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.E.120 Entitled person (WidB, WP)

Note: Payments for WP and WidB recipients ceased on 20 March 2020. There were no WP recipients by this time and WidB recipients were automatically transferred to the Age. Information about WP and WidB is retained under this topic for historical purposes.

Definition

Before 20 March 2020 'entitled' WP and WidB recipients were eligible for indefinite portability.

An 'entitled person' was a woman who was:

  • an Australian resident for at least 10 years at any time
  • receiving WidB because her legal husband died, or
  • the partner (1.1.P.85) of a man who was affected by the so called 'Greek conspiracy' allegations.

Explanation: In March and April 1978, 181 people were charged with conspiracy to defraud the Commonwealth - the so called 'Greek conspiracy allegations'. The charges related to allegations that they had made, or were connected with, fraudulent claims for social security benefits. As well as those charged, many hundreds more had their payments cancelled or suspended because they were believed to have also been indirectly related to the 'conspiracy'. Most of the charges of 'conspiracy' were eventually dropped following Committal Hearings or judicial proceedings. Following recommendations by a Committee of Inquiry, it was decided to compensate those affected by the case. Details of those affected are held in the Legal Services Branch of DSS.

Act reference: SSAct section 7(2) An Australian resident is a person who …

SSAct pre-20 March 2020 section 1212-'entitled person'

Policy reference: SS Guide 7.1.2 Portability of payments

Last reviewed: