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.N.78 Nominated amount (HEAS)

Definition

For the purposes of HEAS (formerly PLS), a nominated amount is the amount of equity that a HEAS applicant chooses to exclude from the value of their secured asset (1.1.A.290) when determining their maximum loan available. This limits the growth of their HEAS debt, but does not prevent the recovery of this amount by the Commonwealth. The recipient may change the nominated amount at any time. A request to change the nominated amount must be in writing and signed by the recipient and their partner if they are a member of a couple.

The nominated amount will also be taken into account by the Secretary in determining whether the value of a person's real assets are sufficient to secure the payment of any debt that may become payable to the Commonwealth under the HEAS.

Example: A person has a property valued at $200,000 that they offer as security for their HEAS debt. They wish to nominate an amount of $85,000 to limit the total HEAS debt that they will accrue with the Commonwealth. When determining their maximum loan amount under the HEAS, the value of real assets will be $115,000 (i.e. $200,000 minus $85,000). This is the difference between the total value of the property and the amount of equity they have nominated.

Act reference: SSAct section 1133AA(1)-'nominated amount', section 1137 Need for a request to later nominate or change nominated amount …

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.2.3.50 Home equity access scheme (HEAS) - description, 3.4.5 HEAS - qualification & payability

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