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.

6.2.4.20 DOP reviews - general provisions

Summary

This topic explains the general provisions for DOP reviews and covers the following:

  • two yearly review, and
  • change in eligibility criteria reviews.

Two yearly review

A 2 yearly review is set at grant when the circumstances causing eligibility may change.

Example: If the individual receiving the payment states that the whereabouts of the surviving parent (1.1.S.450) is unknown. A biennial review, querying whether the parent's whereabouts have become known:

  • addresses the possibility of the individual's failure to notify of such an event, and
  • ensures the DOP eligibility requirements still remain and that correct entitlement continues.

If payment is to continue after a review, another review must be set for 2 years time, or sooner if appropriate.

Change in eligibility criteria reviews

Reviews are carried out when a change in eligibility criteria is:

  • notified, or
  • anticipated.

Example: If the individual knows the expected date of:

  • a surviving parent's
    • court or sentencing hearing if the parent is on remand
    • release from prison, or
    • discharge from a psychiatric hospital, or nursing home (1.1.N.140)
  • the child's adoption, or
  • a refugee child's (1.1.R.110) parent/s arrival in Australia (1.1.A.320).

Example: A review should be conducted to determine whether the child will continue to be an FTB child (FA Guide 2.1.1) based on the age of the child if:

  • Centrelink is aware that the child is turning 16, or
  • the child’s course end date is approaching, where the child is aged 16 or over and is undertaking full-time secondary study.

Reviews should also be set if the case history or local experience identifies any cases where a scheduled review is warranted.

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.5.2.40 Continuation, variation or termination of DOP, 6.2.4.30 DOP reviews - parent's location unknown, adoption, arrival of refugee's parent, 6.2.4.40 DOP reviews - parent's discharge from an institution

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