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.F.260 Functional age (CA (child), CP (child))

Definition

For the purposes of CA (child) (1.1.C.90) and CP (child) (1.1.C.361) the functional age of a child aged under 16 years is the age of a child in terms of the level of functional development the child has reached. A child's functional age may be ahead, behind or equivalent to their chronological age (1.1.C.160).

The child's chronological age is compared with their functional age to determine whether the child has a care load need associated with their functional ability.

Act reference: SSAct section 38E Disability Care Load Assessment (Child) Determination

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.1.D.130 Developmental milestones - DCLA (CP (child), CA (child)), 3.6.12 Disability Care Load Assessment (Child) (DCLA)

Last reviewed: 20 September 2022

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