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.90 CA child (CA)

Definition

For the purposes of CA, a CA child is a child under the age of 16 years with disability (1.1.C.144) who qualifies a carer for CA (child).

The SSAct section 5(6) prevents a young person who is receiving a social security pension, benefit (including YA) or payments under a LMP from satisfying the definition of a dependent child.

A carer can qualify for CA (child) as a stand-alone payment, OR automatically as a result of CP (child) qualification. In both cases, where the carer qualifies for CA (child) before the child is 16 years of age, they can remain eligible for CA (child) under child provisions until the later of the following:

  • up to and including the date the child turns 16 years and 3 months of age, OR
  • where all CA (child) to CA (adult) transfer documentation is submitted on or before the day the child turns 16 years, until the ADAT assessment is completed.

Note: Automatic qualification for CA (child) through CP (child) qualification continues as long as CP (child) qualification remains current. Should CP (child) qualification cease, the carer may need to test their eligibility for CA (child) as a stand-alone payment.

A carer in receipt of CA (child) through automatic qualification for CP (child), for a care receiver who has a terminal condition, may continue to qualify for CP (child) and CA (child) up to and including the date the care receiver reaches 18 years of age. Where all child to adult transfer documentation is submitted on or before the day the child turns 18 years, qualification can continue until the ADAT assessment is completed.

A carer in receipt of CA (child) through automatic qualification for CP (child), for short term (1.1.S.172) or episodic (1.1.E.132) CP (child), remains qualified for CP (child) and CA (child) until the end of the period determined by the delegate.

Act reference: SSAct section 5 Family relationships definitions-children, section 953 Qualification for CA-caring for either 1 or 2 disabled children, section 954B Qualification for CA-receiving CP for caring for child or children, section 953A Remaining qualified for CA after child turns 16

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.1.C.361 CP (child), 3.6.7 CA - qualification & payability

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