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.

11.1.1 Overview of income management

Introduction

This section provides an overview of income management, and explains its background, its objectives, the hierarchy of income management measures, and what welfare payments may be income managed.

Income management's primary aim is to ensure that a proportion of income support and family assistance payments are available to be spent on priority needs and cannot be spent on excluded items, including alcohol, tobacco, pornography or gambling goods and services. This means that money is available to be spent on necessities, including food, housing, utilities, clothing and medical care.

Last reviewed: 11 November 2019