The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

Guide to Social Security Law Updates - 1998

Update 1408G # Date 23 December 1998

Chapter 5 - Age Pension - Chapter 5 - Department of Veterans Affairs payments. See guidelines 5.2000 to 5.2308.

A new section of the chapter is added on payment of age pension to veterans receiving Department of Veterans' Affairs disability pension. Minor changes are also made to chapter 5.

Update 1407G # Date 15 December 1998

Topic 3.2.1.30 - Waiting Periods for NSA - Correction of policy relating to start date of 26 week waiting period for Customers from New Zealand.

Chapter 3.1 - General Provisions - Corrections to information about residence requirements and waiting periods for newly arrived residents.

Update 1406G # Date 15 December 1998

Chapter 36 - Member of a Couple - Chapter 36 - Discretion not to treat customer as a member of a couple. See guidelines 36.500 to 36.534.

Section 24 may be applied where the person's partner is not residentially qualified or is subject to the newly arrived resident's waiting period (NARWP), and the person is in financial hardship. In brief, section 24 may be applied in such cases if the amount payable to the person at the partnered rate plus the couple's own income is less than the maximum rate payable to the couple if both were qualified for an income support.

Update 1405G # Date 3 December 1998

Chapter 47 - Drought Relief Payment - Chapter 47 has been made obsolete by the Farmer Assistance Scheme Library.

Chapter 47 has been replaced by Farmer Assistance Schemes Library which can be found in Centrelink Reference Suite under F in the alpha index. Drought Relief Payment has been replaced with Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment (ECRP) which can be found in the Farmer Assistance Scheme library.

Update 1404G # Date 3 December 1998

Chapter 5A - Retirement Assistance For Farmers - New Chapter 5A and new subsection 5A.1750. See guidelines 5A.000 to 5A.3101.

Introduction of RAFS allows older low income farmers to gift their farm without affecting their access to the age pension.

New subsection 5A.1750 - Eligible Termination Payment.

Update 1403G # Date 3 December 1998

Chapter 11 - WIDOW B PENSION -. See guidelines 11.000 to 11.3106.

  • Widow B pensioners paid under an international agreement who become eligible for an autonomous pension should be granted an autonomous pension.
  • Widow B pensioners overseas or paid under an international agreement or in receipt of ongoing compensation payments must not be transferred to age pension.

Update 1402G # Date 11 November 1998

This amendment incorporates extensive changes to Guide chapters as a result of the Guide Rewrite Stage 1.

Chapters amended have had text removed. The information is now contained in the appropriate sections of the Guide Rewrite. Where text has been removed you will find linked references to the Guide Rewrite.

Chapters affected are:

Chapter 2

Chapter 5A

Chapter 6

Chapter 8

Chapter 12

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 17

Chapter 18N

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 23

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 42

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Update 1401G # Date 28 October 1998

Chapter 31 - INCOME AND ASSETS - BUSINESS STRUCTURES AND TRUSTS - Income test treatment of offsetting losses between different business activities. See guidelines 31.1220 to 31.2121.

Offsetting losses from business activities must now be necessarily related to the business income being reduced.

Update 1400G # 28 October 1998

Chapter 27 - INCOME OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Assessment of private annuities under the income test. See guideline 27.11400 to 27.12100.

Amendments to assessment of private annuities under the income test guidelines.

Update 1399G # Date 28 October 1998

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Notional ordinary income - property owned with separated partner. See guidelines 28.5750 to 28.5756.

Notional income under the hardship provisions where property is owned with a separated partner and people may be fleeing domestic violence.

Update 1398G # Date 28 October 1998

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Unreasonable assets - unable to sell. See guidelines 28.5500 to 28.5505.

Hardship rules, unrealisable asset, unable to sell property where a person flees the family home as a result of domestic violence.

Update 1397G # Date 28 October 1998

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - See guidelines 28.7000 to 28.7601.

Assessment of private annuities under the assets test.

Update 1396G # Date 21 October 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - See guidelines 1.10000 to 1.10601.

Section on newly arrived resident's waiting period has been re-written to remove errors and provide better structured assistance to decision makers. In particular, the information on who has to serve a waiting period, and who is exempt, has been improved.

Update 1395G # Date 21 October 1998

Chapter 33 - INCOME AND ASSETS - SUPERANNUATION FUNDS - Guidelines 33.3342 to 33.6360 have been deleted.

Guidelines 33.3342 to 33.6360 have been deleted.

Update 1394G # Date 23 September 1998

Chapter 33A - INCOME AND ASSETS - INCOME STREAMS - New Chapter. See guidelines 33A.000 to 33A.7052.

Addition of new chapter 33A.

Update 1393G # Date 23 September 1998

Chapter 5 - AGE PENSION - Pension Bonus Scheme. See guidelines 5.2000 to 5.2610.

The pension bonus scheme commenced from 1 July 1998. It allows people of age pension age to defer their age pension whilst they continue to satisfy the work test requirements. At the time of claiming age pension they may qualify for a one-off tax-free lump-sum pension bonus equivalent to 9.4% of their annual pension for each year they have deferred.

Update 1392G # Date 23 September 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE. See guidelines 17.9810 to 17.9811.

Revised list of Ministers of Religion who are not employees of their religious organisations.

Update 1391G # Date 23 September 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Portability conditions for payment while outside Australia. See guidelines 42.150 to 42.158.

Exercise of discretionary powers with regard to continuation of benefits in cases where a departure certificate is not obtained.

Update 1390G # Date 23 September 1998

Chapter 8 - CARER PAYMENT. Complete rewrite of Chapter 8. See guidelines 8.000 to 8.6801.

The chapter has been updated to reflect the changes in legislation effective from 1 July 1998 regarding the extension of qualification for carer payment for a profoundly disabled child and two or more disabled children. It has also been substantially restructured and renumbered with a number of minor amendments intended to clarify existing policy.

Update 1389G # Date 9 September 1998

Chapter 37 - COMPENSATION RECOVERY. Compensation Recovery - treatment of former Austudy recipients who have received lump sums prior to 30/6/98. See guideline 37.1200.

Clarifies the treatment of former Austudy customers who have transferred to youth allowance or Austudy payment and have received lump sum compensation payments prior to 30 June 1998.

Update 1388G # Date 9 September 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT. See guidelines 15.4000 to 15.4010.

To insert a reference to a DOC (document created in the On-line Document recording System).

Update 1387G # Date 9 September 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT. See guidelines 15.3510 to 15.3515.

To clarify a reference to the assets test in case of disaster.

Update 1386G # Date 9 September 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT. See guidelines 15.3300 to 15.3308.

Add a reference to a new category of special benefit.

Update 1385G # Date 9 September 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT. See guidelines 15.3040 to 15.3043.

Add a reference to a new category of special benefit.

Update 1384G # Date 9 September 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT. See guidelines 15.2300 to 15.2306.

Add information about a new category of special benefit.

Update 1383G # Date 9 September 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT. See guidelines 15.2100 to 15.2110.

Remove references to special benefit being payable under Austudy payment conditions.

Update 1382G # Date 9 September 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT. See guidelines 15.000 to 15.008.

Additional information on special benefit new claim procedures.

Update 1374G # Date 3 September 1998

Chapter 37 - COMPENSATION RECOVERY - Compensation Recovery - Clarification of payments affected by the Compensation provisions. See guidelines 37.5200 to 37.5203.

Clarifies the treatment of arrears of periodic compensation payments, when the lump sum represents different payment periods paid at different rates.

Update 1373G # Date 3 September 1998

Chapter 37 - COMPENSATION RECOVERY - (1) Compensation Recovery - Clarification of payments affected by the Compensation provisions.

(2) Compensation Recovery - Clarification of payments excluded from Compensation provisions. See guidelines 37.1000 to 37.1100.

(1) Clarifies the definition of compensation to include most payments made under income protection and accident insurance policies with the exclusion of those payments specifically mentioned in guideline 37.1100.

(2) Clarifies the exclusion from the definition of compensation applying income protection policies where the recipient has personally contributed to the policy and where no offset clause exists.

Update 1381G # Date 2 September 1998

Chapter 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS. See guidelines 24.000 to 24.7541.

Amendment of directions on bereavement payment re notification requirements and war widows with DSS partners.

Update 1380G # Date 2 September 1998

Chapter 32 - INCOME AND ASSETS - DEPRIVATION - Beneficiary of a Deceased Estate. See guidelines 32.2300 to 32.2303.

Deprivation provisions should be applied to a beneficiary who waives their right to an interest in a deceased estate.

Update 1379G # Date 2 September 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENT - Verifying arrival in, and departure from Australia dates for Australian Passport holders. See guidelines 42.400 to 42.425.

From 11 July 1998 Australian passports have not necessarily been stamped with 'Arrival into or Departure from Australia' stamps. Verification of dates of arrival or dates of departure after 11 July 1998 can be obtained by sighting other travel documents held by customers or from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, International Movement Records Unit by telephone (see Reference Update CB980104) or via completion of the 'Verification of Arrival into or Departure from Australia' Form.

Update 1372G # Date 19 August 1998

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Treatment of Lump Sums received by Allowees. See guidelines 23.6000 to 23.6003.

Lump sums received by allowees are now treated in the same way as lump sums received by pensioners.

Update 1371G # Date 19 August 1998

Chapter 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 23.6000 to 23.6003.

Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1370G # Date 19 August 1998

Chapter 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 23.4410 to 23.4412.

Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1369G # Date 19 August 1998

Chapter 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 23.2000 to 23.2001.

Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1368G # Date 19 August 1998

Chapter 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Customers who sub-let in public housing. See guidelines 23.1950 to 23.1951.

From 1 January 1998 customers who sub-let in public housing are ineligible to receive rent assistance unless:

  • the primary tenant pays market rent; or
  • the primary tenant has advised the state housing authority that they have a sub-tenant and the sub-tenants income has been taken into account when setting the rent payable.

Update 1367G # Date 19 August 1998

Chapter 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 23.200 to 23.206.

Update 1378G # Date 12 August 1998

Chapter 27 - INCOME OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Update to Income Maintenance Period. See guidelines 27.2600 to 27.2851.

General update to the Income Maintenance Period provisions including the assessment of leave payments received by pensioner/allowee couples. How leave payments affect a pensioner and the allowee partner when received by the pensioner, and how they affect the allowee and pensioner partner when received by the allowee.

Update 1377G # Date 12 August 1998

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Treatment of Lump Sums Received by Allowees. See guidelines 27.200 to 27.11300.

Lump sums received by allowees are now treated in the same way as lump sums received by pensioners.

Update 1376G # Date 12 August 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART. See guidelines 12.2370 to 12.2431.

The Pilot period for Work for the Dole is coming to an end. These amendments incorporate changes to the Guide to reflect changes in policy for the expanded Work for the Dole initiative.

Update 1375G # Date 12 August 1998

Chapter 24 - BEREAVEMENT. See guidelines 24.8000 to 24.8201.

Amendment of directions on Bereavement payment re notification requirements and war widows with DSS partners.

Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1366G # Date 5 August 1998

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

This amendment deletes a sentence which encourages a survivor already receiving age pension paid under an agreement whose rate is reduced due to direct deductions from reclaiming age pension and qualifying for a higher rate under subsection 43(1A) of the Social Security Act 1991.

Update 1365G # Date 5 August 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - See guidelines 1.19500 to 1.19507.

Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1364G # Date 5 August 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - See guidelines 1.17200 to 1.18303.

Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1363G # Date 5 August 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - See guideline 1.13700.

Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1362G # Date 5 August 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - See guideline 1.8700.

Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1361G # Date 5 August 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - See guidelines 1.7800 to 1.7808.

Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1360G # Date 5 August 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - See guidelines 1.2910 to 1.2911.

Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1359G # Date 5 August 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - See guidelines 1.2000 to 1.2003.

Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1358G # Date 5 August 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - See guidelines 12.210 to 12.212.

General update to the prison release provisions, specifically where there is a partner who has been receiving parenting payment at the higher rate.

Update 1357G # Date 5 August 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXCEPTION - See guidelines 1.1000 to 1.1435.

Consequential changes to reflect introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1356G # Date 5 August 1998

Chapter 25 - NON-CASH BENEFITS - See guidelines 25.000 to 25.6502.

Introduction of youth allowance/Change to low income Health Care Card income assessment from 4 weeks to 8 weeks/General 'clean up' of wording.

Chapters 44 and 45 have been replaced by the Youth and Student Policy guidelines from 1 July 1998.

Update 1355G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 5A - RETIREMENT ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS - See guidelines 5A.000 to 5A.3001 (New Chapter).

Introduction of the Retirement Assistance for Farmers scheme (RAFS) allows older low income farmers to gift their farm without affecting their access to the age pension.

Update 1354G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Customers who sub-let in public housing. See guidelines 12.800 to 12.850.

From 1 January 1998 customers who sub-let in public housing are ineligible to receive rent assistance unless:

  • the primary tenant pays market rent: or
  • the primary tenant has advised the state housing authority that they have a sub-tenant and the sub-tenants income has been taken into account when setting the rent payable.

Update 1353G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Abolition of education leavers waiting period (ELDP). Guidelines 12.7600 to 12.8100 have been deleted.

ELDP was abolished on 1 July 1998 under youth allowance legislation.

Update 1352G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes to newstart allowance activity test as a result of youth allowance. See guidelines 12.4010 to 12.5402.

Removal of references to U16s and youth training allowance and inserting information on changed arrangements for students.

Update 1351G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Foreign income and net rental property losses. See guidelines 17.7720 to 17.7738c.

These amendments provide foreign income exchange rates for 1 July 1998 and clarification of policy relating to net rental property losses.

Update 1350G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes to newstart allowance (NSA) activity test as a result of youth allowance (YA). See guidelines 12.2900 to 12.2904.

Upon transfer from youth allowance to newstart allowance or turning 21, youth allowance activity agreement needs to be renewed as newstart allowance activity agreement.

Update 1349G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes as a result of youth allowance (YA). See guidelines 12.18000 to 12.18400.

Removal of references to youth training allowance as it no longer exists.

Update 1348G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes as a result of youth allowance (YA). See guidelines 12.16100 to 12.16104.

Removal of references to under 18s, as this will be covered by YA.

Update 1347G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes as a result of youth allowance. See guidelines 12.15300 to 12.15302.

Removal of references to youth training allowance.

Update 1346G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes to newstart allowance activity test as a result of youth training allowance being replaced by youth allowance. See guidelines 12.2550 to 12.2807.

Removal of references to youth training allowance (YTA) which are no longer required because youth training allowance has been replaced by youth allowance.

Update 1345G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes as a result of youth allowance (YA). See guidelines (1) 12.11050, (2) 12.11400 to 12.11500, and (3) 12.13400 to 12.13411

(1) Removal of references to youth training allowance (YTA) which no longer exist.

(2) Insertion of reference to member of a YA couple for affecting rate by parnter's newstart allowance.

(3)Removal of reference to YTA.

Update 1344G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes to newstart allowance activity test as a result of replacement of youth training allowance by youth allowance. See guidelines 12.2000 to 12.2323.

Removal of references to youth training allowance and Student and Youth Assistance Act, as youth training allowance has been replaced by youth allowance with its own guidelines.

Update 1343G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 7 - WIFE PENSION - Transfer to age. See guideline 7.2300.

Removal of reference to the incorrect age pension age for women.

Update 1342G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes to newstart allowance as a result of youth allowance. See guideline 12.940.

Removal of reference to under 18s as all under 18s will be covered by youth allowance.

Update 1341G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes to full time student arrangements as a result of youth allowance. See guidelines 12.500 to 12.611.

AUSTUDY was replaced by youth allowance and AUSTUDY payment on 1 July 1998. Transfers between job search and study will be easier, but rules have changed as to when transfers occur.

Update 1340G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Newstart allowance age qualification now 21 unless saved. See guidelines 12.000 to 12.102.

Youth allowance replaced youth training allowance and newstart allowance for U21s on 1 July 1998 except for customers covered by savings provisions.

Update 1339G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 46 - WIDOW ALLOWANCE - Changes as a result of youth allowance. See guidelines 46.4200 to 46.4201.

Removal of references to Austudy, as it was replaced by youth allowance on 1 July 1998.

Update 1338G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 46 - WIDOW ALLOWANCE - Changes as a result of youth allowance. See guidelines 46.230 to 46.231.

Removal of references to Austudy.

Update 1337G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 43 - PARTNER ALLOWANCE - Changes to partner allowance as a result of youth allowance. See guidelines 43.100 to 43.5001.

Removal of references to Austudy, which no longer exists and insertion of references to youth allowance and AUSTUDY payment.

Update 1336G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 39 - MATURE AGE ALLOWANCE - Change in qualification for EdEP as a result of youth allowance. See guidelines 39.3600 to 39.3601.

Removal of reference to Austudy scheme which no longer exists.

Update 1335G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 39 - MATURE AGE ALLOWANCE - Changes to mature age allowance (MAA) as a result of youth allowance. See guidelines 39.1600 to 39.1602.

Removal of reference to Austudy as an example of a preclusion.

Update 1334G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 39 - MATURE AGE ALLOWANCE - Inclusion of youth allowance and Austudy payment as payments qualifying a person for mature age allowance (MAA). See guidelines 39.000 to 39.005.

Insertion of reference to youth allowance and Austudy payment in qualification criteria for mature age allowance.

Update 1333G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Changes to EdEP as result of youth allowance. See guidelines 26.5000 to 26.8000.

Replacement of reference to Austudy with reference to ABSTUDY, as Austudy has been replaced by youth allowance.

Update 1332G # Date 22 July 1998

Chapter 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Employment Education Payment not available to youth allowance, Austudy payment. See guidelines 26.000 to 26.1700.

Removal of references to youth training allowance and Austudy which no longer exists and insertion of references that employment education payment not available to youth allowance and Austudy payment.

Update 1331G # Date 8 July 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - See guidelines 42.2000 to 42.2531.

Comprehensive update of policy and procedures for claiming a Comparable Foreign Payment (CFP) under CFP legislation. Procedural references minimised and attuned to the requirements of the Foreign Pensions System.

Update 1330G # Date 8 July 1998

Chapter 31 - INCOME AND ASSETS - BUSINESS STRUCTURES AND TRUSTS - Constructive trusts. See guidelines 31.4300 to 31.4307.

Amendment to guidelines to assist Complex Assessment Officers to make decisions in cases involving constructive trusts.

Update 1329G # Date 8 July 1998

Chapter 37 - COMPENSATION RECOVERY - (1) Effect of Cunneen decision on lump sum payments. See guidelines 37.5000 to 37.5001. (2)Various amendments. See guidelines 37.5200 to 37.7402.

(1)Updates the Guide to reflect the decision of the Federal Court in Cunneen decision, that lump sum payments cannot be dissected into their component parts, even when arrears or advances of periodic payments are included in the lump sum.

(2) i) Clarify treatment of partners when periodic payments are received. ii) Clarify treatment of arrears of periodic payments. iii) Ensure legislation is followed when calculating preclusion periods. iv) Ensure part commutations of periodic payments are described. v) Ensure notional parenting payment (allowance) is deducted from charges in pre 20/3/97 settlements. vi) Ensure that lump sum payments are included in the assets test for partner of the compensation recipient.

Update 1328G # Date 8 July 1998

Chapter 37 - COMPENSATION RECOVERY - Various amendments. See guideline 37.4100.

i) Clarify treatment of partners when periodic payments are received. ii) Clarify treatment of arrears of periodic payments. iii) Ensure legislation is followed when calculating preclusion periods. iv) Ensure part commutations of periodic payments are described. v) Ensure notional parenting payment (allowance) is deducted from charges in pre 20/3/97 settlements. vi) Ensure that lump sum payments are included in the assets test for partner of the compensation recipient.

Update 1327G # Date 8 July 1998

Chapter 37 - COMPENSATION RECOVERY - Various amendments. See guidelines 37.1100 to 37.1201.

1) Clarifies treatment of periodic compensation paid in respect of Defence Force Reserve activity; and

2) Includes youth allowance (YA) and Austudy payment as compensation affected payments.

Update 1326G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES INC. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Remove incorrect term 'additional family allowance. See guidelines 1.7700 to 1.7902.

Remove incorrect term 'additional family allowance.

Update 1325G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 35 - DEEMING RATES OF PAYMENT - Rates of payment for youth allowance and Austudy payment. See guidelines 35.000 to 35.1303.

Insert reference to Youth and Student Policy Guidelines for youth allowance and Austudy payment rates.

Update 1324G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Youth allowance and Austudy payment affected by extended deeming. See guidelines 30.1110 to 30.1111.

Insertion of youth allowance and Austudy payment as income support affected by extended deeming.

Update 1323G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Assets test arrangements for youth allowance and Austudy payment. See guideline 28.000.

Insertion of reference to Youth and Student Policy Guidelines for youth allowance and Austudy payment assets tests and actual means test.

Update 1322G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Youth allowance and Austudy payment exempt income from LETS. See guidelines 27.1340 to 27.1342.

Insertion of youth allowance and Austudy payment as payments where LETS income is exempt from the income test.

Update 1321G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES INC TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Youth allowance and Austudy payment not payable during imprisonment or confinement in psychiatric hospital. See guidelines 1.18310 to 1.18312.

Insertion of youth allowance and Austudy payments as payment types where benefit is not payable during imprisonment etc.

Update 1320G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES INC TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Claims for youth allowance and related measures. See guidelines 1.000 to 1.004.

Insertion of reference to Youth and Student Policy Guidelines.

Update 1319G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Newly arrived residents waiting period and youth allowance, Austudy payment. See guidelines 15.2100 to 15.2205.

Newly arrived residents waiting period applies to youth allowance and Austudy payment. Rules for New Zealanders differ for other payments, but some exceptions exist. References inserted to Youth and Student Policy Guidelines.

Update 1318G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Non-payment of youth allowance or Austudy payment. See guidelines 15.000 to 15.006.

With the introduction of youth allowance, NSA for U21s is replaced by YA. A customer will be able to qualify for SpB if the reason for non-payment of YA or Austudy payment is not related to activity test failure.

Update 1317G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 49 - ADVANCE PAYMENTS - Calculating advances for youth allowance and AUSTUDY payment. See guidelines 49.3100 to 49.3510.

Youth allowance and AUSTUDY payment advances are calculated similarly to NSA advances, but youth allowance has weekly payment customers who will qualify and both YA and AUSTUDY payment full-time students may also convert some of their entitlement to a loan.

Update 1316G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 49 - ADVANCE PAYMENTS - Approving advance to U18 year old. See guidelines 49.2100 to 49.2111.

Sentence inserted advising particular care to be taken before approving an advance to a youth allowance customer U18.

Update 1315G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 49 - ADVANCE PAYMENTS - Advance payments extended to youth allowance and AUSTUDY payment. See guidelines 49.000 to 49.500.

Advance payments extended to youth allowance and AUSTUDY payment. Students will be able to have income support for three months waived so that this advance can cover educational expenses.

Update 1314G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Removal of overseas child payment to students 16 and over. See guidelines 42.400 to 42.425.

With the introduction of youth allowance, additional family payment was replaced by youth allowance. As overseas child payment was based on additional family payment, it will no longer be available.

Update 1313G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Continuation of youth allowance and AUSTUDY payment for students overseas. See guidelines 42.000 to 42.004.

Insertion of reference to the Youth and Student Policy Guidelines for students studying overseas.

Update 1312G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Lump sum arrears for U18 youth allowance customers and taxable and non-taxable payments. See guidelines 2.7700 to 2.8003.

Youth allowance for U18s will generally be directed to parents, however, customers who receive youth allowance directly because they are homeless or live away from home will be vulnerable to lump sum payment problems. Identification of youth allowance, AUSTUDY payment etc as taxable or non-taxable payments.

Update 1311G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Direction of payment to parents of U18s receiving youth allowance. See guidelines 2.4000 to 2.4007.

U18s receiving youth allowance will have their payments directed to parents unless specifically directed otherwise. Reference inserted to Youth and Student Policy Guidelines.

Update 1310G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Weekly payment of youth allowance. See guidelines 2.2140 to 2.2142.

Insertion of reference to the Youth and Student Policy Guidelines for weekly payments for U18s receiving YA.

Update 1309G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Definition of PES payday. See guidelines 2.2000 to 2.2002.

Reference to PES payday and insertion of youth allowance and AUSTUDY payment at times deferred by the Secretary.

Update 1308G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Methods of payment for youth allowance, AUSTUDY payment, pensioner education supplement, student financial supplement scheme and fares allowance. See guidelines 2.000 to 2.004.

Insertion of reference to youth and student policy guidelines for methods of payment for youth allowance and related measures.

Update 1307G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 23 - ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS - RENT ASSISTANCE, PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE, REMOTE AREA ALLOWANCE - Fees paid by parents/others on behalf of students in boarding school are deemed paid by student for RA purposes. See guidelines 23.400 to 23.403.

Youth allowance replaces AUSTUDY for students and enables students to get rent assistance. Students in boarding schools may not pay their own fees but for RA purposes they will be deemed to have paid them.

Update 1306G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 40 - DISABILITY WAGE SUPPLEMENT - Youth allowance or AUSTUDY payment to be considered for customers not qualified for DSP. See guidelines 40.3200 to 40.3206.

Youth allowance replaced YTA and NSA for U21s and would be the payment for customers not qualified for DSP. AUSTUDY payment caters for students with disabilities not qualified for DSP if O25.

Update 1305G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 40 - DISABILITY WAGE SUPPLEMENT - Youth allowance replaces sickness allowance for U21 year olds as an example of when exacerbations of permanent conditions can give rise to temporary incapacity for work and may qualify for payment. See guidelines 40.600 to 40.613.

Insertion of youth allowance for U21 year olds as an example of when exacerbations of permanent conditions can give rise to temporary incapacity for work and may qualify for payment.

Update 1304G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 20 - MOBILITY ALLOWANCE - Cessation of mobility allowance once customer ceases to receive youth allowance or AUSTUDY payment. See guidelines 20.3100 to 20.3104.

Youth training allowance was replaced by youth allowance on 1 July and AUSTUDY payment included as qualifying payment. Both needed to be inserted for cessation once qualifying payment ceases.

Update 1303G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 20 - MOBILITY ALLOWANCE - Replacement of YTA by YA as qualifying payment for mobility allowance. See guidelines 20.1000 to 20.1010.

Insertion of youth allowance and AUSTUDY payment as qualifying payment for mobility allowance where referral to mobility allowance disability panel may be required.

Update 1302G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 21 - DISASTER RELIEF PAYMENT - Replacement of additional family payment for O16s and AUSTUDY by youth allowance affects components of DRP. See guidelines 21.900 to 21.902.

Youth allowance replaces additional family payment for O16s and AUSTUDY for U25s. Rate of DRP calculation will no longer include students 16-24.

Update 1301G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Claimant disqualified for youth allowance due to industrial action. See guidelines 15.3700 to 15.3703.

Youth allowance replaces NSA for U21s and needed to be included as a payment type which disqualifies the claimant due to industrial action, as does NSA.

Update 1300G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Abolition of Education Leaver Waiting Period. See guidelines 15.3200 to 15.3204.

Abolition of education leaver waiting period for all payments means that SpB will no longer be required for education leavers.

Update 1299G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Rate payable for Australian citizen child of non-permanent resident not to exceed 'at home' rate of youth allowance. See guidelines 15.3040 to 15.3043.

YTA replaced by youth allowance from 1 July. Maximum rate payable changes from 'at home' rate of YTA to 'at home' rate of YA.

Update 1298G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Increase in age for homeless students from 16 to 18. See guidelines 15.3010 to 15.3013.

The maximum age for SpB for homeless students has been increased to 18 years because of youth allowance requirement to be in education.

Update 1297G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Youth allowance payable on prison release to qualified customers. See guidelines 15.2800 to 15.2921.

Insertion of reference to youth allowance as a payment which released prisoners U21 will qualify for the age for homeless full-time students increased from 16 to 18 because youth allowance will require young people to remain in education to 18.

Update 1296G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Youth allowance available and most cases for expectant mothers. See guidelines 15.2600 to 15.2705.

With introduction of youth allowance, exemption from activity test allows expectant mothers to remain on youth allowance as with NSA. Removal of reference to YTA, which has been replaced by youth allowance.

Update 1295G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Rate of special benefit not to exceed rate of NSA, YA or AUSTUDY payment. See guidelines 15.1000 to 15.1007.

Youth allowance replaces NSA for U21s. Insertion of youth allowance and AUSTUDY payment as limitations on rates for relevant customers.

Update 1294G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Removal of AUSTUDY as a payment type. See guidelines 15.200 to 15.503.

AUSTUDY has been replaced by youth allowance and DSS AUSTUDY payment from 1 July. Removal of references to AUSTUDY.

Update 1293G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Abolition of Education Leaver Waiting Period. Guidelines 14.2770 to 14.2801 have been deleted.

The Education Leavers Waiting Period has been abolished for all payments.

Update 1292G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Removal of s687(3) - for education leavers date of incapacity not before last day of study. See guidelines 14.2100 to 14.2103.

s687(3), which required that the date of incapacity for education leavers can't be before the last day of study, and has been repeated.

Update 1291G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Former students on youth allowance rather than AUSTUDY and abolition of education leave waitin period. See guidelines 14.1400 to 14.1422.

Youth allowance replaces AUSTUDY as main education payment. The education leave waiting period is abolished in youth allowance legislation for all payments.

Update 1290G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Inclusion of study as temporary incapacity. See guidelines 14.1200 to 14.1202.

With introduction of youth allowance, sickness allowance qualification now includes temporary incapacity for study as well as work.

Update 1289G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Youth allowance replaces sickness allowance for U21s. See guidelines 14.100 to 14.1000.

Removal of qualification for sickness allowance for claimants under 16 as sickness allowance for U21s has been replaced by youth allowance. Insertion of study as qualifying for sickness allowance for students U21.

Update 1288G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 6 - DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Inclusion of youth allowance provisional pending DSP. See guidelines 6.010 to 6.017.

Youth allowance replaces NSA for U21s and YTA and therefore U21s claiming DSP can receive youth allowance provisional.

Update 1287G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 50 - FAMILY TAX PAYMENT - Correction of spelling mistake. See guideline 50.9110.

Correction of ACT to Act.

Update 1286G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 50 - FAMILY TAX PAYMENT - Claiming PES payment. See guidelines 50.9000 to 50.9004.

Change of reference to AUSTUDY to ABSTUDY, as example of PES payment, as AUSTUDY replaced by youth allowance.

Update 1285G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 50 - FAMILY TAX PAYMENT - Family allowance for over 16 year olds limited to minimum rate only. See guidelines 50.6100 to 50.6105.

Because family allowance for over 16 year old child is limited to minimum rate, notional calculation using old rate of $60.20 used to determine qualification for FTP.

Update 1284G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 50 - FAMILY TAX PAYMENT - 16-17 secondary school student reciving youth allowance is FTP child. See guidelines 50.1130 to 50.1133.

An FTP child includes 16-17 secondary school students receiving youth allowance. Youth allowance not included as income.

Update 1283G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 50 - FAMILY TAX PAYMENT - Treatment of youth allowance child over 16 for FTP. See guidelines 50.1000 to 50.1003.

Inserts reference to guideline 50.1131 for treatment of children over 16 receiving youth allowance.

Update 1282G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENT - Calculation for death of child turning 16. See guidelines 24.7300 to 24.7307.

With introduction of youth allowance, the more the minimum rate family payment was abolished. When calculating rate, have to use rate payable when still 15 for re period.

Update 1281G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 19 - DOUBLE ORPHAN PENSION - DOP not payable for youth allowance customers when saved. See guidelines 19.2100 to 19.2120.

Youth allowance replaces AUSTUDY - as DSS income support payment, precludes payment of DOP for child. Savings provision for child currently receiving DOP.

Update 1280G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - ACO not qualified for DOP for customer qualified to receive youth allowance. See guidelines 17.15800 to 17.15802.

Customer qualified for youth allowance at a rate greater than minimum family allowance does not qualify ACO for DOP.

Update 1279G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Insertion of youth allowance and AUSTUDY payment in table of effects of commonwealth payments. See guideline 17.10830.

Insertion of youth allowance and AUSTUDY in table to show effect on family allowance of youth allowance and AUSTUDY payment and deletion of AUSTUDY.

Update 1278G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Change from AUSTUDY to ABSTUDY as example of PES payment. See guidelines 17.9000 to 17.9003.

AUSTUDY has been replaced by youth allowance. Changed example of prescribed education scheme payment from AUSTUDY to ABSTUDY.

Update 1277G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Exemptions from income test for family allowance customer with youth allowance or AUSTUDY payment partner. See guidelines 17.7420 to 17.7423.

Treatment of relationships between family allowance and youth allowance/AUSTUDY payment customers in determining exemptions from income test, eg marriage-like relationships, loans.

Update 1276G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Treatment of tertiary students receiving the student financial supplement. See guidelines 17.7400 to 17.7401.

Contents of review package to contain youth allowance claim form instead of AUSTUDY claim form.

Update 1275G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Family allowance free area to include dependent youth allowance child. See guidelines 17.7100 to 17.7101.

Youth allowance replacing AUSTUDY for students 16-18 means that youth allowance dependent customers included in income free area.

Update 1274G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Change of contents of 16th birthday review as a result of youth allowance. See guidelines 17.3300 to 17.3601.

Contents of review package to contain youth allowance claim form instead of AUSTUDY claim form.

Update 1273G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Minimum rate family allowance payable to 16+ children not in receipt of Youth Allowance. See guidelines 17.3120 to 17.3203.

Family allowance at minimum rate may be payable to a 16+ child not receiving youth allowance, including children serving waiting period.

Update 1272G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Youth Allowance customers not considered dependents for family allowance. See guidelines 17.3000 to 17.3030.

Students 16+ who qualify for a rate of youth allowance that is more than minimum family allowance are not dependents and family allowance is not payable.

Update 1271G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Youth Allowance claim taken as family allowance claim. See guidelines 17.2300 to 17.2401.

Inserts reference to guideline 1.1431 for cases where a youth allowance claim can be taken as family allowance claim.

Update 1270G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 19 - DOUBLE ORPHAN PENSION - Eligibility. See guidelines 19.4100 to 19.4103.

16-21 students who are covered by Double Orphan Pension (DOP)/Youth Allowance (YA) savings provisions must continue to meet them to remain eligible for DOP.

Update 1269G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 19 - DOUBLE ORPHAN PENSION - Legislation. See guidelines 19.000 to 19.006.

Double Orphan Pension (DOP) students previosly receiving AUSTUDY and DOP will be saved but DOP will no longer be payable for students 16-22 not currently on DOP.

Update 1267G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 6 - DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - 16-17 year old homeless disability support pension (DSP) customers. See guidelines 6.160 to 6.169.

Change reference to Chapter 44 to Youth and Student Policy Guidelines for youth allowance.

Update 1266G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Tax file number requirements for youth allowance. See guidelines 1.14000 to 1.14006.

Insertion of tax file number information for parents of youth allowance recipients, when youth allowance is introduced on 1 July 1998.

Update 1265G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes to treatment of Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP). See guidelines 12.280 to 12.315.

Policy changes to CDEP stress that CDEP is voluntary: a person enters a CDEP scheme by their own choice. However, once a person signs up for the funding quarter they are generally expected to remain in the scheme. If they leave during a funding quarter their reason for leaving should be examined. These guidelines clarify when a person can leave the scheme without incurring a breach.

Update 1264G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 32 - INCOME AND ASSETS - DEPRIVATION - Forgone wages. See guidelines 32.2430 to 32.2437.

To update the table of AWOTE figures to be used in the calculation of forgone wages.

Update 1263G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Roles and functions of the Centrelink Customer Service Centres. See guidelines 38.1300 to 38.1310.

Update of the roles and functions of the Centrelink Customer Service Centres to reflect changes since the introduction of Centrelink.

Update 1262G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 25 - NON-CASH BENEFITS - Changes to Chapter 25 resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 25.3000 to 25.3411.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1261G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 25 - NON-CASH BENEFITS - Changes to Chapter 25 resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 25.000 to 25.003.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1260G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - non-Agency payments. See guidelines 38.11000 to 38.11011.

From 1 July 1998, the Child Support Agency will automatically pass details of non-Agency payments directly to the Centrelink system. This will enable the family allowance maintenance income test to be automatically applied for these payments.

Update 1259G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Introduction of consistent hardship provisions for waiting periods. See guidelines 14.2700 to 14.2740.

Introduces consistent hardship provisions for the Ordinary Waiting Period, Liquid Assets Test Waiting Period and Seasonal Work Preclusion Period.

Update 1258G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Update of rates chapter for parenting payment. See guidelines 35.7000 to 35.7110.

These amendments to chapter 35 include guidelines on the rates, income and assets test, and examples of the rate calculation, for parenting payment.

Update 1257G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Arrears component of Child Support Agency payments. See guidelines 38.10720 to 38.10732.

From 1 July 1998, the maintenance income test is to be applied to all child support arrears. This includes child support arrears received with the first payment of regular child support collected by the CSA.

Update 1256G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Parenting payment. See guidelines 35.000 to 35.1500.

These amendments to Chapter 35 include guidelines on the rates, income and assets test, and examples of the rate calculation, for parenting payment.

Update 1255G # Date 24 June 1998

Chapter 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Parenting payment. See guideline 35.5700.

These amendments to Chapter 35 include guidelines on the rates, income and assets test, and examples of the rate calculation, for parenting payment.

Update 1254G # Date 10 June 1998

Chapter 18N - CHILD DISABILITY ALLOWANCE - Complete re-write of Chapter 18. See guidelines 18N.000 to 18.9405.

Complete re-write of Chapter 18 to take account of the change to qualification and procedures for child disability allowance from 1 July 1998.

Update 1253G # Date 10 June 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Waiting periods. See guidelines 12.7000 to 12.7592.

Introduces consistant hardship provisions for the Ordinary Waiting Period, Liquid Assets Test Waiting Period and Seasonal Work Preclusion Period.

Update 1252G # Date 10 June 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Ministers of religion. See guidelines 17.9810 to 17.9811.

Ministers of religion who are assessed as not being employees for the purposes of the family allowance income test.

Update 1251G # Date 10 June 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Cocos (Keeling) Islands. See guidelines 42.770 to 42.775.

Guide refers to Perth East Regional Office for customers in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Perth East RO was closed in 1997, with amalgamation to Milligan Street (PRW) CSC.

Update 1250G # Date 10 June 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Notional interest rates. See guidelines 17.7660 to 17.7665.

Update of the notional interest rates used in the assessment of employer provided low interest loans.

Update 1249G # Date 28 May 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Change of care - child at risk of harm. See guidelines 17.4380 to 17.4385.

Sometimes children, especially in the older age groups, may reside with adults who are providing care for the child on an informal basis. These guidelines provide principles for dealing with family allowance claims in respect of children. Cases where there may be a significant risk of harm are to be referred to social work, who will provide a recommendation on the claim.

Update 1248G # Date 28 May 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Verification of taxable income. See guidelines 17.11100 to 17.11105.

It is no longer possible for staff to verify taxable income directly with the ATO via the form SC167.

Update 1247G # Date 28 May 1998

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Application of the assets test to conventional life insurance policies. See guidelines 28.3100 to 28.3102.

These changes clarify that the surrender value of a conventional life insurance policy is clearly the asset of the policy holder or owner, or the person who has access to the value of the policy. The surrender value of such policies are not necessarily the asset of the beneficiary, or the life insured, unless they are also either the policy owner or the person who has access to the value of the policy.

Update 1246G # Date 28 May 1998

Chapter 27 - INCOME OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Restitution payments. See guidelines 27.4120 to 27.4124.

Guidelines for payments made under supplementary social insurance agreements between the United States and Germany and Israel and Germany.

Update 1245G # Date 15 May 1998

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - valuation of overseas real estate. See guidelines 28.4120 to 28.4123.

Guidelines for valuing overseas property.

Update 1244G # Date 15 May 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - rate of payment - Veteran's Affairs customers. See guidelines 17.10820 to 17.10823.

Customers receiving Department of Veterans' Affairs Disability Pension are subject to income and assets tests for family allowance.

Update 1243G # Date 15 May 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - family payment. See guidelines 17.4510 to 17.4574.

Change of names to parenting payment and family allowance. Changes in shared care policy.

Update 1242G # Date 15 May 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - family payment. See guidelines 17.4360 to 17.4366.

Change of names to parenting payment and family allowance. Changes in shared care policy.

Update 1241G # Date 15 May 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - family payment. See guidelines 17.1110 to 17.1114.

Change of names to parenting payment and family allowance.

Update 1240G # Date 15 May 1998

Chapter 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - family allowance. See guidelines 24.7000 to 24.8201.

Change name to family allowance.

Update 1239G # Date 15 May 1998

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Family allowance. See guidelines 27.9800 to 27.9805.

Change name to parenting payment and correct misleading family allowance reference.

Update 1238G # Date 15 May 1998

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Family allowance. See guidelines 27.7000 to 27.7002.

Correct reference to family allowance.

Update 1237G # Date 15 May 1998

Chapter 47 - DROUGHT RELIEF PAYMENTS - Family allowance. See guidelines 47.5000 to 47.5005.

Correct interpretation of rate of family allowance.

Update 1236G # Date 15 May 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Portability. See guidelines 42.910 to 42.946.

Portability: Record adjustments when pensioner returns to Australia.

Update 1235G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Assessment of superannuation guarantee charge contributions to superannuation funds after age pension age. See guidelines 30.4630 to 40.3632.

Superannuation guarantee charge (SGC) contributions to a customers' superannuation funds by employers are now mandatary where the employee is under age 70. Such contributions were mandatory up to age 65. SGC contributions are not assess as income for social security purposes where the customer is under age 70.

Update 1234G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 40 - DISABILITY WAGE SUPPLEMENT - Fix references to family allowance. See guidelines 40.3200 to 40.3206.

Fix references to family allowance.

Update 1233G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 13 - FARM HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT - Name change to family allowance. See guidelines 13.19000 to 13.19003.

Name change to family allowance.

Update 1232G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 21 - DISASTER RELIEF PAYMENT - Fix references to additional family payment. See guidelines 21.000 to 21.002.

Fix references to additional family payment.

Update 1231G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - Remove references to additional family payment. See guidelines 24.000 to 24.003.

Remove references to additional family payment.

Update 1230G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Remove references to additional family payment. See guidelines 12.17400 to 12.17401.

Remove references to additional family payment.

Update 1229G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 26.5000 to 26.8000.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment..

Update 1228G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 4 - COMPENSATION FOR DEFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION - Name change to family allowance. See guidelines 4.6500 to 4.6504.

Name change to family allowance.

Update 1227G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 26.2000 to 26.2702.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1226G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Income - DVA Service pensions. See guidelines 27.3100 to 27.3114.

DVA no longer pay additional pension for children.

Update 1225G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 30.4100 to 30.4103.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1224G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Change of care. See guidelines 17.4300 to 17.4321.

Determination of change of care arrangements in relation to family allowance 14 day notification and non-notification periods.

Update 1223G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 30 - INCOME: ASSESSMENT FROM FINANCIAL ASSETS - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guideline 30.1400 to 30.1403.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1222G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 17 -FAMILY ALLOWANCE - Ministers of religion. See guideline 17.9810.

Update of Religious Organisations whose ministers are not regarded as employees.

Update 1221G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 32 -INCOME AND ASSETS -DEPRIVATION - Changes resulting from introduction of Parenting Payment . See guideline 32.1300 to 32.1305.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1219G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE. See guideline 17.7900 to 17.7913.

Family allowance reassessment following cancellations of income support payments.

Update 1218G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Remove references to additional family payment. See guideline 42.900 to 42.910.

Remove references to additional family payment.

Update 1217G # Date 30 April 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - remove references to additional family payment. See guideline 42.260 to 42.324.

Remove references to additional family payment.

Update 1220G # Date 20 April 1998

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Flow on changes due to the introduction of parenting payment. See guideline 38.12300 to 38.13000.

Removal of references to sole parent pension.

Update 1206G # Date 16 April 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 12.17400 to 12.17504.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1203G # Date 16 April 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTION - Family payment name change to family allowance. See guideline 1.10600.

Family payment name change to family allowance.

Update 1202G # Date 16 April 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTION - Family payment name change to family allowance. See guidelines 1.5000 to 1.5300.

Family payment name change to family allowance.

Update 1201G # Date 16 April 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 12.16040 to 12.16042.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1200G # Date 16 April 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 12.15630 to 12.15637.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1199G # Date 16 April 1998

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Assessment of guarantor arrangements. See guidelines 28.3050 to 28.3056.

Treatment of guarantor arrangements.

Update 1198G # Date 16 April 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 12.11400 to 12.13411.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1197G # Date 16 April 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 12.2815 to 12.2828.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1196G # Date 16 April 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 12.2730 to 12.2736.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1195G # Date 16 April 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 12.800 to 12.801.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1194G # Date 16 April 1998

Chapter 50 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 50.2500 to 50.12002.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1193G # Date 16 April 1998

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 28.5500 to 28.5504.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1192# Date 16 April 1998

Chapter 47 - DROUGHT RELIEF PAYMENTS - Changes resulting from introduction to parenting payment. See guidelines 47.14000 to 47.14013.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1191# Date 9 April 1998

Chapter 47 - DROUGHT RELIEF PAYMENTS - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 47.5000 to 47.5005.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1190# Date 9 April 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Two year migrant waiting period. See guidelines 15.2100 to 15.2908.

Clarification of policy for customers under 16 years who are not full time students.

Update 1216G # Date 1 April 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE. See guideline 17.10830.

Change of names to parenting payment and family allowance.

Update 1215G # Date 1 April 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY ALLOWANCE. See guidelines 17.5140 to 17.5144.

Change of names to parenting payment and family allowance.

Update 1214G # Date 1 April 1998

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Flow on changes due to introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 38.11500 to 38.11701.

Removal of references to sole parent pension.

Update 1213G # Date 1 April 1998

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Flow on changes due to introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 38.000 to 38.10013.

Removal of references to sole parent pension.

Update 1212G # Date 1 April 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - family payment name change to family allowance. See guidelines 1.17200 to 1.17205.

Family payment name change to family allowance.

Update 1211G # Date 1 April 1998

Chapter 1 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - family payment name change to family allowance. See guidelines 35.1600 to 35.1611.

Family payment name change to family allowance.

Update 1210G # Date 1 April 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - family payment name change to family allowance. See guidelines 1.5450 to 1.5463.

Family payment name change to family allowance.

Update 1209G # Date 1 April 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - family payment name change to family allowance. See guidelines 1.18300 to 1.18404.

Family payment name change to family allowance.

Update 1208G # Date 1 April 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - family payment name change to family allowance. See guidelines 1.3000 to 1.3510.

Family payment name change to family allowance.

Update 1207G # Date 1 April 1998

Chapter 37 - COMPENSATIPON RECOVERY - family payment name change to family allowance. See guidelines 37.4200 to 37.4800.

Family payment name change to family allowance.

Update 1204G # Date 1 April 1998

Chapter 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - Family payment name change to family allowance. See guideline 24.6100 to 24.6102.

Family payment name change to family allowance.

Update 1189G # Date 26 March 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Update of Labour Market Program classifications and their effect on DSS payments. See guidelines 12.2310 to 12.2315.

Provides updated details of classification and payments for customers on Labour Market Programs.

Update 1188G # Date 26 March 1998

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Changes to youth training allowance chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 45.17400 to 45.17504.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1187G # Date 26 March 1998

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Changes to youth training allowance chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 45.11500 to 45.11501.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1187G # Date 26 March 1998

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Changes to youth training allowance chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 45.11500 to 45.11501.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1186G # Date 26 March 1998

Chapter 33 - SUPERANNUATION, ANNUITIES AND ALLOCATED PRODUCTS - Calculation of a New Relevant Number following a partial Commutation from an Income Stream Product. See guidelines 33.6160 to 33.6172.

Clarification of the correct method for calculating a new relevant number following a partial commutation from an income stream product.

Update 1185G # Date 26 March 1998

Chapter 33 - SUPERANNUATION, ANNUITIES AND ALLOCATED PRODUCTS - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment chapter. See guidelines 33.2400 to 33.2402.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1184G # Date 26 March 1998

Chapter 33 - SUPERANNUATION, ANNUITIES AND ALLOCATED PRODUCTS - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment chapter. See guidelines 33.120 to 33.121.

These changes amend current references to and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1183G # Date 26 March 1998

Chapter 45 - YOUTH TRAINING ALLOWANCE - Update of Labour Market Program classifications and their effect on DSS payments. See guidelines 45.2310 to 45.2315.

Provides updated details of classification and payments for customers on Labour Market Programs.

Update 1182G # Date 26 March 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Clarification and update re treatment of provisional visa holders and newly arrived resident's waiting period. See guidelines 15.2400 to 15.2403.

Holders of provisional visas 309, 310, 820 & 826 have access to special benefit although they are not permanent residents, but are subject to a newly arrived resident's waiting period unless they are the partners or dependent children of citizens or long term residents.

Update 1205G # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Flow on changes due to introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 38.10200 to 38.11406.

Removal of references to sole parent pension.

Update 1181G # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 9 - PARENTING PAYMENT - The guidelines in the new chapter 9 contain the policy guidelines for parenting payment. This payment replaces sole parent pension and parenting allowance from 20 March 1998. See 9.000 to 9.8353.

Parenting payment is an income support payment for people who are caring for children regardless of their marital status. It replaced sole parent pension and parenting allowance on 20 March 1998. Previously, sole parent pension was paid to lone parents and parenting allowance was paid to partnered parents.

A number of conditions that previously varied between sole parent pension and parenting allowance have been aligned under parenting payment. The main conditions aligned were:

  • extending the non-tapered assets test to lone parents;
  • extending the income maintenance period to lone parents (under which lump sum leave payments, such as accrued annual leave and long service leave, are treated as income for a period equal to the period of unused leave paid by the employer);
  • introducing a maximum temporary absence period from Australia of 26 weeks; and
  • reducing residence qualification requirements for lone parent claimants from five to two years (with immediate access for lone parents who became a lone parent while an Australian resident).

Update 1180G # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - Changes to bereavement payment chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 24.3200 to 24.8201.

The changes amend current references and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1179G # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 24 - BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS - Changes to bereavement payment chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 24.000 to 24.1611.

The changes amend current references and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1178G # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Waiting period for newly arrived residents. See guidelines 1.10150 to 1.10154.

Update of guide to reflect reference update CB9700147 - exemption from migrant waiting period for partners and dependent children of citizens and long term residents.

Update 1177 # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 49 - ADVANCE PAYMENTS - Changes to advance payments chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 49.000 to 49.7201.

These changes amend current references and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1176 # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 39 - MATURE AGE ALLOWANCE - Changes to mature age allowance chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 39.000 to 39.005.

These changes amend current references and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1175 # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 36 - MEMBER OF A COUPLE - Changes to member of couple chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 36.600 to 36.701.

These changes amend current references and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1174 # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 36 - MEMBER OF A COUPLE - Changes to member of couple chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 36.300 to 36.416.

These changes amend current references and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1172 # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Changes to special benefit chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 15.3600 to 15.3603.

These changes amend current references reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1171 # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Changes to special benefit chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 15.3300 to 15.3308.

These changes amend current references reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1170 # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Changes to special benefit chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 15.2600 to 15.2805.

These changes amend current references reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1169 # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Changes to special benefit chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 15.710 to 15.711.

These changes amend current references reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1168 # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 7 - WIFE PENSION - Changes to wife pension chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 7.400 to 7.2203.

These changes amend current references reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1167 # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 4 - COMPENSATION FOR DEFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION - Changes to negligence claims, act of grace chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 4.6500 to 4.6504.

These changes amend current references reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1166 # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Changes to methods of payment and taxation chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 2.9300 to 2.9311.

These changes amend current references reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1165 # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Changes to methods of payment and taxation chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 2.8000 to 2.8003.

These changes amend current references reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1164 # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 2 - METHODS OF PAYMENT AND TAXATION - Changes to methods of payment and taxation chapter resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 2.2000 to 2.2002.

These changes amend current references reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1163 # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 43 - PARTNER ALLOWANCE - Changes resulting from introduction of parenting payment. See guidelines 43.100 to 43.130.

These changes amend current references and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1162G # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 48 - MATERNITY ALLOWANCE - Introduction of parenting payment from 20 March 1998. See guidelines 48.2200 to 48.2211.

These changes amend current references and reflect new policy in the Chapter to reflect the introduction of parenting payment.

Update 1161G # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Introduction of parenting payment from 20 March 1998. See guidelines 42.940 to 42.2015.

Updates references to sole parent pensions with the introduction of parenting payment from 20 March 1998.

Update 1160G # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Introduction of parenting payment from 20 March 1998. See guidelines 42.840 to 42.841.

Updates references to sole parent pensions with the introduction of parenting payment from 20 March 1998.

Update 1159G # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Introduction of parenting payment from 20 March 1998. See guidelines 42.400 to 42.631.

Updates references to sole parent pensions with the introduction of parenting payment from 20 March 1998.

Update 1158G # Date 20 March 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Introduction of parenting payment from 20 March 1998. See guidelines 42.010 to 42.232.

Updates references to sole parent pensions with the introduction of parenting payment from 20 March 1998.

Update 1173 # Date 12 March 1998

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Introduction of income maintenance period (IMP). See guidelines 27.2600 to 27.2806.

Update of income maintenance period (IMP) policy for customers in continuing employment.

Update 1157G # Date 12 March 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Special circumstances. See guidelines 12.16500 to 12.16505.

Updating required delegation and procedures for approval of late lodgement of 'Application for Payment' (Form SU19s).

Update 1151G # Date 1 March 1998

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Exchange rates. See guidelines 27.5000 to 27.6304.

(1) From 1 March 1998 exchange rates for all overseas currencies will be updated and applied monthly to customers' overseas income. They are no longer special arrangements for UK pensions.

(2) From 1 March 1998 there will be new arrangements in place to value customers' overseas income in Australian dollars for social security payment assessment purposes.

(3) From 1 March 1998 the exchange rate arrangements will change. From that date exchange rates for all overseas income will be updated automatically and applied to customers overseas income and assets records monthly.

Update 1150G # Date 1 March 1998

Chapter 3 - REVIEWS - Exchange rates. Guidelines 3.610 to 3.614 have been deleted.

The method by which UK pounds are converted to Australian dollars for social security payment assessment purposes has changed.

Update 1156G # Date 26 February 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Ministers of religion. See guidelines 17.9810 to 17.9811.

Update of Religious Organisations whose ministers are not regarded as employees.

Update 1155G # Date 26 February 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Overseas students. See guidelines 17.3150 to 17.3172.

Family payment is only payable for students overseas if they are engaged in a course of study approved for Austudy purposes, under the same rules which apply to students studying in Australia.

Update 1154G # Date 26 February 1998

Chapter 18 - CHILD DISABILITY ALLOWANCE - Child disability allowance. See guidelines 18.000 to 18.7600.

Updated medical information and changes to name of Australian Government Health Service Medical Officer to Health Services Australia Medial Adviser.

Update 1153G # Date 26 February 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - Underage partner - family payments. See guidelines 17.1400 to 17.1403.

This amendment removes an incorrect reference to the Commonwealth Crimes Act. In most jurisdictions a sexual relationship with a person under 16 is an offence as specified under relevant State and Territory laws, not Commonwealth law.

Update 1149G # Date 12 February 1998

Chapter 32 - INCOME AND ASSETS - DEPRIVATION - Deprivation provisions - beneficiaries of deceased estates. See guidelines 32.2300 to 32.2307.

Guidance on whether the deprivation provisions apply to customers who are both executors and beneficiaries of deceased estates.

Update 1148G # Date 12 February 1998

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Non-cash maintenance - contributions to private health funds. See guidelines 38.9310 to 38.9312.

This amendment provides advice on how to correctly assess maintenance income where the liable parent is providing private health coverage for the custodial parent and/or the child/ren.

Update 1147G # Date 12 February 1998

Chapter 28 - ASSETS - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Treatment when real estate is sold. See guidelines 28.2620 to 28.2626.

Guidance on when the equitable interest is transferred on the sale of real estate.

Update 1146G # Date 12 February 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Australian citizen child in custody of non permanent resident. See guidelines 15.3040 to 37.3061.

This change provides clarification of rate payable where a child of a non permanent resident is paid special benefit.

Update 1145G # Date 12 February 1998

Chapter 37 - COMPENSATION RECOVERY - Compensation. See guidelines 37.000 to 37.9400.

Complete rewrite to reflect changes to the compensation provisions that have occurred over a number of years, as well as improved operational methods.

Update 1144G # Date 12 February 1998

Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROCEDURES inc. TAX FILE NUMBER EXEMPTIONS - Claimant born overseas. See guidelines 1.2900 to 1.2953.

Outlines the information to be collected from claimants born overseas to be able to apply the Comparable Foreign Payment and agreement provisions.

Update 1142G # Date 29 January 1998

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT Deleting incorrect paragraph re funeral bonds. See guidelines 27.1350 to 27.1355.

The current paragraph on funeral bonds is incorrect and leads to confusion.

Update 1141G # Date 29 January 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Contact phone numbers for Centrelink International Services (CIS). Guidelines 42.2410 to 42.2418 have been deleted.

Changes to CIS contact phone number for customers returning to Australia and also those seeking information on comparable foreign payments.

Update 1140G # Date 29 January 1998

Chapter 42 - PORTABILITY AND COMPARABLE FOREIGN PAYMENTS - Contact phone numbers for Centrelink International Services (CIS). See guidelines 42.920 to 42.960.

Changes to CIS contact phone number for customers returning to Australia and also those seeking information on comparable foreign payments.

Update 1139G # Date 29 January 1998

Chapter 20 - MOBILITY ALLOWANCE - Voluntary Work. See guidelines 20.600 to 20.614.

The amended guidelines provide additional guidance on voluntary employment, inlcluding advice that work perfomed under a Community Service Order is not voluntary work.

Update 1138G # Date 29 January 1998

Chapter 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Family payment historical rates and limits. See guidelines 35.4200 to 35.4400.

Update family payment rates and income/asset test limits for historical purposes.

Update 1137G # Date 29 January 1998

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Action for child support. Non custodial is overseas - stage 1 or 2. See guidelines 38.2590 to 38.2593.

Colorado and South Carolina now recognise and enforce maintenance and custody orders for Australians.

Update 1136G # Date 29 January 1998

Chapter 38 - CHILD SUPPORT - Child Support paydays. See guideline 38.13000.

Child support paydays and affected family payment paydays for 1998.

Update 1135G # Date 29 January 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Newly arrived resident's waiting period. See guidelines (1) 15.2100 to 15.2110, (2) 15.2120 to 15.2121 and (3) 15.2130 to 15.2131.

(1) Clarification of the category coding for newly arrived residents.

(2) Clarification of the category coding for sponsored newly arrived residents.

(3) Clarification of the category coding for unsponsored newly arrived residents.

Update 1134G # Date 29 January 1998

Chapter 14 - SICKNESS ALLOWANCE - Waiving the ordinary waiting period. See guidelines 14.2710 to 14.2713.

For partnered customers, the two weeks' allowance used to calculate whether the person is in severe financial hardship includes additional amounts that may be payable to the person and their partner.

Update 1132G # Date 15 January 1998

Chapter 6 - DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION - Provisional payment of newstart allowance pending disability support pension determination. See guideline 6.010 to 6.017.

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

Update 1131G # Date 15 January 1998

Chapter 41 - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Assessment of fluctuating income amounts. See guideline 41N.6700 to 41N.6707.

Minor wording change so the guideline better reflects the policy intent.

Update 1130G # Date 15 January 1998

Chapter 10 - WIDOWED PERSON ALLOWANCE - Widowed person allowance renamed bereavement allowance. See guidelines 10.000 to 10.2000.

From 1 January 1995, widowed person allowance was renamed bereavement allowance. This name change was implemented to avoid any confusion between widowed person allowance and widow allowance, which was introduced from 1 January 1995. This guide amendment replaces all references to widowed person allowance in Chapter 10 with bereavement allowance.

Update 1129G # Date 15 January 1998

Chapter 12 - NEWSTART - Exemption periods. See guidelines 12.2710 to 12.2713.

The delegation for approving an exemption from the activity test now rests at the ASO3 level.

Update 1128G # Date 15 January 1998

Chapter 35 - DETERMINING RATES OF PAYMENT - Guardian allowance - historical rates. See guideline 35.4685.

This amendment inserts information on the historical rates of guardian allowance, for the period following the integration of family payments.

Update 1127G # Date 15 January 1998

Chapter 41N - PARENTING ALLOWANCE - Removal of annual leave waiting period. See guidelines 41N.3800 to 41N.3921. (Guidelines 41N.3820 to 41N.3824 have been removed)

Reference to the annual leave waiting period removed.

Update 1126G # Date 15 January 1998

Chapter 26 - EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PAYMENTS - Special beneficiaries eligibility and claim requirements. See guidelines 26.8000.

Special benefit cannot be paid to full time students unless they are aged under 16 and are homeless.

Update 1125G # Date 15 January 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Direct deduction income. See guidelines 15.1100 to 15.1102.

Clarification of income test guidelines relating to special benefit/allowance couples (other than partner allowance).

Update 1124G # Date 15 January 1998

Chapter 15 - SPECIAL BENEFIT - Short term and long term categories for special benefit. Duration of common categories. See guidelines 15.710 to 15.711.

Clarification of the duration of special benefit payments to released prisoners.

Update 1123G # Date 15 January 1998

Chapter 20 - MOBILITY ALLOWANCE - Issuing Form MA2 to customers. See guidelines 20.400 to 20.402.

A Mobility allowance - Medical Report (Form MA2) is not required in all cases to assess the level of a customer's disability in using public transport. Where a customers disability eg permanent blindness clearly indicates that they require substantial assistance to use public transport then the issue of a form Form MA2 is not required. The available medical information should be accepted as evidence that the customer is unable to use public transport without assistance.

Update 1122G # Date 15 January 1998

Chapter 17 - FAMILY PAYMENT - (1) Assets hardship (2) Extension of employer provided benefits. See guidelines (1) 17.6000 to 17.6110 and (2) 17.7600 to 17.7777.

(1) Explanation of the changes to the family payment assets hardship provisions.

(2) Policy detail on the two new employer provided benefits for family payment.

Update 1121G # Date 15 January 1998

Chapter 48 - MATERNITY ALLOWANCE - Maternity immunisation allowance. See guidelines 48.000 to 48.6402.

Inclusion of maternity immunisation allowance in Chapter 48.