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 includes the following:

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

Two yearly reviews

A 2 yearly review is set at grant of DOP to check whether there have been any changes to the recipient’s eligibility, circumstances and/or applicable payment rate.

Example: If the individual receiving DOP states that the whereabouts of the surviving parent (1.1.S.450) is unknown, a 2 yearly review is conducted to determine whether the parent's whereabouts have since become known. The purpose of the 2 yearly review is to:

  • address the possibility of the individual's failure to notify of such an event, and
  • ensure the DOP eligibility requirements are still met and that the individual receives the correct entitlement.

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

Centrelink should inform the individual of the availability of social workers to assist them, both at the time of the initial claim and at any subsequent review.

Policy reference: SS Guide 5.1.4.40 DOP - current rate, 5.1.4.50 DOP - additional component

Change in eligibility criteria reviews

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

  • notified, or
  • reasonably 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 Centrelink identifies any situations 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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