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.

2.2.7.30 Primary carer for PLP - other carer of a child

Other primary carer of the child

A person who is not a parent of the child and is not intended to become the parent via adoption, and is not a member of a couple with a parent of the child at the time of claim, may be the primary carer (1.1.P.230) of the child and, in exceptional circumstances (1.1.E.100), be the primary claimant of PLP. The PPL Rules prescribe the particular circumstances and eligibility criteria that apply to enable them to be a primary claimant, a secondary claimant or a tertiary claimant in each case.

Exception: Formal non-parent carers, where there is a placement of a child with the carer under formal child protection processes, are not eligible for PLP (but may be eligible for FTB and NBS). This applies to situations where there has been placement action by the relevant state/territory child protection authority acting under the state or territory child protection legislation or a decision by a court in relation to child protection in the state or territory. This may include placement of the child with a relative or significant other person, or the placement of a child in a formal foster care arrangement.

Act reference: PPLAct section 47 When a person is the primary carer of a child, section 298 The PPL rules

PPL Rules Part 2 Eligibility for PLP, Part 3 Claims for PLP

Policy reference: PPL Guide 2.2.1 PLP eligibility overview, 2.2.10 Who is a primary claimant for PLP?, 2.2.11 Who is a secondary claimant for PLP?, 2.2.12 Who is a tertiary claimant for PLP?

FA Guide 1.2.18 Newborn supplement (NBS) - description

Last reviewed: