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.

11.1.7.40 Identifying priority needs for complex households & families

Complex households & families

Identification of priority needs will require the delegate to exercise some flexibility. Decisions need to take account of often complex arrangements regarding the care of children and the contributions made by different members of the household. For example, one person may pay all of the rent, while another person pays for food.

In these cases, the delegate must ensure that a person provides consent for their income managed funds to be used to pay an expense that relates to another person's responsibility, for example, a household bill that is in another household member's name. Equally, the delegate should collect any further details on the household arrangements to ensure that the priority needs of the children of the person are being met. The delegate must only discuss matters which affect other income managed people with the consent of those other people (11.1.3.110).

Last reviewed: 11 November 2019

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