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.

1.1.C.195 Combined care (CP)

Definition

For the purposes of CP, combined care is where a carer is personally providing constant care to 2 or more children aged under 16 years, each with disability or medical condition. The care load of the 2 children will be at least equivalent to the care load of one child with severe disability or severe medical condition. The carer will have been given a qualifying rating of intense under the DCLA.

Note: For combined care a limit of 4 children may contribute to the assessment under the DCLA.

Qualification under combined care can continue until the eldest child who contributes to the DCLA assessment score reaches the later of the following:

  • they turn 16 years and 3 months of age, OR
  • where all CP (child) to CP (adult) transfer documentation for this child is submitted on or before the day the child turns 16 years, until the ADAT assessment is completed.

Act reference: SSAct section 197C Qualification - 2 or more children each with a disability or medical condition, section 197K Remaining qualified after child turns 16

Disability Care Load Assessment (Child) Determination 2020

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.6.4.10 Qualification for CP, 3.6.4.35 Qualification for CP (child) - combined care, 3.6.4.34 CP (child) to CP (adult) transfer process

Last reviewed: