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.

What's new

11 May 2026 (v1.339)

PageTitleDetails
1.1.A.210Approved course of education or study (YA (full-time student), Austudy, PES)Clarified policy.
1.1.M.136Merit or equity-based scholarshipUpdated threshold rate.
1.1.M.150Ministers of religionClarified definition.
1.1.O.40Overall accruing period (PBS)Clarified definition.
1.1.P.320Post-75 membership (PBS)Updated title.
1.1.P.340PP child (PP)Clarified policy.
1.1.S.125Severe financial hardship - OWP, SWPP, LAWP, IMPUpdated rate in example, clarified policy and added Act reference.
1.3.4.20Duty of care when giving advice or informationClarified policy.
2.2.5.80Determining treatment of claimant/recipient with partner in gaol - general provisionsClarified policy.
3.7.1.10Qualification for SpBClarified policy.
3.8.3.20PES qualifying study for tertiary studentsUpdated legislative reference.
3.8.9.30Determining the FAA reimbursement for Austudy, PES & YAUpdated policy.
3.10.5.65PP change between single & partneredClarified policy.
4.2.1.10Pensions income testClarified policy.
4.3.2.31Income exempt from assessment - specifically approvedClarified policy.
4.3.2.35Income exempt from assessment - section 8(11) exempt lump sumsClarified policy.
4.3.9.40Income from scholarshipsUpdated threshold rate.
4.4.1.40Exemption of Financial Investments from DeemingUpdated legislative references and clarified policy.
5.5Samples of rate calculationsClarified policy.
6.7.3.60Waiver of a small debtClarified policy.
8.1.1.70Incorrect claimsClarified policy.
8.5.2Correspondence nomineeClarified policy.
10.2Agreement with New ZealandRestructured and updated entire chapter.