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.

11.7.6 Application of Income Management under VIM Measure

Introduction

When a person requests VIM, the delegate will verify whether the person is eligible.

Initial interview

At the initial interview, the delegate will explain the VIM Measure to the person and how income management works. The delegate will also discuss with the person the advantages and disadvantages of VIM, and discuss other available options such as Centrepay or payment nominee arrangements.

VIM is suitable for a person who wishes to access a 50% portion of their welfare payments in non-cash forms and to have a more structured approach to their finances. Centrepay will generally be appropriate where a person only wants to cover a limited number of regular expenses.

Example: Barry has regular electricity bills and wants to ensure that he pays them. He asks to go onto VIM to make sure he meets his electricity bill payments on time. Centrelink advises Barry that because it is only one payment, Centrepay may be the more appropriate method for him to make regular deductions for this purpose. Barry chooses to make regular payments via Centrepay.

If the person chooses VIM, they will enter into a VIM agreement.

In discussions with the person, the delegate will develop a plan for allocations expenditure based on the priority needs listed in the legislation, and the person's situation. The delegate will involve the person in making decisions about how their payments should be allocated.

A person's start date for VIM will be the start date nominated in the agreement. This would normally be the date the recipient entered into their VIM agreement.

If the person does not attend the initial face-to-face interview, a VIM agreement cannot be entered into and income management will not commence (see 11.7.3). If this occurs, no follow-up is required from the delegate and it will be up to the person to reschedule an initial interview.

Act reference: SS(Admin)Act section 123TH Priority needs

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