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.

3.10.5.50 Adverse determinations - date of effect

Summary

An adverse determination is a decision which reduces, cancels or suspends a social security payment. The general principle of the post 1 July 1999 date of effect rules is to bring an adverse determination to account from the date of the event, giving rise to it where the event is reported before the end of the entitlement period (1.1.E.125) in which it occurred.

Adverse determinations - person notifies on time

There are 3 situations. They relate to when the change is processed.

  • If the change is processed in the same entitlement period the event occurred (or an earlier period for notification of future events), the date of effect is the date of event.
  • If the change is processed in the entitlement period immediately following the period in which the event occurs, the date of effect is the first day of the following period.
  • If the change is processed in a later entitlement period (not the one immediately following the event), the date of effect is the day after the end of the notification period (1.1.N.125).

Adverse determinations - person notifies late

If a person does not notify an event within the notification period, their payment will be reduced, cancelled or suspended from the date of event.

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.10.5.10 General date of effect rules, 8.6.4.10 Date of effect of non-automatic adverse determinations

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