Visa Subclass 451 Secondary Movement Relocation Added entitlement to low income card.
9.2.11 Visa Subclass 826 Interdependency (Provisional) Added entitlement to low income card.
9.2.12 Visa subclass 852 Witness Protection (Trafficking) (Permanent) Added information that holders of a 852 visa are exempted from the NARWP for HCC.
9.2.14 Criminal Justice Stay Visa Added that holders of a CJSV are exempted from the NARWP for HCC.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 2 April 2007 (v1.121)

Topic No Topic Title Details
1.1.M.170 Mutual obligation initiative Removed reference to Mutual Obligation User Guide.
1.1.V.67 Voluntary Unemployment (NSA, YA) Updated act reference.
3.2.13.10 Type of Penalties & Failures Clarified what constitutes a repeated participation failure.
3.8.1.30 Start Day for RA Removed FTB from list of payments person may be claiming.
3.8.1.108 Assessing RA Payable Amended entries under State and Territory rent relief schemes.
3.8.1.110 Sharers Provisions for RA Updated information relating to exempt income support recipients.
4.7.1.10 General Provisions for Sole Traders & Partnerships Clarified the period over which income is assessed for sole traders and partnerships.
4.7.1.20 Assessment of Income for Sole Traders & Partnerships Clarified the period over which income is assessed for sole traders and partnerships.
5.1.5.40 MOB - Current Rate Updated rates.
5.2.4.20 Family Payment, FA Rates (N0n-standard) - October 1973 to Present Date Updated rate.
6.2.5.03 DSP - Application of DSP Qualification Rules at Review Updated information in overview in relation to claims made before 1 July 2006.
7.1.5.60 Portability Table Added information relating to YA and Austudy regarding new apprentices and extension of portability provisions.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 20 March 2007 (v1.120)

Topic No Topic Title Details
1.1.A.375 AWOTE, relevant AWOTE, AWOTE weeks Updated rates.
1.1.P.416 Principal carer - shared care Clarified policy in relation to deciding who the principal carer is.
3.2.7.50 Suitable Activities for Inclusion in an Activity Agreement Clarified term 'reasonable excuse' for jobseekers aged 55 and over who are meeting their activity test requirement wholly or partly through approved voluntary activities, and whose voluntary hours temporarily fall below their requirement.
3.2.8.10 Job Search - Overview Clarified term 'reasonable excuse' for jobseekers aged 55 and over who are meeting their activity test requirement wholly or partly through approved voluntary activities, and whose voluntary hours temporarily fall below their requirement.
3.2.12.10 Activity test Exemption - Temporary Incapacity Removed information relating to referral to a DEN service, vocational rehabilitation service or continuation in such a programme.
3.7.2.110 SpB in Other Common Situations Removed section relating to 'Repatriated distressed Australians', which is now obsolete.
3.7.5.30 SpB Activity Test Exemptions Clarified that SpB principal carers can be exempted from the activity test where they are caring for a child under an order made under the Family Law Act 1975.
3.9.1.70 Low Income HCC - Assessment of Income Updated rates.
4.4.1.20 Operation of Deeming Updated deeming rates.
4.4.1.50 Deeming Rate Calculation - Single DSP Recipient Updated deeming rates.
4.4.1.60 Deeming Rate Calculation - Age Couple Updated deeming rates.
4.4.1.70 Deeming Rate Calculation - Single WidB Recipient Updated deeming rates.
4.10.1.40 Historical Student Income Dependency Limits Since 1975 Updated student dependency income limit.
4.10.7.60 Historical Income Limits for Low Income HCC from 20/9/96 Updated rates.
5.1.1.20 YA - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.2.30 Austudy - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.10 RA - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.110 UA - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.8.10 Common Pension Rates Updated rates.
5.1.8.20 Common Benefit Rates Updated rates.
5.2.1.20 Single Unemployment & Sickness Benefit - November 1984 to present Date Updated rates.
5.2.1.30 Married Unemployment & Sickness Benefit - November 1984 to Present Date Updated rate.
5.2.2.10 Rates of Pension - July 1909 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.2.20 Additional Payments - April 1943 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.3.10 Widow Class A, Supporting Parent's Benefit, Sole Parent Pension - Rates from July 1942 to Present Date Updated rate.
5.2.3.30 Widow B, C & D Pension, Bereavment Allowance - July 1942 to Present Date Updated rate.
5.2.4.40 RA (families with children) - December 1987 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.4.50 Parenting Payment & Associated Rates - July 1995 to Present Date Updated rate.
5.2.5.10 MOB - April 1983 to Present Date Updated rate.
5.2.5.20 CA, CDA & HCA - December 1974 to Present Date, DNCB 1987 to 1999 Updated rate.
5.2.6.10 RA Rates - June 1990 to Present Date Updated rates.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 5 March 2007 (v1.119)

Topic No Topic Title Details
1.1.J.05 JET Adviser Topic deleted.
1.1.P.414 Principal carer Updated example 2 with non-gender specific terminology.
3.2.2.10 Sufficient Work Clarified policy in relation to principal carer parents on NSA satisfying activity requirements.
3.2.8.30 Job Search - Unsuitable Work - Principal Carer Parents Clarified guidelines around the role of schools as an available form of care.
3.2.8.40 Job Search - Setting Job Search Requirements Changes to job search requirements for principal carers where their fortnightly work is less than 30 hours.
3.2.9.30 Approved Activity - Community Work & Voluntary Work Clarified policy in relation to principal carer parents meeting their MO requirements through community and the role of voluntary work in meeting participation requirements.
3.2.9.60 Approved Activity - Defence Force Reserves Clarified policy in relation to principal carer parents involved in the Defence Force Reserves.
3.2.12.40 Activity Test Exemption - Special Circumstances Updated to reflect new Legislative Instrument.
3.2.12.60 Activity Test Exemption - Principal Carer Parents with Special Family Circumstances - Automatic Exemptions Updated to reflect new Legislative Instrument.
3.2.12.70 Activity Test Exemption - Principal Carer Parents with Special Family Circumstances - Case-by-Case Exemptions Updated to reflect new Legislative Instrument.
3.2.13.10 Type of Penalties & Failures Clarified that participation failures can only be applied to jobseekers with participation requirements.
3.5.1.160 When are Activity Agreements Required? (PP) Clarified timeframe for interviewing PP recipients when they will be overseas at time of scheduled interview.
3.5.1.170 Approved Activity - Job Search (PP) Included changes for mature age PP recipients when their hours of work falls below 30 hours a fortnight.
3.5.1.190 Other Approved Activities (PP) Clarified policy in relation to PP recipients involved in Defence Force Reserves.
3.5.1.200 Suitable Work (PP) Clarified the requirement for PP recipients to work at least 15 hours a week to satisfy activity requirements.
3.5.1.210 What is the MO initiative? (PP) Clarified policy in relation to PP recipients meeting their MO requirements through community and the role of voluntary work in meeting participation requirements.
3.5.1.270 Participation Requirements Exemption in Special Family Circumstances - Automatic (PP) Updated to reflect new Legislative Instrument.
3.5.1.280 Participation Requirements Exemption in Special Family Circumstances - Case-by-Case (PP) Updated to reflect new Legislative Instrument.
3.6.4.15 CP (Child) - Conditions Related to Qualifying as a Child with a Profound Disability Clarified age limits applying to introduction of extended definition.
3.8.5.20 Qualification for EEP - CP, WidB, SpB & DSP Recipients Corrected the qualification criteria.
5.1.7.100 SCA - Current Rates Changed date in relation to current rate.
7.2.1.10 Departure & Arrival Notification Removed requirement for PP recipients to notify whether they intend meeting the terms of their participation agreement while overseas.
7.2.1.20 Recipient Advice Before Departure Removed the requirement of explaining to PP recipients the implications of not meeting the terms of their participation agreement while overseas.
8.4.3 Protection of Payment Amended to reflect the enactment of the 2002 changes to nominee arrangements.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 5 February 2007 (v1.118)

Topic No Topic Title Details
3.5.1.110 Payability of PP - Partnered Rate Removed distinction between recipients with income support partners and those with working partners for the purposes of the nil rate provisions.
3.7.4.25 Qualification for CrP - Remaining in the Home after Removal of Family Member due to Domestic or Family Violence New topic.
3.7.4.55 Payability of CrP - Remaining in the Home after Removal of a Family Member due to Domestic or Family Violence New topic.
3.8.10.70 Bereavement Payments for CPS Recipients Updated examples.
3.8.10.110 Portability of CPS Updated policy and removed information relating to allowable breaks.
3.9.1.20 Qualification for Low Income HCC Updated information relating to residency requirements.
10.20.8.40 Proportional Income - Agreement with Norway Changed wording 'Australian benefit' to clarify Australian benefits the Agreement refers to.
10.20.8.60 Exempt Payments - Agreement with Norway Changed wording 'Australian benefit' to clarify Australian benefits the Agreement refers to.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 2 January 2007 (v1.117)

Topic No Topic Title Details
1.1.A.220 Approved voluntary work organisation (NSA, YA) Removed references to pensioner education supplement.
1.1.C.25 Care situations Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
1.1.D.70 Dependent child Updated dependency limit for a child under 16 years of age and personal income limit for a child from 16 years of age.
1.1.D.260 Dual occupancy residential development Updated to reflect increase in land area that is assets test exempt for age pensioners and carer payment recipients of age pension age.
1.1.L.50 Liquid assets Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
1.1.P.20 Parental home (NSA, YA, DSP, RA) Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
1.1.P.54 Parenting plan/order, parental responsibility Updated content with link to definition in FA Guide (1.1.P.20).
1.1.P.390 Primary production (assets, liabilities) Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
1.1.P.420 Principal home Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
1.1.P.427 Private land (curtilage) Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
1.1.R.15 Real assets (PLS) Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
1.1.R.50 Reasonable security of tenure Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
1.1.R.160 Rent (RA) Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
1.1.R.180 Rent payable (RA) Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
1.1.S.25 Sale leaseback (agreement, residence) Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
1.1.S.70 Security (PLS) Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
1.1.T.45 Temporarily absent from a care situation Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
1.1.T.50 Temporary accommodation (RA) Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
1.2.1.20 Youth Allowance (YA) - Description Removed reference to CPS.
1.2.2.10 Partner Allowance (PA) - Description Removed reference to CPS.
1.2.2.20 Mature Age Allowance (MAA) & former payment Mature Age Partner Allowance (MAPA) - Description Removed reference to CPS.
1.2.3.30 Widow Allowance (WA) - Description Removed reference to CPS.
3.1.4.05 Payability During Periods in Gaol or Psychiatric Confinement Added carer allowance to list of payments not payable to a person who is in gaol.
3.1.4.10 Situations that Constitute Being in Gaol or Psychiatric Confinement Updated to include carer allowance not payable to a person who is in gaol or under psychiatric confinement.
3.2.6.20 Rules that Determine the Need to Live Away from Home for YA Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
3.2.12.40 Activity Test Exemption - Special Circumstances Removed exemption category of undertaking a community service order of more than 20 hours.
3.4.4.10 Qualification for WidB Amended information on date limits.
3.4.5.20 Security for PLS Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
3.5.1.15 Qualification for PP - Transitional Arrangements Clarified transitional arrangements for people receiving PP immediately prior to 1 July 2006.
3.5.1.250 Participation Requirements Exemption - Special Circumstances (PP) Removed exemption category of undertaking a community service order of more than 20 hours.
3.6.7.30 Qualification for CA Updated to reflect that carer allowance is not payable to a person who is in gaol or under psychiatric confinement.
3.6.7.105 Payability of CA - Customer in Gaol or in Psychiatric Confinement New topic.
3.7.5.30 SpB Activity test Exemptions Added information relating to volunteering for State or National emergencies.
3.8.1.90 Temporary Accommodation & RA Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
3.8.1.100 Ineligible Homeowners & RA Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
3.8.1.104 Special RA Rules for Young Single People Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
3.9.3.30 Assessment of Income for CSHC Updated illness separated couple income limit.
3.9.3.38 Net Rental Property Loss Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.1.6 Deprivation Related to Home & Accommodation Transfers Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.1.7 Deprivation Related to Farm Transfers Updated to reflect changes to the assets test assessment of land on the same title document as a pensioner's principal home.
4.2.8.10 Dependent YA - Parental Income Test & Limits Updated parental income free area.
4.2.8.20 Dependent YA - Family Assets Test & Limits Updated the family assets test limit.
4.2.9.20 Family Actual Means Test - Actual Means Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.3.8.30 Income from Real Estate Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.4.1.30 Scope of Deeming Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.4.2.10 Deemed Income from Savings Investments Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.2.10 General Provisions for Exempt Assets Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.3 Assessing the Principal Home Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.3.10 General Provisions for Assessing the Principcal Home Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.3.20 Determining Homeowners & Non-Homeowners Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.3.30 Defining the Principal Home Updated to reflect increase in land area that is assets test exempt for age pensioners and carer payment recipients of age pension age.
4.6.3.40 Determining Homeowners & Non-Homeowners where Home Owned by a Company or Trust Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.3.50 Assessing Dual Occupancy Homes Updated to reflect increase in land area that is assets test exempt for age pensioners and carer payment recipients of age pension age.
4.6.3.60 Exempting the Principal Home - Temporary Vacation of Property Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.3.70 Exempting the Principal Home - Care Situations Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.4.10 General Provisions for Special Residences Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.4.20 Hostels Assessed before 1 October 1997 Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.4.30 Assessing Retirement Villages Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.4.40 Assessing Sale Leaseback Residences Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.5.10 Assessing Personal Effects, Household Contents, Vehicles & Cash Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.7.10 General Provisions for Hardship Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.7.100 Notional Ordinary Income - Net Value of a Farm Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.6.8 Assessing Land Adjacent to the Principal Home New section.
4.7.2.30 Treatment of Assessable Assets - Private & Unlisted Public Companies - Not Assessed Under New T & C Rules Changed SSAct reference to reflect legisation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.7.4.20 Primary Production Aggregation Assessment for Sole Traders & Partnerships Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.10.1.50 Historical Employment Amount (Permissible Child Earnings) - January 1990 to Present Date Updated rate.
4.12.4.30 Determining Homeowners & Non-Homeowners where the Home is Owned by a Private Company or Private Trust Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.12.5.30 Apportioning a Liability of a Controlled Private Company or Controlled Private Trust Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
4.12.11.10 Aggregation Assessments of Controlled Primary Production Private Trusts & Private Companies Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
5.1.4.60 DOP - Current Rate Updated rate.
5.1.5.10 DSP - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.5.50 CA - Current Rate Updated rate.
5.1.7.20 PhA - Current Rates Explained why no increase for 2007.
5.1.7.100 SCA - Current Rate Updated rate.
5.1.8.30 Common Provisions Affecting Calculation of a Rate Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
5.2.1.50 Youth Related Payments - July 1986 to Present Date Updated rate.
5.2.6.50 PhA Rates Updated rate.
5.2.6.90 SCA Historical Rates - December 2004 to Present Date Updated historical rate.
5.4.6.10 Qualification for Special Employment Advance Payments Updated to make terminology consistent.
6.1.2.40 Reviews - Sale of Home & Temporary Absence from Principal Home Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
7.2.1.20 Recipient Advice Before Departure Changed SSAct reference to reflect legislation change effective 1 January 2007.
10.20 Agreement with Norway New chapter.