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.

3.4.6.20 Payability of SpNP

Note: SpNP is closed to new claimants, with no new grants possible after 20 September 2000. Current SpNP recipients remain eligible to receive this payment until they are disqualified from receiving it. All current recipients are receiving SpNP DSP.

Summary

This topic explains the payability provisions that apply to SpNP. Information about general payability provisions and start dates can be found in 3.1.6 General payability provisions and 8.3 Start days.

Income & assets testing

The recipient's rate of SpNP is determined by the rate of the payment they would otherwise receive if qualified for the equivalent mainstream pension. Generally, however, because of the stringent requirement to be in special need of financial assistance, recipients usually qualify for a maximum rate pension - that is their income and assets are not sufficient to affect their rate under the income or assets tests.

Act reference: SSAct section 796(1) How to work out a person's SpNP rate

Multiple entitlement exclusion

SpNP is not payable to a person:

  • who is already receiving a service pension from DVA
  • when another social security pension, social security benefit, or service pension becomes payable, or
  • who is an armed services widow/er in receipt of a pension under the VEA.

Act reference: SSAct section 787 Multiple entitlement exclusion, section 23(1)-'social security pension', section 23(1)-'social security benefit'

Last reviewed: