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.P.236 Personal financial crisis - OWP

Summary

This personal financial crisis test applies to JSP, YA (other) and PP recipients to determine whether they can be exempted from the OWP.

What constitutes experiencing a personal financial crisis

A person satisfies the circumstances of experiencing a personal financial crisis if in the 4 weeks prior to the person's start date:

  • they have been subjected to domestic violence
  • they incurred unavoidable or reasonable expenditure
  • they were in gaol or psychiatric confinement
  • the person
    • first entered Australia, and
    • was the holder of a humanitarian visa on that entry to Australia, or
  • the person's principal place of residence was lost or sustained major damage as a result of an extreme circumstance.

A person must be in severe financial hardship (1.1.S.125) and experiencing a personal financial crisis to be eligible for an exemption from the OWP.

Act reference: SSAct section 19DA(4) Other circumstances, section 19C Severe financial hardship definitions

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.1.S.125 Severe financial hardship - OWP, SWPP, LAWP, IMP

Last reviewed: