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.

11.1.8.10 Non-contact by income managed person at initial income management interview

Non-contact at the initial interview

With the exception of VIM, when a person does not attend the initial income management interview, 'automatic' income management commences (i.e. the income managed amount is deducted from the person's payment and credited to their income management account). The person should be placed on the relevant income management measure as soon as practicable. People living in remote communities will become subject to income management up to 28 days after the scheduled date of the initial interview. People living in very remote communities will become subject to income management up to 56 days after the scheduled date of the initial interview.

As the delegate is unaware of the person's needs, income managed funds will not be disbursed until the person makes contact with the delegate. However, where there are existing Centrepay arrangements in place for goods or services that are clearly and obviously priority needs, these may be converted to income management expense payments.

After a person has become subject to automatic income management, if they do not make contact within 28 days, current policy is to initiate suspension procedures where the person receives JSP, YA, PPP, PPS, Austudy or ABSTUDY payments.

Note: People who have volunteered for income management under the Cape York Measure will not be subject to suspension for non-contact at the initial interview.

For people subject to the Child Protection or VWPR income management measures on other payment types, such as Age, DSP, and CP, the delegate must still make further attempts, including in writing, to contact the person. However, the payments are not suspended.

Decisions to suspend payments are made under the normal provisions of the SS(Admin)Act.

Non-contact under Child Protection Measure

Where the delegate has not been able to contact a person who is income managed under the Child Protection Measure, the child protection worker (11.3.1) is to be informed. The child protection worker must again be contacted if a suspension is applied to payments, so that they can encourage the person to contact the delegate.

Last reviewed: