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.

3.4.3.60 Continuation, variation or termination of WA

Note: WA ceased on 1 January 2022. The following information is for historical purposes only.

Summary

The following table lists the circumstances in which payment of WA may change.

Payment of WA is … until/when …
continued a recipient:

  • loses basic qualification
  • transfers to another payment
  • fails to comply with a notification requirement
  • fails to lodge a continuation form, OR
  • the allowance becomes not payable for other reasons.
suspended or cancelled a recipient:

  • no longer qualifies for the payment or it is no longer payable
  • has been requested to bring in a document relevant to their payment and they fail to do so, OR
  • fails to take action to obtain a CFP (1.1.C.230).
varied there is a change in the person's circumstances, OR

the amount of WA being paid is incorrect.

Where necessary, these circumstances are explained in more detail in the rest of this topic.

Cancellation or suspension

Normally suspension occurs for very short periods of time.

Example: When a recipient is remanded in custody for less than 7 days.

WA can be restored and paid to the person if they subsequently meet the qualification and payability criteria.

However, if payment is cancelled, the person cannot be re-granted WA, and will need to claim and qualify for another income support payment.

Act reference: SS(Admin)Act section 80 Cancellation or suspension determination

Transfer to Age

WA recipients under age pension age are transferred to Age when they reach age pension age. They:

  • are NOT required to lodge a claim form, and
  • do NOT have to meet the 10 year residence requirements for Age.

Act reference: SS(Admin)Act section 12 Deemed claim in certain cases

Recipients over age pension age

Recipients can choose to remain on WA when they reach age pension age instead of transferring to Age.

However, after they transfer to Age they are unable to transfer back as WA is closed to new entrants.

Recipients who were granted WA after reaching age pension age are generally required to meet the 10 year qualifying Australian residence requirement before they can transfer to Age.

Act reference: SSAct section 43 Qualification for Age

Death of recipient

The estate of a deceased WA recipient is NOT entitled to one further instalment after the death of the person. However, payment should be made up to the end of the day immediately before the day on which the person dies.

Reviews

WA recipients are not subject to unique WA reviews, but are subject to the general entitlement reviews.

Policy reference: SS Guide 6.1 Changes in Income & Assets - Reviews, 6.2.3 Retirement & widows reviews

Last reviewed: