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.

1.2.4.20 Double orphan pension (DOP) - description

Objective of DOP

DOP aims to provide additional assistance to families for bringing up children who are double orphans (1.1.D.240).

How DOP is paid

DOP is paid fortnightly in arrears.

Background information

To qualify for DOP, an individual must meet the following criteria:

  • they are caring for a young person who is a double orphan
  • they are eligible for FTB, or would be eligible except that their rate of FTB is nil, or would be eligible except that the double orphan is not an FTB child as a result of receiving the prescribed educational scheme payment
  • the double orphan is an FTB child of the person (or would be an FTB child except that the young person, or the person on behalf of the young person, is receiving payments under a prescribed education scheme), and
  • if the double orphan is aged 16 to 19 years of age, they are not receiving YA, and no other person is receiving YA in respect of the young person.

For an ACO (1.1.A.200) to qualify for DOP, the organisation must be eligible for FTB for a young person who is a double orphan, or would be eligible for FTB for the young person except that the young person, or someone on behalf of the young person, is receiving payments under a prescribed education scheme.

Bereavement payment provisions

Following the death of a qualifying child bereavement payments may be payable.

Act reference: SSAct section 999 Qualification for DOP

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.5.2 DOP - qualification & payability, 5.1.4.40 DOP - current rate

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