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.340 PP child (PP)

Introduction

This section sets out the definitions of PP child. There are 2 definitions:

  • SSAct section 500D(1) applies to claimants of PP who are a member of a couple
  • SSAct section 500D(2) applies to claimants of PP who are NOT a member of a couple.

Act reference: SSAct section 500D PP child, section 5(15) to (24) Principal carer

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.1.P.412 Principal carer, 1.1.D.70 Dependent child

Definition of PP child for claimants

A child is a 'PP child' of the person if:

  • the person is the principal carer (1.1.P.412) of the child, AND
  • the person is a member of a couple, AND
  • the youngest child has not turned 6.

A child is also a PP child of the person if:

  • the person is the principal carer of the child, AND
  • the person is NOT a member of a couple, AND
  • the youngest child has not turned 14.

Example: Melody claims PP from 20 February 2017 when her first child, Mark, is born. As Melody is a single parent, she has a PP child under SSAct section 500D(2) and, if she remains eligible, can continue on PP until Mark turns 14. However, if over this period, Melody becomes a member of a couple, she can only continue on PP until Mark turns 6, as she now has a PP child under SSAct section 500D(1).

Act reference: SSAct section 500D(1) to 500D(2) A child is a PP child of a person if …, section 5(2) to 5(8A) Dependent child …, section 5(15) to 5(24) Principal carer

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.5.1.20 Child-related qualification for PP - overview, 1.1.P.412 Principal carer

Child is the PP child of only one person

The provisions of SSAct section 5(18) mean that only one person at a time can be the principal carer of a child. Since being the principal carer of a child is one of the criteria for having a PP child, it follows that a child can ONLY be a PP child of one person at a time. In all shared carer situations, to determine who has the PP child, it is necessary to determine which of the carers is the principal carer.

Explanation: Only one parent can receive PP in respect of a PP child. This means that the Secretary must make a determination specifying which of the carers is the principal carer of the child, even if the child would be the PP child of 2 or more adults, but for section 5(18). For further guidance on making this determination, refer to 1.1.P.412.

Act reference: SSAct section 5(18) Principal carer—a child can only have one principal carer

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.1.P.412 Principal carer

PP child during a temporary absence from care

Refer to 1.1.P.412 for situations where the child is taken to remain in the person's care during a temporary absence. Since being the principal carer of a child is one of the critieria for having a PP child, it follows that the process of determining who is the principal carer during a temporary absence will also determine which carer has the PP child.

Act reference: SSAct section 5(2) to 5(8A) Dependent child …, section 5(17) For the purpose of determining whether a person is the principal carer of the child

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.1.P.412 Principal carer, 3.5.1.50 Child-related qualification for PP - shared care

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