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.

3.5.2.30 Notification & recipient obligations for DOP

Notifiable events for DOP

In addition to the common notification and recipient obligations, DOP recipients and ACOs must also notify Centrelink within the 14-day notification period, if any of the following events occur, or are likely to occur:

  • the DOP child receives a DVA DOP under the VEA Part II or IV, OR
  • the DOP child's circumstances change, OR
  • the child cannot be considered to be a double orphan (1.1.D.240), OR
  • a refugee child ceases being a refugee (1.1.R.110).

Common provisions

Some notification and recipient obligations are common to MOST payments, and explained in 3.1.

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.1.3 Notification & recipient obligations

DOP child qualifies for other payments

A DOP recipient is required to notify Centrelink within 14 days if the DOP child receives a DVA DOP under the VEA Part II or IV.

A DOP recipient is NOT required to notify Centrelink if the DOP child qualifies for another social security benefit or pension.

Explanation: This information should be received using normal Centrelink liaison procedures. A recipient is NOT required to duplicate these procedures.

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

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.5.2.20 Payability of DOP

Child's circumstances change

A recipient or ACO is required to notify Centrelink within 14 days if the DOP child ceases:

  • living with the recipient or ACO, OR
  • being a DOP child, because
    • the whereabouts of the surviving parent become known, OR
    • the surviving parent is not convicted of the offence for which she or he was being held on remand or she or he is convicted but sentenced to less than 10 years imprisonment, OR
    • the surviving parent has been discharged from a prison, mental hospital or nursing home, OR
    • the child is adopted.

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.5.2.10 Qualification for DOP

Refugee child

If the DOP child is a refugee the recipient or ACO must notify Centrelink within 14 days if they become aware:

  • that the DOP child has ceased to be a refugee, OR
  • of the whereabouts of a parent of the child AND the parent is living in Australia.

Act reference: SS(Admin)Act section 63 Requirement to attend Department etc., section 64 Effect of failing to comply with requirement …, section 66 Notice to obtain foreign payment

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.5.2.40 Continuation, variation or termination of DOP

Last reviewed: