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.S.450 Surviving parent (DOP)

Definition

For the purposes of DOP, a surviving parent is a parent who is still alive. DOP is payable if one parent is dead and the surviving parent is:

serving a prison sentence of at least 10 years
indefinitely residing in a psychiatric hospital
residing in a nursing home (1.1.N.140) or similar institution indefinitely, or
uncontactable for some reason.
- Explanation: Their whereabouts are unknown.

Act reference: SSAct section 5(1)-'parent', section 996 Long-term prisoner, section 997 Patient on a long-term basis, section 998 Person uncontactable

Last reviewed: 6 February 2023

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