Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 1997

18 December 1997
15 December 1997
11 December 1997
27 November 1997
13 November 1997
30 October 1997
20 October 1997
16 October 1997
2 October 1997
20 September 1997
18 September 1997
4 September 1997
21 August 1997
7 August 1997
24 July 1997
10 July 1997
1 July 1997
26 June 1997
12 June 1997
29 May 1997
15 May 1997
1 May 1997
17 April 1997
3 April 1997
20 March 1997
6 March 1997
4 March 1997
20 February 1997
6 February 1997
23 January 1997
9 January 1997
1 January 1997

Update 1152G # Date 18 December 1997

Chapter 20 - MOBILITY ALLOWANCE - Independent living skills training/MA for high school students. See guidelines 20.650 to 20.692.

Independent living skills or life skills courses can be accepted as vocational training for MA purposes regardless of length of course and likely employment outcomes. Mobility allowance will also be payable to students attending secondary education who meet other MA eligibility criteria.

Update 1133G # Date 15 December 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Provisional payment of newstart allowance pending disability support pension determination. See guideline 12.1000 to 12.1071.

Legislative changes allow persons claiming disability support pension (DSP) to be paid non activity tested newstart allowance or youth training allowance pending determination of their DSP claim.

Update 1120G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Rate of payment. See guidelines 17.10820 to 17.10830.

Amend policy regarding family payment following transfer of child related payments for Department of Veterans Affairs.

Update 1119G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Residence and overseas absences. See guidelines 17.5000 to 17.5200.

Currently family payment is restricted to the minimum family payment rate after a customer has been overseas for more than 13 weeks and immediately when a child leaves Australia. From 1 January 1998, family payment will be restricted to the minimum rate after a customer and/or their child/ren have been overseas for more than 13 weeks.

Update 1118G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 41N - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Newly arrived residents waiting period. See guidelines 41N.3810 to 41N.3814.

Family members (including partners) of Australian citizens and long term Australian residents are exempt from the two year newly arrived residents waiting period.

Update 1117G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 41N - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Partial debt waiver on transfer between pension and parenting allowance. See guidelines 41N.7590 to 41N.7594.

Where overpayment arises in parenting allowance pension transfers, one week's worth of payment may be waived in some cases.

Update 1116G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Widow allowance added to PART H heading. See guidelines 26.7000 to 26.7800.

Added widow allowance to qualifying payments for pensioner education supplement.

Update 1115G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Basic qualifications changes to wording in general due to implementation of Centrelink and jobseeker registration. See guidelines 12.16100 to 12.17301.

Changes to all references to Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) and social security where jobseeker registration and Centrelink are now applicable.

Update 1114G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Away from home rate. See guidelines 45.11200 to 45.11202.

The away from home rate of youth training allowance is payable if a person is approved by Centrelink as needing to live away from home to undertake job search, education, training or other employment preparation activity.

Update 1113G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 46 - WIDOW ALLOWANCE - Annual review - general & selection of customers. See guidelines 46.3100 to 46.3129 (deleted).

Deleting reference to widow allowance annual reviews - they no longer exist.

Update 1112G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Basic qualifications changes to wording in general due to implementation of Centrelink and Jobseeker registration. See guidelines 12.13000 to 12.13503 (Guidelines 12.13900 to 13940 have been deleted).

Changes to all references to Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) and social security where jobseeker registration and Centrelink are now applicable. Addition of policy advice concerning changes to abridged/reclaim policy.

Update 1111G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Basic qualifications changes to wording in general due to implementation of Centrelink and jobseeker registration. See guidelines 12.8400 to 12.8403.

Changes to all references to Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) and social security where jobseeker registration and Centrelink are now applicable.

Update 1110G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Suitable work. See guidelines 12.2110 to 12.2119.

Work may be declared unsuitable for a customer on the basis of moral, cultural or religious grounds. While this was previously possible, it is now explicitly stated that such grounds may be valid.

Update 1109G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - (1) Issue of Employer Contact Certificates (ECC's). (2) Basic qualifications changes to wording in general due to implementation of Centrelink and Jobseeker registration. See guidelines 12.2815 to 12.2829.

(1) Clarified guidelines on issue of Employer Contact Certificates.

(2) Changes to all references to Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) and social security where jobseeker registration and Centrelink are now applicable. Addition of policy advice concerning changes to reduced reporting.

Update 1108G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 33 - SUPERANNUATION, ANNUITIES AND ALLOCATED PRODUCTS - Income and assets treatment of superannuation products. See guidelines 33.000 to 33.6360.

A major re-write of Chapter 33 which expands on current policy and will produce different outcomes in the assessment of superannuation products. Additional instructions have been inserted to take account of recent policy changes. Changes reflect changes in policy announced in previous budgets.

Update 1107G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Basic Qualifications Changes to wording in general due to implementation of Centrelink and jobseeker registration. See guidelines 12.15100 to 12.15647.

Changes to all references to Commonwealth Employment Service and social security where Jobseeker registration and Centrelink are now applicable. Addition of policy advice concerning and changes to reduced reporting.

Update 1105G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Parental income and assets test. Guidelines 35.1320 to 35.1323 have been deleted.

The parental income test for allowance customers under 18 years of age is based on taxable family income and the number of dependent children in the family. For newstart allowance a dependent child under 22 years of age attracts an additional free area. While for youth training allowance and sickness allowance a dependent child under 23 years of age attracts an additional free area.

Update 1104G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Parental income and assets test. See guidelines 45.18300 to 45.18302.

The minimum rate of allowance for newstart allowance, youth training allowance, sickness allowance and special benefit customers under 18 years of age and subject to the parental means test was abolished on 23 January 1997.

Update 1103G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Form SU19 must be date stamped. See guidelines 45.15000 to 45.15009.

SU19s need to be date stamped on receipt as date of lodgement is required for such purposes as debt recovery. Guidelines 45.15002 and 45.15006 have been amalgamated as essentially they say the same thing.

Update 1102G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Education leavers waiting period. See guideline 45.7600 to 45.7603.

The education leavers waiting period cut-off date for secondary school leavers is 15 February - see s100(6), SYAA.

Update 1101G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Australian Taxation Office (ATO) liaisons - family payment. Guidelines 17.11600 to 17.11791 have been deleted.

Amendment removes reference to these procedures, as direct liaison with the Australian Taxation Office to verify income has ceased.

Update 1100G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Payment of youth training allowance while sick. See guidelines 45.1000 to 45.1062.

From 20 March 1996 legislative changes were introduced that amended the rules for incapacitated youth training allowance and sickness allowance. Unemployed customers on allowance who are temporarily incapacitated for more than 13 weeks due to illness or injury, no longer have to transfer to sickness allowance.

Update 1099G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART ALLOWANCE - Minimum rate of payment for customers subject to the parental means test was abolished in January 1997. See guidelines 12.18300 to 12.18302.

Update 1098G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART ALLOWANCE - Work for the dole. See guidelines 12.15600 to 12.15607.

This amendment is to delete 'jobsearch allowance'.

Update 1097G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Exemptions from maintenance action. See guidelines 38.2560 to 38.2577.

Aboriginal & Islander Liaison Officers, rather than social workers, will generally make recommendations for exemptions from maintenance action for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers on the basis of cultural considerations.

Update 1096G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Payments from an employer. See guidelines 14.2610 to 14.2611.

National instruction CB970174 erroneously advised network staff that the income maintenance period did not apply to sickness allowance. For sickness allowance, payments from an employer, except for sick leave, are assessed under the income maintenance period rules. Payments of sick leave are assessed in accordance with guidelines 14.2600 to 14.2606.

Update 1095G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Basic qualification changes to wording in general due to implementation of Centrelink and jobseeker registration. See guidelines 12.7610 to 12.7712.

Changes to all references to Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) and Social Security where jobseeker registration and Centrelink are now applicable.

Update 1094G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Income verification. See guidelines 17.11000 to 17.11103.

Arrangements for direct verification of income for family payment purposes with the Australian Taxation Office have ceased. Customers who do not have their Taxation Notice of Assessment should contact the ATO directly. The amendment also notes that income details provided by a customer must be given in writing.

Update 1093G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Historical rates of payment - family payment income and assets limits/maintenance income test. See guidelines 35.4410 to 35.4420.

Update income and assets test limits and maintenance income test amounts.

Update 1092G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Rates of payment. See guidelines 35.1610 to 35.1611.

1998 family payment rates to be included.

Update 1091G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Verification of taxable income for family. See guideline 1.5600.

Guidelines have been deleted, as they refer to a superseded procedure. Brief cross-reference has been inserted to the current policy contained in Chapter 17.

Update 1090G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Basic qualifications changes to wording in general due to implementation of Centrelink and jobseeker registration. See guidelines 12.5000 to 12.5402.

Changes to all references to Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) and Social Security where jobseeker registration and Centrelink are now applicable.

Update 1089G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Case manager - monitoring of activity test. See guidelines 12.2900 to 12.2904.

Centrelink now has responsibility for monitoring activity test compliance of case managed customers, along with case managers. This was previously a Commonwealth Employment Service function.

Update 1088G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART -Basic qualifications changes to wording in general due to implementation of Centrelink and jobseeker registration. See guidelines 12.330 to 12.1408.

Changes to all references to Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) and Social Security where jobseeker registration and Centrelink are now applicable. Abridged reclaim period changed from 26 weeks to 13 weeks.

Update 1087G # Date 11 December 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART -Basic qualifications changes to wording in general due to implementation of Centrelink and jobseeker registration. See guidelines 12.000 to 12.253.

Update 1086G # Date 27 November 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - (1) Date of commencement of the education leavers waiting period. (2) Reduction of education leavers waiting period due to previous employment. See guidelines 12.7600 to 12.7709.

The cut-off date for the education leavers waiting period for secondary school leavers is 15 February - see s623AA(6), SSA.

(2) Guide reference 12.7709 should refer readers who require more information to 12.7700. The current reference to 12.700 is incorrect.

Update 1085G # Date 27 November 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Work for the dole pilot projects. See guidelines 12.2830 to 12.2837.

Work for the Dole participants to be placed on reduced reporting where possible and issued with a Jobseeker Diary.

Update 1084G # Date 27 November 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Work for the dole pilot projects. See guidelines 12.2800 to 12.2807.

A Jobseeker Diary can also be issued to Work for the Dole participants.

Update 1083G # Date 27 November 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Work for the dole pilot projects. See guidelines 12.2350 to 12.2431.

Complete guidelines for Work for the Dole including eligibility, payment of the supplement, clean slate provisions, referral and assessment of participants, activity agreements, customer obligations, review and appeals, monitoring jobsearch, and changes in circumstances after commencement.

Some minor changes have also been made to voluntary work guidelines to correct some typographical errors.

Update 1082G # Date 27 November 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Work for the dole pilot projects. See guidelines 12.2300 to 12.2303.

Work for the dole is included as an approved activity and participants are subject to an activity agreement and are required to make two employer contacts per fortnight.

Update 1081G # Date 27 November 1997

Chapter 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). See guidelines 26.6200 to 26.6206.

From 20 September 1996, JSA and NSA became a single payment called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1080G # Date 27 November 1997

Chapter 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). See guidelines 26.2000 to 26.2504.

From 20 September 1996, JSA and NSA became a single payment called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1079G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 25 - NON-CASH BENEFITS - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). See guideline 25.4600 to 25.4603.

From 20 September 1996, JSA and NSA became a single payment called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1078G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). See guideline 24.7540.

From 20 September 1996, JSA and NSA became a single payment called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1077G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Portability under Agreements. See guideline 42.130 to 42.132.

Updates International Operations Branch (IOB) to Centrelink International Services (CIS).

Update 1076G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Effect of commonwealth, state and territory payments. See guideline 17.10830.

From 20 September 1996, job search allowance (JSA) and newstart allowance (NSA) became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1075G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). See guidelines 14.5700 to 14.5702.

From 20 September 1996, job search allowance (JSA) and newstart allowance (NSA) became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1074G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 13 - FARM HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT- Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). See guidelines 13.21000 to 13.21002.

From 20 September 1996, job search allowance (JSA) and newstart allowance (NSA) became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1073G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). See guidelines 12.18200 to 12.18212.

From 20 September 1996, job search allowance (JSA) and newstart allowance (NSA) became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1072G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). See guidelines 12.2200 to 12.2202.

From 20 September 1996, job search allowance (JSA) and newstart allowance (NSA) became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1071G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Maintenance for a non-dependent child. See guidelines 38.11700 to 38.11701.

From 20 September 1996, job search allowance (JSA) and newstart allowance (NSA) became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1070G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Non-cash maintenance. Guidelines 38.11200 to 38.11265 have been deleted.

Re-write of non-cash maintenance sections of chapter 38. Information on this issue has been consolidated into one part of the Guide. Clarification of the need for the payments to be linked to providing for the maintenance of the dependant child or the claimant is included at 38.9000 to 38.9102.

Update 1069G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). See guidelines 12.500 to 12.504.

From 20 September 1996, job search allowance (JSA) and newstart allowance (NSA) became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1068G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Referral to a social worker. See guidelines 14.3600 to 14.3601.

From 20 September 1996, job search allowance (JSA) and newstart allowance (NSA) became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1067G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Non-cash maintenance. See guidelines 38.9000 to 38.9439.

Re-write of non-cash maintenance sections of chapter 38. Information on this issue has been consolidated into one part of the guide. Clarification of the need for the payments to be linked to providing for the maintenance of the dependant child or the claimant is included at 38.9000 to 38.9102.

Update 1066G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 3 - REVIEWS - Income review. See guidelines 3.740 to 3.743.

From 20 September 1997, job search allowance (JSA) and newstart (NSA) became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1065G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Payment of newstart allowance. See guidelines 12.5320 to 12.5330.

From 20 September 1996, a job search allowance (JSA) and newstart allowance (NSA) became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1064G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 40 - DISABILITY WAGE SUPPLEMENT - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). Guideline 40.610 to 40.613.

From 20 September 1996, job search allowance and newstart allowance became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1063G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). Guideline 35.4510.

From 20 September 1996, job search allowance and newstart allowance became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1062G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE -

Austudy assets test calculation.
Austudy income test calculation.
Ordinary income test. Guidelines 45.21000 to 45.21200.

From 20 September 1996, job search allowance and newstart allowance became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1061G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). Guidelines 35.3920.

From 20 September 1996, job search allowance and newstart allowance became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1060G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 50 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Spouse income test. Guidelines 50.6500 to 50.6504.

From 20 September 1996, job search allowance and newstart allowance became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1059G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). Guidelines 35.1100 to 35.1206.

From 20 September 1996, JSA and NSA became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1058G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Introduction of IMP. Guidelines 15.3400 to 15.3404 have been deleted.

Consequential amendment to special benefit 'Overview of Common Categories' caused by IMP introduction.

Update 1057G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Application of extended deeming to superannuation and rollover investmetns including the exemption of specified investments. See guidelines 30.4600 to 30.4603.

Covers the application of extended deeming to superannuation and rollover investments in the light of the September 1997 changes to the treatment of superannuation for customers aged over 55. Includes information on exemptions for specified investments.

Update 1056G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Introduction of IMP. See guidelines 15.710 to 15.711.

Consequential amendment to special benefit 'Qualifications and Payability' - 'Durations of common categories' caused by IMP intro.

Update 1055G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). See guideline 30.1110 to 30.1111.

From 20 September 1996, JSA and NSA became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1054G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). See guideline 28.5900.

From 20 September 1996, JSA and NSA became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1053G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Education and training allowances - Scholarships. See guidelines 27.9840 to 27.9843.

Inclusion of details of the more common scholarships which a customer may get and details of how they should be assessed for income test purposes.

Update 1052G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Readily available funds may include superannuation assets for people over 55 years of age. See guidelines 28.5620 to 28.5630.

Readily available funds, under the hardship provisions, may include superannuation assets for people over 55 years of age who have been in receipt of income support payments for more than 39 weeks since age 55.

Update 1051G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - (1) Clarification of income test treatment of UK pensions. (2) Using the exchange rates on the Foreign Exchange Summary (FES) See guidelines 27.5200 to 27.5205 and 27.6300 to 27.6302.

(1) Explains the types of UK pensions being paid and their treatment under the income test.

(2) Points out the exchange rates to be used when converting overseas income amounts when working out the rates of Australian social security payments.

Update 1050G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). See guidelines 28.5500 to 28.5504.

From 20 September 1996, JSA and NSA became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1049G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Other exempt income. Payment of an Approved Scholarship awarded on or after 1 September 1990. See guidelines 27.1360 to 27.1363.

An explanation of the criteria necessary for the Minister to exempt a certain scholarship as an 'approved scholarship'. It also lists the scholarships which have already received Ministerial approval and date of effect of that approval.

Update 1048G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Investments included in financial investments for extended deeming purposes. See guidelines 27.020 to 27.033.

From 20 September 1997, the treatment of superannuation for customers between 55 and age pension age changed. As a result, the types of investments included as financial investments for the purposes of extended deeming changed.

Update 1047G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 33 - SUPERANNUATION, ANNUITIES AND ALLOCATED PRODUCTS - Income and Assets. See guideline 33.1420 (deleted).

Assessment of superannuation investments at age pension age.

Update 1046G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Amend reference to job search allowance (JSA) as this payment has been replaced by newstart allowance (NSA). See guidelines 28.4100 to 28.4117.

From 20 September 1996, JSA and NSA became a single payment, called NSA. Guide amendments have been made to reflect this change.

Update 1045G # Date 13 November 1997

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Family payment for under age partner. See guidelines 17.1400 to 17.1403.

This amendment clarifies the legal basis for rejecting claims for family payment made in respect of a partner who is under the age of 16. Whilst the Act might seem to allow payment in such cases, established rules of statutory interpretation allow the claim to be rejected on the basis that to allow the claimant to gain a benefit from their illegal marriage-like relationship would be contrary to public policy.

Update 1044G # Date 30 October 1997

Chapter 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Reduction in deeming rates for financial investments. See guidelines 30.1100 to 30.1403.

From 20 September 1997, extended deeming rates have reduced to 3% and 5%, resulting in an increase in payments to some customers. Note also a change in the financial investment status of superannuation and rollover funds.

Update 1043G # Date 30 October 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Non-compliance - recommencement after breach. See guidelines 12.9400 to 12.10600.

New procedures to take account of new breach penalties.

Update 1042G # Date 30 October 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Provisional commencement day. See guidelines 12.6000 to 12.6605.

Text change to recognise changes to Admin breach penalties and Centrelink creation.

Update 1041G # Date 30 October 1997

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - (1) Rewording (2) Claimant for pension experiencing hardship. See guidelines (1) 15.2910 to 15.2914 and (2) 15.3300 to 15.3308.

(1) Some rewording to customers under sixteen years - Commonwealth and state/territory youth protocol.

(2) This change provides clarification of situations where a person is paid special benefit while awaiting their first pension payment and has to repay the special benefit.

Update 1039G # Date 30 October 1997

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Location of Agreements Manual in IT products. See guidelines 1.8900 to 1.8904.

This amendment points out the correct location of the Agreements manual on the LAN and updates International Operations Branch references to Centrelink International Services.

Update 1038G # Date 30 October 1997

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Pensioner concessions are not available to non-residents in Australia. See guidelines 42.300 to 42.302.

This amendment clarifies that pensioner concessions are not available to non resident pensioners returning temporarily to Australia.

Update 1037G # Date 30 October 1997

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Change to assessment of income for conventional life insurance policies. See guidelines 27.9410 to 27.9415.

Bonuses from conventional life insurance policies are assessable income when withdrawn.

Update 1036G # Date 30 October 1997

Chapter 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Change to assessment of income for conventional life insurance policies. See guidelines 30.4400 to 30.4403.

Bonuses from conventional life insurance policies are assessable income when withdrawn.

Update 1035G # Date 30 October 1997

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Minor rewording 'Payment of special benefit during temporary absence overseas'. See guidelines 15.4100 to 15.4105.

Minor rewording to guideline 'Payment of special benefit during temporary absence overseas' whereby 'close relative' has been replaced with 'family member'.

Update 1034G # Date 30 October 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Community Development Employment Program - General. See guidelines 12.280 to 12.315.

Clarification of eligibility for newstart allowance of Community Development Employment Program (CDEP) participants and their partners, and those living in CDEP communities.

Update 1027G # Date 20 October 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Expansion of temporary activity test exemptions in special circumstances, including expectant mothers. See guidelines 12.2700 to 12.2760.

Expectant mothers are now able to obtain an activity test exemption from 6 weeks prior to the expected date of confinement until 6 weeks after the birth of the child. The 13 week legislative restriction on special circumstances exemptions has also been lifted but will only apply to customers in three specified circumstances - jury duty, refugees undertaking a preparatory Adult Migrant English Program course, or customers with temporary caring responsibilities.

Update 1033G # Date 16 October 1997

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - (1) Special benefit changes for expectant mothers. See guidelines (1) 15.2600 to 15.2609 and (2) 15.2700 to 15.2705.

(1) Due to activity test changes for newstart and youth training allowance the need for special benefit (SpB) to be paid to pregnant women is significantly reduced. SpB may be paid from six weeks before the expected date of birth to six weeks after the birth. Previously SpB was payable up to 12 weeks before the expected date of birth.

(2) People with temporary caring responsibilities may be eligible for an activity test exemption for newstart allowance or youth training allowance and therefore do not need to be transferred to SpB.

Update 1032G # Date 16 October 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Determining activity test breaches and application of new activity test penalty periods. See guidelines 12.3000 to 12.3009.

New legislation references and calculation information for new activity test breach penalty periods.

Update 1031G # Date 16 October 1997

Chapter 20 - MOBILITY ALLOWANCE - Vocational training. See guidelines 20.650 to 20.700.

Before training can be accepted as being vocational training, minimum requirements must be met. These include the objective of the training, the person's intention to undertake gainful employment and the person's ability to undertake gainful employment.

Update 1030G # Date 16 October 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Reclaiming - youth training allowance. See guidelines 45.13300 to 45.13541.

Remove reference to Commonwealth Employment Service and include Centrelink and new breach penalties.

Update 1029G # Date 16 October 1997

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Temporary return to Australia. See guidelines 42.940 to 42.944.

Clarifies that pensioner concessions are not available to non-resident pensioners returning temporarily to Australia.

Update 1028G # Date 16 October 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Modification of requirements for satisfying the activity test. See guidelines 45.2100 to 45.2119.

Minor changes to requirements for satisfying the activity test including better definition of suitable work.

Update 1024G # Date 16 October 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - (1) Need to maintain qualification during newly arrived resident waiting period. (2) Waiting, activity test breach and administrative breach penalty periods. (3) Non-compliance - recommencement after breach. See guidelines (1) 45.8400 to 45.8403, (2) 45.8700 to 45.9300 and 45.9500 to 45.10100.

(1) Minor changes to include reference to Centrelink.

(2) Amendment to take account of new activity test and administrative breach penalties.

(3) New procedures to take account of new breach penalties.

Update 1023G # Date 16 October 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Procedures for monitoring jobsearch - Jobseeker Diary. See guidelines 12.2840 to 12.2849.

Update to reflect latest policy on issue and return of Jobseeker Diary.

Update 1022G # Date 16 October 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - (1) Provisional. (2) Waiting, activity test and administrative breach penalty periods. See guideline (1) 45.6000 to 45.6401 and (2) 45.7000 to 45.7200.

(1) Provisional commencement day after imposition of an administrative breach penalty.

(2) Effects of new penalty provisions on youth training allowance commencement date and payability.

Update 1021G # Date 16 October 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Using 'Employer Contact. See guideline 12.2815.

Work for the Dole participants with an activity type WC or WN may be issued with ECCs if considered to be at risk of not complying with the requirements of the activity test.

Update 1020G # Date 16 October 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - (1) 'Applications for payment' (Form SU19) - nil paid customers, (2) Review procedures - use of employer contact certificates, (3) Activity test breach penalties - procedures. See (1) guidelines 45.2655 to 45.2661 (2) guidelines 45.2665 to 45.2667 and (and (3) guidelines 45.2800 to 45.2905.

(1) Nil paid customers taken to have satisfied the activity test. These customers are not required to show details of job search efforts on Form SU19.

(2) Use of employer contact certificates at review.

(3) Change of procedures for imposition of new activity test penalties, and new legislation and calculation information.

Update 1019G # Date 16 October 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Modification of requirements for satisfying the activity test. See guidelines 12.2100 to 12.2119.

Minor changes to requirements for satisfying the activity test including better definition of suitable work.

Update 1018G # Date 16 October 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Activity test breach penalties - procedures for imposing. See guidelines 12.3100 to 12.3605.

Changes of procedures for imposition of new activity test.

Update 1017G # Date 2 October 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Procedures for monitoring job search See guidelines 45.2600 to 45.2629.

This amendment is to target groups for issue of Employer Contact Certificates and outlines procedures for reviewing returned Certificates.

Update 1016G # Date 2 October 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Reclaiming See guidelines (1) 12.13300 and (2) 12.13940 to 12.13941.

(1) Change to recognise introduction of rate reduction period for administrative breach.

(2) Items to be checked carefully before regrant after cancellation for non-compliance.

Update 1015G # Date 2 October 1997

Chapter 48 - MATERNITY ALLOWANCE - Who is a maternity allowance child See guidelines 48.1120 to 48.1230.

Minor updates to the maternity allowance guidelines, clarifying neo-natal deaths, adoptions and fostered children.

Update 1014G # Date 2 October 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - (1) Self-serving Breach Penalty. (2) Failure to respond to. See guidelines 12.8700 to 12.8900 and 12.9200 to 12.9300.

(1) Provision for self-serving administrative breaches and inability to self serve activity test breaches.

(2) Update of text to take account of new Admin breach penalties.

Update 1013G # Date 2 October 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Procedures for monitoring job search - NSA. See guidelines 12.2850 to 12.2857 and 12.2860 to 12.2862.

Nil paid customers taken to have satisfied the activity test. Not required to show details of job search efforts on Form SU19.

Update 1012G # Date 2 October 1997

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Collection of TFN's. See guidelines 1.15600 to 1.15601.

Failure to provide a partner's TFN upon request may incur an administrative breach penalty.

Update 1011G # Date 2 October 1997

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Payments made under the Personal Care Support Scheme provisions. See guidelines 27.1330 to 27.1334.

The Minister has approved the Victorian Government's 'Family Options Program' and the Italian Government's 'Indennita di accompagnamento' (Italian carers payment) as approved schemes under section 35A of the Act.

Update 1010G # Date 2 October 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Voluntary Work. See guidelines 45.2350 to 45.2365.

Amendment to the policy of sighting of the policy sighting volunteer insurance. It is acceptable that details are provided and that proof or sighting of the policy is unnecessary.

Update 1009G # Date 2 October 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Voluntary work. See guidelines 12.2350 to 12.2366.

Amendment to the policy of sighting volunteer insurance. It is acceptable that details are provided and that proof or sighting of the policy is unnecessary.

Update 1040G # Date 20 September 1997

Chapter 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Reduction in deeming rates for financial investments. See guidelines 30.2310 to 30.2311.

From 20 September 1997, extended deeming rates have reduced to three percent and five percent, resulting in payment to some customers.

Update 1026G # Date 20 September 1997

Chapter 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - The income maintenance period. See guidelines 14.2000 to 14.2004.

From 20 September 1997 an income maintenance period applies when a person receives certain payments upon the termination of employment.

Update 1025G # Date 20 September 1997

Chapter 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - The income maintenance period. See guidelines 14.2610 to 14.2611.

From 20 September 1997 an income maintenance period applies when a person receives certain payments upon the termination of employment.

Update 992G # Date 20 September 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Introduction of Income Maintenance Period. See guidelines 45.7300 to 45.7320. (deleted)

Consequential amendment to 'waiting and deferment periods' caused by introduction of income maintenance period.

Update 990G # Date 20 September 1997

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Verification of employment. See guidelines 1.5800 to 1.5843.

Consequential amendment to 'verification of employment' provisions caused by income maintenance period introduction.

Update 989G # Date 20 September 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Introduction of income maintenance period. See guidelines 12.110 to 12.112.

Consequential amendment to 'close down of business provisions' caused by IMP introduction.

Update 992G # Date 20 September 1997

This amendment is not due for implementation until 20 September 1997 it will be included in the next OPAL Release.

Update 990G # Date 20 September 1997

This amendment is not due for implementation until 20 September 1997 it will be included in the next OPAL Release.

Update 989G # Date 20 September 1997

This amendment is not due for implementation until 20 September 1997 it will be included in the next OPAL Release.

Update 1008G # Date 18 September 1997

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT- Exchange rates. See guidelines (1) 27.6300 to 27.6301 and (2) 27.6310 to 27.6313.

(1) The current exchange rate is different from the rate quoted in the newspaper. This amendment gives directions on currency exchange rates to use where a customer requests a reassessment of the value in Australian dollar terms of a foreign income amount.

(2) The amendment also provides directions for United Kingdom pounds - These directions involve information on currency exchange rates to use where a customer requests a reassessment of the value in Australian dollar terms of the United Kingdom income amount.

Update 1007G # Date 18 September 1997

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Overseas child payment. See guidelines 42.320 to 42.324.

This amendment makes it explicit that the 'overseas child payment' is not included in the proportional rate calculated for domestic payment purposes.

Update 1006G # Date 18 September 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART ALLOWANCE - Changes to the liquid assets waiting period. See guidelines 12.7000 to 12.7572.

Changes to the application of liquid assets waiting period for newstart allowance customers.

Update 1005G # Date 18 September 1997

Chapter 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Changes to the liquid assets waiting period. See guidelines 14.2720 to 14.2742.

Changes to the application of liquid assets waiting period for sickness allowance customers.

Update 1004G # Date 18 September 1997

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT- Introduction of the income maintenance period. See guidelines 27.2600 to 27.2851.

Guide to policy on the income maintenance period.

Update 1003G # Date 18 September 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Changes to liquid assets test waiting period. See guidelines 45.7500 to 45.7552.

Changes to the application of the liquid assets test waiting period for youth training allowance customers.

Update 1002G # Date 18 September 1997

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Changes to policy guidelines. See guideline 15.4020 to 15.4105.

Minor amendments to guidelines 15.4021 and 15.4102.

Update 1001G # Date 18 September 1997

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Changes to policy guidelines. See guidelines 15.600 to 15.601.

Minor amendment to guideline 15.600.

Update 1000G # Date 18 September 1997

Chapter 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Other deeming issues - proceeds from the sale of a principal home. See guidelines 30.2900 to 30.2901.

Proceeds from the sale of a principal home are deemed if held in the form of a financial investment.

Update 999G # Date 18 September 1997

Chapter 1- GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Reviews and notifications - Proceeds from the sale of a principal home. See guidelines 1.18700 to 12.18701.

Reviews and notifications involved in the proceeds from the sale of a principal home.

Update 998G # Date 18 September 1997

Chapter 29 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Defining the term 'proceeds' as it relates to the sale of a principal home. See guidelines 29.200 to 29.1002.

Defining the term 'proceeds' as it relates to the sale of a principal home and the provision that certain assets can be disregarded in calculating the value of a person's assets.

Update 997G # Date 18 September 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Voluntary work, changes in processes and guidelines. See guidelines 12.400 to 12.410.

Changes to the procedures and rules for approving voluntary work from 1/5/97 and 20/9/97. Centrelink now has the responsibility for the approval of both customers and organisations. Guidelines for organisational approval now include details on how to assess an organisation's 'not for profit' status and the requirement for volunteer insurance.

Update 996G # Date 18 September 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Voluntary work, changes in processes and guidelines. See guidelines 12.2350 to 12.2366.

Update 995G # Date 18 September 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Voluntary work, changes in processes and guidelines. See guidelines 12.400 to 12.410.

Update 994G # Date 4 September 1997

Chapter 32 - INCOME AND ASSETS - DEPRIVATION - The deprivation provisions apply to beneficiaries of deceased estates. See guidelines 32.2300 to 32.2306.

Guidance on whether the deprivation provisions apply to beneficiaries of deceased estates.

Update 993G # Date 4 September 1997

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Treatment of assets owned in joint tenancy on the death of one of the joint tenants. See guidelines 28.3120 to 28.3131.

Guidance on what happens to assets that are owned in joint tenancy after one of the joint owners dies.

Update 994G # Date 4 September 1997

Chapter 32 - INCOME AND ASSETS - DEPRIVATION - The deprivation provisions apply to beneficiaries of deceased estates. See guidelines 32.2300 to 32.2306.

Guidance on whether the deprivation provisions apply to beneficiaries of deceased estates.

Update 991G # Date 4 September 1997

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Introduction of Income Maintenance Period. See guidelines 27.2100 to 27.2104.

Consequential amendment to 'INCOME FROM EMPLOYMENT - General assessment - Employment terminated' caused by Income Maintenance Period introduction.

Update 991G # Date 4 September 1997

This amendment is not due for implementation until 20 September 1997 it will be included in the next OPAL Release.

Update 993G # Date 4 September 1997

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Treatment of assets owned in joint tenancy on the death of one of the joint tenants. See guidelines 28.3120 to 28.3131.

Guidance on what happens to assets that are owned in joint tenancy after one of the joint owners dies.

Update 988G # Date 4 September 1997

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Changes to policy guidelines See guidelines 15.000 to 15.4030.

Chapter 15 has been re written. Several minor changes have been made to policy and procedures.

Update 987G # Date 4 September 1997

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Maintenance income test - rate calculations. See guidelines 38.10500 to 38.10505.

Rate calculations updated for indexation changes 1 July 1997.

Update 986G # Date 4 September 1997

Chapter 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Other deeming issues - Bullion investments. See guidelines 30.2910 to 30.2911.

This change further clarifies the definition of 'bullion' for the purposes of the extended deeming rules and provides guidance on the valuation of bullion held by customers.

Update 985G # Date 4 September 1997

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Changes to the departure certificate guidelines - departure interviews. See guidelines 42.400 to 42.425.

Amends departure certificate guidelines to reflect changes in the pre-departure interview arrangements - introduction of the 'Pre-departure Interview Expert' script.

Update 984G # Date 4 September 1997

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Changes to the departure certificate guidelines - post-departure reviews. See guidelines 42.140 to 42.162.

Amends departure certificate guidelines to clarify the procedure when the person that did not get a departure certificate is overseas for more than 12 months and/or is in an agreement country.

Update 983G # Date 4 September 1997

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Life assurance or insurance. See guidelines 28.3100 to 28.3102.

Clarification of who owns a life insurance policy, against whom the surrender value is assessed.

Update 982G # Date 4 September 1997

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Life interest - not created by a customer or partner. See guidelines 28.1200 to 28.1203.

Clarification of the treatment of life interests created by the will of a deceased partner, only current assessments remain exempt, all new claimants with a life interest created by the will of a deceased partner regardless of the date the life interest was created will have an asset value assessed.

Update 981G # Date 21 August 1997

Chapter 34 - PENSION LOANS SCHEME - Maximum loan amount. See guidelines 34.1400 to 34.1407.

Guidance on the calculation of the maximum loan amount available under the pension loans scheme.

Update 980G # Date 21 August 1997

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Notifiable events and change in circumstances. See guidelines 17.9000 to 17.9003.

Clarification of family payment notifiable events.

Update 979G # Date 21 August 1997

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Verification of residence. See guidelines 1.7200 to 1.7202.

Clarification of the requirement that someone intends to remain permanently in Australia.

Update 978G # Date 21 August 1997

Chapter 12 - Newstart - Procedures for measuring job search. See guidelines 12.2800 to 12.2829.

This amendment is to target groups for the issue of Employer Contact Certificates and includes procedures for reviewing returned certificates.

Update 977G # Date 21 August 1997

Chapter 43 - PARTNER ALLOWANCE - Income statements - late lodgement and rate of allowance and income test. See guidelines 43.2120 and 43.3100.

Updating lodgement arrangements for partner allowance customers and confirming income test threshold for non social security partner allowance partners.

Update 976G # Date 21 August 1997

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Dividends from private companies and distributions from private trusts. See guidelines 27.10000 to 27.10100.

Imputation credits attached to dividends from private companies and included in distributions from private trusts are not to be included in assessable income for social security purposes except for family payments.

Update 975G # Date 7 August 1997

Chapter 30 - INCOME:ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Treatment of contributions to a superannuation fund after date of grant . See guidelines 30.4630 to 30.4633.

This amendment clarifies instructions on the assessment of amounts contributed by an employer to an employee's superannuation fund where the employee is over age pension age.

Update 974G # Date 7 August 1997

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Amendment of Tax Notices - payment of family payment arrears. See guidelines 17.7900 to 17.7903.

This amendment clarifies the date of effect that may be used to pay arrears when a person receives an amended Taxation Notice of Assessment as a result of a review request that the person has made to the Australian Taxation Office. Under section 888(f), arrears may be paid from the date of effect of the original determination of their family payment rate (that is, for the entire period that the 'old' assessed income was used).

Update 973G # Date 7 August 1997

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Qualification for social security payments See guidelines (1) 38.2550 to 38.2555 (2) 38.2590 to 38.2593.

(1) Amendments to clarify the use of maintenance status code UTP.

(2) Amendments to clarify action to be taken when the non custodial parent is an overseas resident.

Update 972G # Date 7 August 1997

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Deferred salary schemes - superannuation salary sacrifice - under age pension age. See guidelines 27.2190 to 27.2192.

Superannuation salary sacrifice amounts are not income for customers under age pension age.

Update 971G # Date 7 August 1997

Chapter 31- INCOME AND ASSETS - BUSINESS STRUCTURES AND TRUSTS - Trusts. See guidelines (1) 31.4110 to 31.4112 and (2) 31.4200 to 31.4204.

(1) Clarifies treatment of imputation credits attached to distributions from discretionary trusts.

(2) Clarifies the treatment of imputations credits attached to distributions from non discretionary trusts.

Update 970G # Date 7 August 1997

Chapter 42- PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Comparable foreign payments. See guideline 42.2130.

Delegations previously held by Administrative Service Officers class 4 have been extended to Administrative Service Officers class 3.

Update 969G # Date 7 August 1997

Chapter 31- INCOME AND ASSETS - BUSINESS STRUCTURE AND TRUSTS - Assessment of imputation credits. See guidelines 31.3110 and 31.3113.

This amendment clarifies the treatment of imputation credits attached to the dividends paid by shares in a private company.

Update 968G # Date 7 August 1997

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Departure interview. See guidelines 42.400 and 42.419.

Delegations previously held by Administrative Service Officers class 4 have been extended to Administrative Service Officers class 3.

Update 967G # Date 24 July 1997

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Backdating of family payment claims. See guideline 17.2300.

Expansion of provisions for backdating of family payment claims.

Update 966G # Date 24 July 1997

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Dependent child - Temporary Absences. See guidelines 17.4350 to 17.4357.

Clarification of the rules relating to temporary absences of family payment children.

Update 965G # Date 24 July 1997

Chapter 41N - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Rate of payment. See guidelines 41N.6000 to 41N.7581.

Minor amendments to update treatment of partner lump sum compensation preclusions and to clarify the treatment of income for parenting allowance purposes, including when and when not to use averaging in calculating the income to maintain.

Update 964G # Date 24 July 1997

Chapter 41N - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Payability. See guidelines 41N.3810 to 41N.4011.

Minor amendments to clarify the application of the newly arrived residents waiting period, remove reference to People's Republic of China special temporary entry permits and clarify use of the parenting allowance suite of claim forms.

Update 963G # Date 24 July 1997

Chapter 41N - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Recipient notification requirements. See guidelines 41N.10000 to 41N.10002 and 41N.11000 to 41N.12100

(1) This amendment is to make minor changes in order to reflect current text which appears on customer advices.

(2) Minor amendments to clarify how dates of effect of decisions apply to arrears, debts and where a decision is reviewed at the instigation of the delegate rather than the customer.

Update 962G # Date 24 July 1997

Chapter 41N - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Qualification. See guidelines 41N.1010 to 41N.1036

This amendment is to make minor changes in order to update the wording related to foster parents and remove anomalous advice regarding wards of state.

Update 961G # Date 24 July 1997

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Amended tax assessment. See guideline 17.7900 to 17.7901.

This amendment is to advise that arrears of family payment may be payable when an amended tax notice of assessment is provided.

Update 960G # Date 24 July 1997

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Ministers of Religion. See guideline 17.9810.

Lists two additional religious groups whose ministers are not considered employees for family payment purposes.

Update 956G # Date 10 July 1997

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - See guidelines 38.10000 to 38.10013.

(1) Replace references to spousal maintenance with partner maintenance.

(2) Rate changes for maintenance income free area for 1997/98 year.

Update 955G # Date 10 July 1997

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - CDEP partners. See guideline 12.310

Guideline 45.310 has been altered slightly in line with changes in Chapter 45. Guidelines 45.390 and 45.391 altered and condensed to remove incorrect income test information

Update 954G # Date 10 July 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - CDEP partners See guideline 45.390.

Guidelines 45.390 and 45.391 altered and condensed to remove incorrect income test information.

Update 953G # Date 10 July 1997

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - See guidelines 38.10510 to 38.10512

This amendment gives examples of rate calculations showing the treatment of child support where each partner of a couple is receiving more than the minimum rate of family payment.

Update 952G # Date 10 July 1997

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - See guidelines 42.2010 to 42.2014

Amends guidelines on collection of comparable foreign payment details for mature age allowance granted after 1 July 1996.

Update 951G # Date 10 July 1997

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS- See guidelines 42.120 to 42.132

Amends guidelines on carer pension portability in line with the name change from 1 July 1997, increase in the period of respite and updated guideline 8.2930 and clarifies claim lodgement provisions when autonomous pensioners transfer to agreement entitlements.

Update 950G # Date 10 July 1997

Chapter 25 - NON - CASH BENEFITS - See guidelines 25.000 to 25.6500.

The Health Benefits Card issued to all sickness allowees and newstart incapacitated is being abolished and replaced by the Health Care Card.

Update 1143G # Date 1 July 1997

Chapter 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Singles who share accommodation. See guidelines 23.1650 to 27.1951.

Reduction of rent assistance for singles who share accommodation.

Update 959G # Date 1 July 1997

Chapter 8 - CARER PAYMENT - Renaming of carer pension to carer payment and 1996/97 budget changes. See guidelines 8.000 to 8.5300.

Renaming of carer pension to carer payment, increase from 10 to 20 hours per week that carers can do paid or voluntary work, training or study and increase from 42 to 52 days cessation of care per calendar year.

Update 958G # Date 1 July 1997

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - 1997 Foreign Exchange Rate for family payment. See guidelines 17.7700 to 17.7703.

Foreign Exchange Rates for family payment to be applied for the 1997/98 financial year.

Update 957G # Date 1 July 1997

Chapter 22 - CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE See guidelines 22.000 to 22.9300.

The whole chapter in nearly every paragraph has been changed, which is why there are no revision marks. The changes to this chapter were required due to the 1996 systems release, to provide a general revision to bring the chapter up to date and notification of changes flowing form the implementation of the new childcare assistance national procedures.

Update 916G # Date 1 July 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Notional interest rates. See guidelines 17.7660 to 17.7665.

Advising of new notional interest rates to take effect from 1 July 1997.

Update 949G # Date 26 June 1997

Chapter 5 - AGE PENSION - Changes to residency qualifications. See guidelines 5.020 to 5.025 and 5.1000 to 5.1004.

From 20 March 1997 a person is qualified for an age pension if the person has reached age pension age and any of the following applies:

The person has ten years qualifying Australian residence.
The person has a qualifying residence exemption for an age pension.
The person was receiving a widow B pension, a widow allowance, a mature age allowance or a partner allowance, immediately before reaching that age;
If the person reached age pension age before 20 March 1997 - the person was receiving a widow B pension, a widow allowance or a partner allowance, immediately before 20 March 1997.

A woman is qualified for an age pension if:

a) the woman has reached age pension age; and

b) the woman's partner has died; and

c) both the woman and her partner were Australian residents when her partner died; and

d) the woman was an Australian resident for a continuous period of at least 104 weeks immediately before the day she lodged the claim for the age pension.

Update 948G # Date 26 June 1997

Chapter 11 - WIDOW B PENSION - See guidelines 11.000 to 11.3107.

From 20 March 1997 there are no new grants of widow B pension. Current cases remain eligible unless otherwise disqualified. Suspension rather than cancellation should be used for periods of short term earnings.

From 20 March 1997 there is no longer an age pension residency requirement for people who are receiving widow B pension immediately before they turn age pension age, or who are over age pension age. As widow B pensioners reach the women's age pension age they are automatically transferred to age pension from the following pension payday without having to lodge a claim. Widow B pensioners paid under an international agreement or overseas or in receipt of ongoing compensation payments are not transferred to age pension.

Update 947G # Date 26 June 1997

Chapter 7 - WIFE PENSION - Other possible pension entitlements. See guidelines 7.2500 to 7.2501.

The amendment deletes a note about exploring eligibility for widow B pension. There are no new grants of widow B pension from 20 March 1997.

Update 946G # Date 26 June 1997

Chapter 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Timing of payments. See guidelines 2.2110 to 2.2114

The amendments update and simplify procedures to be followed when a pensioner entitlement review form is not returned or returned unclaimed or whereabouts unknown.

Update 945G # Date 26 June 1997

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES INC TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Pensioner entitlement review not returned or returned unclaimed. See guideline 1.20100 to 1.20200.

The amendments update and simplify procedures to be followed when a pensioner entitlement review form is not returned or returned unclaimed or whereabouts unknown.

Update 944G # Date 26 June 1997

Chapter 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - The parental income and assets test. See guideline 35.1320 to 35.1322.

Overseas income is taken into account when assessing eligibility to youth training allowance against the parental income and assets test.

Update 943G # Date 12 June 1997

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Casual Employment. See guidelines 45.220 to 45.225.

The period beyond which youth training allowance is cancelled as a result of precluding casual income was changed from two fortnights to four, and the period beyond which payment cannot be reinstated (after such a cancellation) without a new claim being lodged was changed from three fortnights to five. This is a fix-up. Changes to the Guide were not done at the time.

Update 942G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Activity test. See guidelines 12.3100 to 12.3206.

With this amendment, three actions have been included as activity test breaches:

failing to attend a job interview;
voluntary cessation or dismissal for misconduct from a labour market program; and
refusing/failing to provide or knowingly/recklessly providing false information of remunerative income.

Also, the onus has been placed on the customer to show the delegate that sufficient reason exists for their voluntary unemployment or refusal of a job offer. The requirements will remove some of the discretion which now exists which will result in more consistent decisions across the network.

Update 941G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - employer provided benefits. See guidelines 17.7620 to 17.7624.

Advising what section of the guide deals with Ministers of Religion.

Update 940G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - claim treated as claim for other payment. See guidelines 17.2400 to 17.2402.

This amendment makes it clear that family payment cannot be backdated to the date of an earlier claims for childcare assistance (or vice versa) as these two payments are not considered to meet the 'similar in character' test contained in section 843 of the Act.

Update 939G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 1 -GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Lodgement of claims. See guideline 23.4410.

Update 938G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - Advance pharmaceutical allowance payments. See guidelines: 23.3200 to 23.3230.

This amendment is to delete heading 'advance payments after 1991' and amend reference from customer to pensioner.

Update 937G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 23 -ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - Eligibility Criteria Newstart. See guideline 23.4410.

This amendment is to clarify telephone service and include eligibility for MAA.

Update 936G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Asset test hardship provisions. See guidelines 17.6100 to 17.6104.

This amendment emphasises that the family payment assets test and its hardship provisions are based on family assets, as defined in guideline 17.6001.

Update 935G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 23 -ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - (1) Who is eligible? (2) Indexation See guideline (1) 23.2000 and (2) 23.2800 to 23.2802

(1) This amendment is to include MAA recipients and incapacitated partner allowees as eligible for PhA.

(2) This amendment is to clarify when Pharmaceutical Allowance and the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme are indexed.

Update 934G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Work intentions form. See guidelines 45.2110 to 45.2119.

This amendment is to update the policy on the methods of monitoring a customers job search efforts and will bring it in line with the Activity Test section for newstart allowance. Policy on activity test breaches has been included in this part.

Update 933G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 24 - DEATH OF A PENSIONER - surviving partners new single rate. See guidelines 24.1300 to 24.1307.

Removal of reference to earning credits and include need to review entitlements at the end of bereavement period.

Update 932G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Maintenance Income Test Treatment of Spousal Maintenance. See guidelines 38.10000 to 38.10003.

Amendments to clarify that spousal maintenance is assessed under the maintenance income test and not the ordinary income test.

Update 931G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Jobseeker Diary. See guidelines 45.2630 to 45.2648.

This amendment reflects the changes made to the Jobseeker Diary and the new Guide. New procedures for the use of benchmark and calculating the number of job approaches are also reflected.

Update 930G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Payments and components that are not taxable. See guideline 2.8000.

Amendment to the list of payments and components that are not taxable.

Update 929G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 13 - FARM HOUSEHOLD. See guidelines 13.000 to 13.21002.

Details termination of the Farm Household Support Scheme.

Update 928G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Action for Child Support - Exemptions - Stage 1 and 2. See guideline 38.2560.

Amendments to the review procedures where the whereabouts of the non-custodial parent are unknown.

Update 927G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 25 - NON-CASH BENEFITS. See guidelines 25.1000 to 25.1007.

Amended reference from 12 months to 9 months and include mature age allowance as being qualified for a pensioner concession card.

Update 926G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 47 - DROUGHT RELIEF PAYMENT. See guideline 47.4000, 47.5000 to 47.5005 and 47.7000 to 47.7014.

(1) A current exceptional circumstances certificate is now required for drought relief payment.

(2) Details rates of payment for drought relief payment. (3) Details exempt income for drought relief payment.

Update 925G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 18 - CHILD DISABILITY ALLOWANCE - Amendments to Medical officers guidelines. See guidelines 18.000 to 18.4300.

Amendments made to remove procedural material which is covered in Disability Payments Workbook. Amendments to the guideline on specific medical conditions to update advice on some conditions.

Update 924G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Jobseeker Diary - Activity Test. See guidelines 12.2830 to 12.2849.

This amendment reflects the changes made to the Jobseeker Diary and the new Guide. New procedures for the use of benchmarks and calculating the number of job approaches are also reflected.

Update 923G # Date 12 June 1997

CHAPTER 19 - DOUBLE ORPHAN PENSION - See guidelines 19.000 to 19.6140.

Update of chapter on DOP, including guidelines for claim procedures, children and students, residence and bereavement.

Update 922G # Date 29 May 1997

CHAPTER 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Income from sickness and accident policies. See guidelines 27.9900 to 27.9902.

The treatment of income from sickness and accident policies is outlined at guideline 14.3300. These guidelines are now also being placed in Chapter 27.

Update 921G # Date 29 May 1997

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Changing pension type while overseasare. See guidelines 42.1100 to 42.1106.

Amends guidelines on automatic transfer to age pensions (from mature age, partner and widow allowance) to take into account the amendments to age pension qualifications in the 1996/97 Budget.

Update 920G # Date 29 May 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Care and responsibility. See guidelines 17.4000 to 17.4621.

New procedures for family payment change of care and shared care cases.

Update 913G # Date 15 May 1997

CHAPTER 4 - COMPENSATION FOR DEFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION - Finance Direction 21/3. See guidelines 4.17200 to 4.17204.

These changes will update the Guide to provide for the increase in Finance Direction 21/3 delegations from $2000 to $10,000. The amendments also clarify that recommendations from the SSAT for F/D 21/3, CDDA or AOG payments must be considered by a delegate. Finally, the changes clarify the procedure to be followed when deciding whether to submit and/or reject a CDDA claim.

Update 912G # Date 15 May 1997

CHAPTER 4 - COMPENSATION FOR DEFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION - Finance Direction 21/3. See guidelines 4.14200 to 4.14202 and 4.15200 to 4.15206.

Update 911G # Date 15 May 1997

CHAPTER 4 - COMPENSATION FOR DEFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION - Finance Direction 21/3. See guidelines 4.12300 to 4.12304.

Update 910G # Date 15 May 1997

CHAPTER 4 - COMPENSATION FOR DEFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION - Finance Direction 21/3. See guidelines 4.9400 to 4.9403 and 4.11100 to 4.11104.

Update 909G # Date 15 May 1997

CHAPTER 4 - COMPENSATION FOR DEFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION - Finance Direction 21/3. See guidelines 4.2000 to 4.3200.

Update 908G # Date 15 May 1997

CHAPTER 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - waiting period for newly arrived residents. See guidelines 45.8200 to 45.8401.

Youth training allowance and the two year newly arrived resident's waiting period.

Update 907G # Date 15 May 1997

CHAPTER 41N - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - waiting period for newly arrived residents. See guidelines 41N.3810 to 41N.3815.

The 2 year newly arrived resident's waiting period.

Update 906G # Date 15 May 1997

CHAPTER 40 - DISABILTIY WAGE SUPPLEMENT - waiting period for newly arrived residents. See guidelines 40.1000 to 40.1005.

Disability wage supplement - newly arrived resident's waiting period.

Update 905G # Date 15 May 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Access to account. See guidelines 17.2600 to 17.2603.

Clarifies that family payment can be made to an account for which a parent is trustee, or to an account which is in the child's name as long as the parent in the signatory.

Update 904G # Date 15 May 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Access to account. See guidelines 17.1120 and 17.2600 to 17.2603.

Clarifies that family payment can be made to an account for which a parent is trustee, or to an account which is in the child's name as long as the parent in the signatory.

Update 903G # Date 15 May 1997

CHAPTER 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Income from property: real estate. See guidelines 27.8200 to 27.8208.

Clarifies allowable deductions for real estate income.

Update 901G # Date 15 May 1997

CHAPTER 29 - PRINCIPAL HOME AND AGED ACCOMMODATION - Entry contribution and extra allowable amount - determining homeowner status. See guidelines 29.3120 to 29.3124.

Correction of error in table dealing with entry contribution, extra allowable amount and rent assistance: where entry contribution is less than extra allowable amount, entry contribution should be assessed

Update 895G # Date 15 May 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Treatment of ministers of religion. See guidelines 17.9720 to 17.9811.

Explanation of how to treat ministers of religion under the family payment income test.

Update 894G # Date 15 May 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART Activity Test: SU19s and Activity Test/Administrative breaches. See guidelines 12.2850 to 12.2856.

This change includes the new actions which are classed as activity test and administrative breaches as they apply to monitoring of job search via the SU19s - newstart.

Update 893G # Date 1 May 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT. Incorrect asset limit. See guideline 17.6100 to 17.6104.

One of the assets limits for family payment hardship provisions has been updated incorrectly. The minimum figure should be $406,000 not $404,000.

Update 892G # Date 1 May 1997

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS. Exemption of financial investments from extended deeming. See guidelines 30.1800 to 30.1853.

Guidelines for considering requests for exemptions from extended deeming for 'saved' personal (family) loans and frozen unlisted property trusts.

Update 891G # Date 1 May 1997

CHAPTER 43 - PARTNER ALLOWANCE Changes to partner allowance as a result of Budget measure A10. See guidelines 43.000 to 43.5101.

The extension of partner allowance to partners of people receiving living allowances under the AUSTUDY/ABSTUDY scheme.

Alignment of conditions of payment of PA and widow allowance by; simplifying to 'no recent workforce experience' requirement for PA, extending pharmaceutical allowance to eligible PA recipients, removing administrative breach non-payment periods for PA, extending a three month early claim provision to PA, and extending access to the JET program to PA customers.

The automatic transfer of PA customers to age pension at age pension age.

Update 890G # Date 1 May 1997

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Transferring payment types while overseas. See guidelines 42.1110 to 42.1113.

Highlights the automatic transfer of widow B pensions, mature age allowances, widow allowances and partner allowances to age pensions after 20 March 1997.

Update 889G # Date 1 May 1997

CHAPTER 46 - WIDOW ALLOWANCE - Changes to widow allowance. See guidelines 46.000 to 46.4602.

The extension of widow allowance to women aged at least 50, who were divorced, widowed or separated after turning 40. The application of the two year migrant waiting period to widow allowance recipients. The automatic transfer of widow allowance recipients to age pension at age pension age.

Update 888G # Date 1 May 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Student dependency limit - family payment. See guidelines 17.3130 to 17.3132.

The figure given as the dependency limit for a child over 16 years is incorrect. The figure is over by $1.00 and should read $6898.

Update 887G # Date 1 May 1997

CHAPTER 20 - MOBILITY ALLOWANCE - Changes to mobility allowance legislation. See guidelines 20.000 to 20.4006.

Change reference to mobility allowance 'claimants' to 'customers'. Inclusion of a section on treatment of intermittent work (both for gainful employment, voluntary work and training). Amendment of section on vocational training. Inclusion of reference to training an average of eight hours a week over a four weeks on a continuing basis.

Update 886G # Date 1 May 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Basic qualifications for students: See guidelines 12.500 to 12.507.

Detailed guidelines for the assessment of full time and part time students in relation to their eligibility for newstart allowance.

Update 885G # Date 1 May 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Activity Test: Changes to the definition of unsuitable work. See guidelines 12.2100 to 12.2119.

With this amendment, the definition of 'unsuitable work' has been further defined so that the range of work that is considered unsuitable is further restricted. This will broaden the scope of work that should be accepted by unemployed customers. Guidelines for what is considered 'unsuitable' training have been included. This amendment also removed various 'JSA' inclusions.

Update 884G # Date 1 May 1997

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Qualification for social security payments. See guideline 38.2450.

Removal of Letter Q130. This letter was sent to Stage 2 customers requesting they provide proof of parentage for their child support application. This letter is no longer required due to the change in registration procedures.

Update 883G # Date 1 May 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Activity Test. See guidelines 12.190 to 12.196.

Cross reference between light duties and suitable work - Newstart.

Update 882G # Date 1 May 1997

CHAPTER 25 - NON-CASH BENEFITS - Changes to the mobility allowance legislation. See guidelines 25.4300 to 25.4307.

Extension of eligibility for health care card to people who have received a sales tax exemption to buy a car.

Update 881G # Date 1 May 1997

CHAPTER 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Sickness allowance enhancements. See guidelines 14.000 to 14.6121.

The sickness allowance chapter has been revised to reflect the enhancements to sickness allowance from 20/3/97. The enhancements are the removal of the loss of income rules, the introduction of a 14 day period of grace to lodge a new medical certificate and simplification of the review process after 40 or 92 weeks' payment.

Update 878G # Date 17 April 1997

CHAPTER 8 - CARER PENSION - Payment of carer pension when carer and caree travel overseas together. See guidelines 8.2930 to 8.2931.

Clarification of how long carer pension will be paid for when the carer and caree travel overseas together.

Update 877G # Date 17 April 1997

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Investments listed on SIV facility. See guideline 30.3600.

Minor changes to references.

Update 876G # Date 17 April 1997

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Extended deeming. See guidelines 30.2800 to 30.2802.

Minor changes to references.

Update 875G # Date 17 April 1997

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Removal of deposit concession references. See guidelines 30.2100 to 30.2311.

Removal of $2,000/$4,000 concession.

Update 873G # Date 17 April 1997

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Extended Deeming. See guidelines 30.4630 to 30.4632.

Minor changes to references.

Update 872G # Date 17 April 1997

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Removal of deposit concession references. See guideline 30.5100 to 5106.

Removal of $2,000/$4,000 concession.

Update 871G # Date 17 April 1997

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Changing pension type while overseas. See guidelines 42.1140 to 42.1141.

Highlights the automatic transfer of widow B pension and mature age allowance to age pensions from 20 March 1997.

Update 870G # Date 17 April 1997

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Changing pension type while overseas. See guidelines 42.1100 to 42.1106.

Highlights the automatic transfer of widow B pension and mature age allowance to age pensions from 20 March 1997.

Update 869G # Date 17 April 1997

CHAPTER 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Deferred salary schemes and fluctuating earnings. See guidelines 27.3180 to 27.3214.

Explanation of the assessment of income from deferred salary schemes. Clarification of the assessment of income when earnings fluctuate.

Update 867G # Date 3 April 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Notification periods for family payment. See guideline 17.16200 to 17.16202.

Clarification of the notification periods that apply to family payment.

Update 865G # Date 3 April 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Notification periods for family payment. See guideline 17.12020 to 17.12025.

Clarification of the notification periods that apply to family payment.

Update 863G # Date 3 April 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Notification periods for family payment. See guidelines 17.7800 and 17.7822.

Clarification of the notification periods that apply to family payment.

Update 862G # Date 3 April 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Notification periods for family payment. See guideline 17.3230 to 17.3235.

Clarification of the notification periods that apply to family payment.

Update 861G # Date 3 April 1997

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Life insurance products. See guidelines 30.4200 to 30.4203.

Minor changes to text.

Update 860G # Date 3 April 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Special circumstances. See guidelines 12.16500 and 12.16505.

An ASO3 can accept late lodgements and if special circumstances exist, an ASO3 or above should consider the claim.

Update 1106G # Date 20 March 1997

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc.TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Death review. See guidelines 1.20600 to 1.20605.

The circumstances of a surviving partner must be reviewed to ascertain if overseas pension payments were being received by either or both or the couple, whether the survivor's entitlement change.

Where a surviving partner is a women aged 50 or over, with no recent workforce experience, then her eligibility for widow allowance should be explored. A claim for widow allowance should be invited where appropriate.

Where a surviving partner is a woman of age pension age who was not residentially qualified for an age pension, then her eligibility for an age pension under subsection 43(1A) of the Act should be explored. from 20 March 1997 a woman can qualify for an age pension if:

(a) the woman has reached age pension age; and

(b) the woman's partner has died; and

(d) the woman was an Australian resident for a continuous period of at least 104 weeks immediately before the day she lodged the claim for the age pension.

If a survivor meets the criteria above she should be invited to claim age pension. If she already receives age pension paid under an agreement but her rate is reduced due to direct deductions of overseas pension, she can reclaim to qualify for a higher rate of pension.

Update 914G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 39 - MATURE AGE ALLOWANCE - Changes to mature age allowance as a result of budget measure A10. See guidelines 39.000 to 39.3602.

Application of the two year migrant waiting period to mature age allowance. The automatic transfer of mature age allowance customers to age pension at age pension age.

Update 880G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Incapacity reviews. See guidelines 12.20100 to 12.20902.

These amendments outline changes to incapacity reviews which came into effect on 20/03/97.

Update 879G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Payment of newstart allowance while sick. See guidelines 12.900 to 12.962.

These amendments outline changes to newstart allowance for incapacitated customers and outline the correct process to follow for exemption from the activity test.

Update 874G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Extended deeming. See guidelines 30.1200 to 30.1202, 30.1330 to 30.1366 and 30.1400 to 30.1403.

Reduction in the deeming rates for financial investments to 4% and 6% and removal of $2,000/$4,000 concession.

Update 866G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Income from employment. See guidelines 27.010 to 27.011.

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 864G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 13 - FARM HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT - Abolition of the Earnings Credit Scheme. See guideline 13.7000.

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 859G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 10 - WIDOWED PERSON ALLOWANCE - Abolition of the Earnings Credit Scheme. See guideline 10.303 (deleted).

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 858G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 6 - DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Abolition of the Earnings Credit Scheme. See guidelines 6.4100 to 6.4104.

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 857G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 3 - REVIEWS - Abolition of the Earnings Credit Scheme. See guideline 3.510.

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 856G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER .8 - CARER PENSION - 1) Jobs, Education and Training Programme. 2) Abolition of the Earnings Credit Scheme. See guidelines 1) 8.1700 to 8.1701 and 2) 8.1800 (deleted).

1) Minor name change in text.

2) As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 855G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Earnings credit scheme for pensioners. See guidelines 27.10000 to 27.12105 (deleted).

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 854G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Examples of allowance rate calculators. See guidelines 35.6010 to 35.6130.

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 853G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Employment income for pensioners. (Guideline 27.2201 deleted).

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 852G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Income test for unemployment and sickness benefit. See guideline 35.3970.

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 851G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Income test - personal income test. (Guideline 35.1212 deleted).

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 850G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Maintenance income test. See guidelines 38.10000 to 38.10004 and 38.10400 (deleted).

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 849G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 41N - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Benefit and non-benefit parenting allowance. See guideline 41N.6200.

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 848G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 45- YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Casual employment. See guideline 45.220 to 45.226.

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 847G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 47- DROUGHT RELIEF PAYMENT - Income test. See guideline 47.7000.

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 846G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 12- NEWSTART - Abolition of the Earnings Credit Scheme. See guidelines 12.000 to 12.611.

Changes reflect the amalgamation of job search and newstart allowance.

Update 845G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 46- WIDOW ALLOWANCE - Abolition of the Earnings Credit Scheme. See guideline 46.2000 to 46.2002.

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 844G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 39- MATURE AGE ALLOWANCE - Abolition of the Earnings Credit Scheme. See guideline 39.4500 (deleted).

As announced in the 1996-97 Budget, the Earnings Credit Scheme is to be abolished for all payments as of 20 March 1997.

Update 843G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 41N- PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Waiting periods. See guidelines 41N.3800 to 41N.3815.

Newly arrived resident's waiting period for parenting allowance.

Update 842G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Non compliance. See guidelines 45.9600 45.10002 (deleted).

Guidelines have been deleted in conjunction with amendments to parts within the chapter.

Update 841G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Extended deeming. See guideline 30.4800.

Deleting reference to discontinued AIMS Bulletins and referring network to replacement bulletin board.

Update 840G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Extended deeming. See guidelines 30.4600 to 30.4603.

To advise the network of the circumstances under which superannuation and rollover investments will begin to be assessed when a customer reaches age pension age.

Update 839G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Extended deeming. See guideline 30.3800 to 30.3808.

Advice to network that further information on shareholdings that cannot be located on SIV is available through 'Investment Help and Information' on the Retirement Programs Forum Bulletin Board.

Update 838G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Rewrite of chapter 45, part B - activity test. See guidelines 1) 45.2000 to 45.2202, 2) 45.2300 to 45.2526 and 3) 45.2600 to 45.2905.

1) Part B has been amended to bring it in line with chapter 12, Part B - Activity Test (newstart allowance).

2) Part B has been amended to provide more relevant information on approved activities and to bring it in line with the activity test section for newstart allowance.

3) Part B has been amended to update the policy on the methods of monitoring a customers job search efforts and to bring it in line with the activity test section for newstart allowance. Policy on activity test breaches has also been included in Part B.

Update 837G # Date 20 March 1997

CHAPTER 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - How to assess the value of loans to companies and trusts. See guidelines 28.1610 to 28.1625.

Loans to companies and trusts are generally nor irrecoverable unless legal recovery action has proved the debtor's inability to repay.

Update 836G # Date 6 March 1997

CHAPTER 32 - INCOME AND ASSETS - DEPRIVATION - Reversal of gifting of assets. See guidelines 32.100 to 32.102.

The asset deprivation amount is maintained for five years regardless of whether the asset is later returned.

Update 835G # Date 6 March 1997

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Portability restriction for additional family payment for children of pensioners. See guidelines 42.320 to 42.323.

References to additional child payment have been changed to overseas child payment to reflect terminology used in the Income Security System. Cross references have been corrected.

Update 834G # Date 6 March 1997

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Pre-departure arrangements - departure interview. See guideline 42.418.

Cross references have been changed. References to additional child payment have been changed to overseas child payment to reflect terminology used in the Income Security System and study overseas has been amended to secondary study overseas.

Update 833G # Date 6 March 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Payment of overseas child payment to pensioners overseas. See guidelines 17.5180 to 17.5185.

References to additional child payment have been changed to overseas child payment to reflect terminology used in the Income Security System. Corrections have been made to clarify who is entitled to receive overseas child payment.

Update 832G # Date 6 March 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Clarification of foreign income. See guideline 17.7694.

Clarification that an overseas pension or benefit may be assessed as foreign income under the family payment income test.

Update 831G # Date 6 March 1997

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Definition of insufficient livelihood. See guidelines 15.1000 to 15.1004 (15.1005 has been deleted).

Clarifying how to determine placing themself in hardship.

Update 830G # Date 6 March 1997

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - (1) Education leaver - no dependents and under 18 years. (2) Victims of disasters - localised disasters. See guidelines 15.3010 and 15.3410 to 15.3414.

(1) Simplifies an obscure guideline, and changes an incorrect guideline reference.

(2) Deletes information that is repeated in the following segment and simplifies existing information about payment of special benefit due to acute hardship to victims of localised disasters.

Update 829G # Date 6 March 1997

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - (1) Overview of legislation and key issues (2) Insufficient livelihood. See guidelines 15.000 to 15.005 and 15.300 to 15.304.

(1) This update deletes an inaccurate SSA reference.

(2) Clarification of deliberately placing themself in hardship.

Update 902G # Date 4 March 1997

CHAPTER 25 - NON-CASH BENEFITS - Waiting period for newly arrived residents. See guidelines 25.2000 and 25.2500 to 25.2502 and 25.4000.

Commonwealth Senior's Health Card - newly arrived resident's waiting period.

Update 900G # Date 4 March 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Waiting period for newly arrived residents. See guidelines 12.8200 to 12.8403.

Newstart - newly arrived resident's waiting period.

Update 899G # Date 4 March 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Waiting period for newly arrived residents. See guideline 12.1300.

Special benefit may be available to newstart claimants during newly arrived resident's waiting period where financial hardship is result of unforeseen events since arriving in Australia.

Update 898G # Date 4 March 1997

CHAPTER 8 - CARER PENSION - 2 year newly arrived resident's waiting period. See guidelines 8.3100 to 8.3107.

Carer pension - newly arrived resident's waiting period and exemption.

Update 897G # Date 4 March 1997

CHAPTER 8 - CARER PENSION - 2 year newly arrived resident's waiting period. See guidelines 8.000 to 8.003.

Carer pension - newly arrived resident's waiting period and exemption.

Update 896G # Date 4 March 1997

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBDER EXEMPTIONS - 2 year newly arrived resident's waiting period. See guidelines 1.10000 to 1.10700.

General summary regarding waiting period for newly arrived residents.

Update 868G # Date 4 March 1997

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Newly arrived resident's waiting period. See guidelines 15.000 to 15.2930.

New guidelines for 104 week newly arrived resident's waiting period and some minor consequential changes.

Update 823G # Date 20 February 1997

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Private unit trusts. See guidelines 30.4720 to 30.4724.

Minor amendment to text and deletion of Act reference.

Update 822G # Date 20 February 1997

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Unlisted public securities. See guidelines 30.3700 to 30.3703.

Characteristics for unlisted public companies.

Update 821G # Date 20 February 1997

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Liquid funds. See guidelines 15.600 to 15.601.

Further clarification of available liquid funds.

Update 820G # Date 20 February 1997

CHAPTER 49 - ADVANCE PAYMENTS - Advance payment changes. See guidelines 49.000 to 49.7300.

Qualification for advance payments now generic for pensions, mature age allowance, widow allowance and newstart allowance, maximum advance is now $500.00.

Update 819G # Date 20 February 1997

CHAPTER 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - Lump sum bereavement payment. See guideline 24.1810.

Amendment to the formula for the lump sum bereavement payment for partners living apart due to ill health or respite care.

Update 818G # Date 20 February 1997

CHAPTER 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT. See guideline 35.000 to 35.6330.

This is part of a restructure of the Guide - relocating part of the former Chapter 27 into this new Chapter.

Update 817G # Date 20 February 1997

CHAPTER 50 - FAMILY TAX PAYMENT - Family tax payment. See guidelines 50.000 to 50.15000.

New Chapter - Guidance for the administration of the family tax payment implemented on 1 January 1997.

Update 816G # Date 6 February 1997

CHAPTER 47 - DROUGHT RELIEF PAYMENTS - Change to recovery period and revocations of drought relief payment. See guidelines 47.9000 to 47.10004.

(1) The change explains that recovery period has been extended from six months to twelve months.

(2) The change updates details of the revocation announced 31 December 1996.

Update 815G # Date 6 February 1997

CHAPTER 47 - DROUGHT RELIEF PAYMENTS - Declarations of drought relief payment (DRP). See guidelines 47.2000 to 47.2013.

The change updates the number of declarations of drought since drought relief payment (DRP) was introduced.

Update 814G # Date 6 February 1997

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Cosmetic change only. See guideline 38.2556.

Update 813G # Date 6 February 1997

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Additional on-line advice available. See guideline 38.2450.

Description of new on-line advice to be issued to customers when the Child Support Agency advises an application for child support assessment has not been accepted plus correction to description for Q025.

Update 812G # Date 6 February 1997

CHAPTER 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Parental income test/parental assets test - parent overseas. See guidelines 45.21010 to 45.21303.

Abolish the minimum rate of NSA/YTA/SA/SpB for dependent recipients under 18 years of age. The parental means test will now be applied to the full rate of payment, tapering the rate until entitlement is nil. Date of effect is 1 January 1997.

Update 811G # Date 6 February 1997

CHAPTER 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Industrial action deferment period. See guidelines 45.1180 to 45.1183.

This amendment outlines the entitlement to Special Benefit of customers who are subjected to a six week deferment period as a result of taking industrial action that was in breach of an order, direction or injunction by a State authority, the Industrial Relations Commission or the Federal Court, which has resulted in their unemployment.

Update 810G # Date 6 February 1997

CHAPTER 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Industrial action deferment period. See guidelines 15.3500 to 15.3502.

This amendment outlines the entitlement to special benefit of customers who are subjected to a six week deferment period as a result of taking industrial action that was in breach of an order, direction or injunction by a State authority, the Industrial Relations Commission or the Federal Court, which has resulted in their unemployment.

Update 809G # Date 6 February 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Newstart allowance - reclaiming. See guidelines 12.13900 to 12.15054 (deleted for release 4.77 11/12/97).

This amendment is to update policy on reclaiming and signature check exercised on Form SU19.

Update 808G # Date 6 February 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Newstart allowance - other activities that may satisfy the activity test. See guidelines 12.2500 to 12.2553.

This amendment is to remove youth training allowance references from the newstart chapter.

Update 807G # Date 6 February 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Newstart allowance - continuation form - Form SU19. See guidelines 12.16100 to 12.16505.

This amendment is to update the policy relating to continuation form - Form SU19.

Update 806G # Date 6 February 1997

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Comparable foreign payment and foreign pension claim procedures. See guidelines 42.2330 to 42.2331.

Provides a contact address for people wishing to follow up on pension entitlements from South Africa.

Update 805G # Date 6 February 1997

CHAPTER 44 - INDEPENDENT RATE - Assessment of claims. See guidelines 44.4420 to 44.4422.

Update 803G to 804G # Date 6 February 1997

CHAPTER 43 - PARTNER ALLOWANCE - Industrial action deferment period. See guidelines 43.100 and 43.240 to 43.243.

This amendment outlines the entitlement to partner allowance of customers who are subjected to a six week deferment period as a result of taking industrial action that was in breach of an order, direction or injunction by a State authority, the Industrial Relations Commission or the Federal Court, which has resulted in their unemployment.

Update 802G # Date 6 February 1997

CHAPTER 4 - COMPENSATION FOR DEFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION - Referral of compensation for detriment caused by defective administration (CDDA) and act of grace claims to National Administration. See guidelines 4.17100 to 4.17102.

This policy has now been changed to require that the above submissions are to be forwarded to the FAS of the relevant policy Division. The rationale for this change is that both CDDA and act of grace payments are 'ex gratia' type payments that allow the Department to compensate even though there is no legal liability to pay. That is, it is generally a policy decision as to whether it is appropriate to recommend compensation under either of these discretionary payments.

Update 801G # Date 23 January 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART ALLOWANCE - (1) Newstart/youth training allowance reviews. (2) Part P: Selective Reviews - Part Q: Incapacity Reviews. See guidelines 12.18000 to 12.21903.

(1) This amendment is to update the policy on the customer selection method for 12 week (DC), nine month (DE) and 10% intensive (DP) entitlement reviews and the procedure for conducting these reviews. As part of the new guidelines, annual reviews are no longer conducted.

(2) Newstart allowance to replace jobsearch allowance.

Update 800G # Date 23 January 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART ALLOWANCE - (1) Activity Test: Increase in deferment period for moving to an area of lower employment to 26 weeks. (2) Industrial action deferment period. See guidelines 12.8500 to 12.8502 and 12.8600 to 12.8603.

(1) With this amendment, legislative changes which commence 1 January 1997 increase the deferment period applicable to a customer who reduces their employment prospects by moving to an area of lower employment without DEETYA approval. The period is increased from 12 to 26 weeks.

(2) This amendment introduces a six (6) week deferment period for customers who have undertaken industrial action that was in breach of an order, direction or injunction issued by a State authority, the Industrial Relations Commission or the Federal Court, which has resulted in their unemployment.

Update 799G # Date 23 January 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART ALLOWANCE - Industrial action deferment period. See guidelines 12.1030 to 12.1073.

This amendment introduces a six (6) week deferment period for customers who have undertaken industrial action that was in breach of an order, direction or injunction issued by a State authority, the Industrial Relations Commission or the Federal Court, which has resulted in their unemployment.

Update 798G # Date 23 January 1997

CHAPTER 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Industrial action deferment period. See guidelines 45.1130 to 45.1141.

Update 797G # Date 23 January 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Procedures for monitoring job search activities. See guidelines 12.2800 to 12.3005.

This amendment updates the policy guidelines relating to the issue and return of Jobseeker Diary and Employer Contact Certificates and customers providing full employer details on SU19s. Legislation has been amended to increase the non payment period for customers moving to an Area of low employment prospects from 13 to 26 weeks. This has a date of effect of 1 January 1997.

Update 796G # Date 23 January 1997

CHAPTER 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - 1) Activity test: increase in deferment period for moving to an area of lower employment to 26 weeks -YTA. 2) Industrial action deferment period. See guidelines 45.8500 to 45.8502 and 45.8600 to 45.8700.

1) With this amendment, and proposed legislative changes in March 1997, the onus has been placed on the customer to show the delegate that sufficient reason exits for their voluntary unemployment or refusal of a job offer. The requirements will remove some of the discretion which now exists which will result in more consistent decisions across the network.

2) This amendment introduces a six (6) week deferment period for customers who have undertaken industrial action that was in breach of an order, direction or injunction issued by a State authority, the Industrial Relations Commission or the Federal Court, which has resulted in their unemployment.

Update 795G # Date 23 January 1997

CHAPTER 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Changing pension types while overseas - agreement pensioners See guidelines 42.1170 to42.1172.

The new guidelines amplify and consolidate current guideline 42.1170.

Update 794G # Date 9 January 1997

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Transferring applications for child support assessment immediately to the Child Support Agency. See guidelines 38.4000 to 38.4355.

To reflect changes to work practices indicated in National Instruction CB960190.

Update 793G # Date 9 January 1997

CHAPTER 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Transferring applications for child support assessment immediately to the Child Support Agency. See guidelines 38.1300 to 38.1321.

To reflect changes to work practices as indicated in National Instruction CB960190.

Update 792G # Date 9 January 1997

CHAPTER 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT. See guidelines 27.000 to 27.12105.

The new chapter 27 contains only updated 'Income - overview and assessment' information that was previously just a part of old chapter 27.

Update 791G # Date 9 January 1997

CHAPTER 29 - PRINCIPAL HOME AND AGED ACCOMMODATION - New chapter 29. See guidelines 29.000 to 29.6304.

The new chapter 29 contains updated information on principal home and aged accommodation which was previously part of old chapter 27.

Update 790G # Date 9 January 1997

CHAPTER 34 - PENSION LOANS SCHEME - New chapter 34. See guidelines 34.000 to 34.3500.

The new chapter 34 contains information on the 1985 Pension Loans Scheme and the revised Pension Loans Scheme.

Update 789G # Date 9 January 1997

CHAPTER 33 - SUPERANNUATION, ANNUITIES AND ALLOCATED PRODUCTS - New chapter 33. See guidelines 33.000 to 33.4110.

The new chapter 33 contains income and assets treatment of income stream products (ie superannuation, annuities, allocated annuities and allocated pensions) that was previously in chapter 27. This chapter will be substantially revised later this year.

Update 788G # Date 9 January 1997

CHAPTER 32 - INCOME AND ASSETS - DEPRIVATION - New chapter 32. See guidelines 32.000 to 32.2805.

The new chapter 32 contains update on income and assets treatment of deprivation that was previously in chapter 27.

Update 787G # Date 9 January 1997

CHAPTER 31 - INCOME AND ASSETS - BUSINESS STRUCTURES AND TRUSTS - New chapter 31. See guidelines 31.000 to 31.4711.

The new chapter 31 contains updated and expanded information for what was previously part of old chapter 27.

Update 786G # Date 9 January 1997

CHAPTER 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - New chapter 28. See guidelines 28.000 to 28.6302.

The new chapter 28, on the overview and assessment of assets, replaces Part G of current chapter 27 (except for assessment of the principal home, which has been included in new chapter 29). It includes treatment of exempt assets, assessable assets, market value and hardship.

Update 785G # Date 9 January 1997

CHAPTER 3 - REVIEWS - New chapter 3. See guidelines 3.000 to 3.1600.

New chapter contains update on income and assets reviews of pensions. Information was previously in chapter 27.

Update 784G # Date 9 January 1997

CHAPTER 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Assessment of Government and Semi-Government Bonds. See guidelines 30.2700 to 30.2730.

Clarify instructions on the assessment of government and semi-government bonds.

Update 917G # Date 1 January 1997

CHAPTER 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Labour Market Programs. See guidelines 45.2310 to 45.2313.

Special Employer Support Program introduced - eligibility issues on commencement and on reapplication for income support payment.

Update 915G # Date 1 January 1997

CHAPTER 12 - NEWSTART - Labour market programs. See guidelines 12.2310 to 12.2313.

Special Employer Support Program introduced - eligibility issues on commencement and on reapplication for income support payment.

Update 828G # Date 1 January 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Family payment rates and thresholds for 1997. See guidelines 17.11100.

These changes update the family payment rates and thresholds that take effect from 1 January 1997.

Update 827G # Date 1 January 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Family payment rates and thresholds for 1997. See guidelines 17.10100 to 17.10704.

These changes update the family payment rates and thresholds that take effect from 1 January 1997.

Update 826G # Date 1 January 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Family payment rates and thresholds for 1997. See guidelines 17.6000 to 17.6110, 17.7100 to 17.7200 & 17.7610 to 17.7612.

These changes update the family payment rates and thresholds that take effect from 1 January 1997.

Update 825G # Date 1 January 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Family payment rates and thresholds for 1997. See guidelines 17.3110 to17.3111 & 17.3130 to 17.3132.

These changes update the family payment rates and thresholds that take effect from 1 January 1997.

Update 824G # Date 1 January 1997

CHAPTER 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Family payment rates and thresholds for 1997. See guidelines 17.000 to 17.013.

These changes update the family payment rates and thresholds that take effect from 1 January 1997.