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 - 1999

Update 1439G # Date 20 December 1999

New Policy
Topic No. Details
3.11 New Chapter "Debts under the SSAct".
6.5 New Chapter "Debt Recovery".
Policy Clarifications
Topic No. Details
1.1.C.80 Increase in the business discount under the category 2 family assets test.
1.1.N.60 Introduction of 2 year Newly Arrived Resident.
1.1.N.70 Introduction of 2 year Newly Arrived Resident Waiting Period.
3.1.2.20 Clarification of when LAWP commences for education leavers.
3.1.2.40 Introduction of 2 year Newly Arrived Resident Waiting Period.
3.4.1.10 Explanation that if transferred from agreement payment Age will also be paid under the agreement provisions.
3.8.3.40 Information about the upcoming budget measure has been included (effective from 1 March 2000) to introduce a half rate of PES for most concessional study load students with a 25-49% study load.
3.9.1.30 Changes to rates from 1/1/2000.
3.9.1.50 Updated to reflect changes to Family Allowance for 16 to 24 year olds
3.9.2.20 Changes to rates from 1/1/2000.
4.3.2.10 Clarification that payments to jurors in lieu of salary or wages are income.
4.3.2.30 Clarification of treatment of lottery winnings that are not lump sums.
4.3.2.31 Clarification of lump sums exemption for Other Income Exempt from Assessment - Specifically Approved.
4.3.3.30 Clarification of treatment of leave payments paid in instalments or on termination of employment.
4.10 Updates to Table in Historical Income & Assets Limits & Information.
5.1.6 Addition of CrP current rates topic.
5.1.7.30 Information on the new rate of PES due to the 1998/99 budget changes has been included with effect from 1 March 2000.
5.2 Updates to Table in Historical Rates.
General Improvement
Topic No. Details
Acronym list NPS - Non Pensioner Spouse.
1.2.6 Date of Effect has been added.
3.1.6.30 Minor changes to clarify table entry.
3.7.4 "CrP" has been added to the title Qualification and Payability.
3.9.1.10 Minor amendment to table.
3.9.1.60 Updated Department reference.
3.9.1.70 Minor amendment to income included for low income purposes.
3.9.3.20 Minor amendment to Duration of CSHC.
3.9.3.50 Minor amendment to Commencement Day for CSHC.
4.3.1.10 Text added on maintaining amounts.
4.3.1.20 Text added on the assessment of lump sums, and on clarification of treatment of lottery winnings that are not lump sums. Reference to 'commission and piece work earnings' removed.
4.3.1.40 Text added on the assessment of lump sums and on maintaining amounts previously spread under section 1073.
4.3.3.20 Text added on the treatment of lump sum payments following suspension without pay Income from Employment or Independent Contracting.
4.3.6.30 Reference added to payments from Swiss Fund for Holocaust Survivors Restitution Payments - Germany & Austria.
4.3.7.10 Text added on treatment of payments for unfair dismissal on General Provisions for Income from Compensation.
4.9.1.20 Minor change to incorrect link.
4.9.3.10 Minor change to incorrect link in topic.
Corrections
Topic No. Details
1.1.B.90 Hot links under breaches of voluntary unemployment 1.U.20 corrected to 1.1.V.67.
1.1.E.120 Link under Immunisation Criteria has been corrected to 1.1.E.210.
1.1.M.150 Amended current list of religious organisations excluded from the assessment of FA employer provided fringe benefits.
1.1.S.10 Under heading "Waiver of Waiting Periods" corrected wrong link from 1.1.S.10 to 1.1.S.125.
3.1.5.150 Link changed from 3.1.5.140 to 3.1.5.150.
3.4.4 Corrected from 3.4.5 to 3.4.4 under Guide table of contents for WidB.
3.6.7.30 Link changed from 3.6.7.60 to 3.6.7.70 under "Temporary Absence Overseas".
3.7.1.20 Correct hypertext link from 3.7.2.60 to 3.7.2.70.
3.9.1.50 Amendments to table as a result of Family Allowance ext for 16 to 24 year olds.
4.1.1 Removal of paragraph from 4.1.1 to 4.1.10 of Guide.

7.1.1.10

7.1.1.20

7.1.1.30

7.1.4

7.2.2.10

7.2.2.20

7.2.2.30

7.2.2.40

7.2.4.10

7.2.5.10

7.2.5.20

7.2.5.30

 Amended to relate to periods of overseas residence and travel.

Update 1438G # Date 29 November 1999

Policy Clarifications
Topic No. Details
1.1.C Description of references for CDEP new legislation.
3.1.6.10 Inclusion of General Payability Provisions for CDEP.

1.2.1.10

1.2.1.20

1.2.2.10

1.2.2.20

1.2.3.10

1.2.3.20

1.2.3.30

1.2.3.40

1.2.3.90

1.2.4.10

1.2.5.10

1.2.5.20

1.2.6.10

1.2.7.10

1.2.7.20

1.2.7.70

1.2.7.80

1.2.8.10

1.2.8.20

 Inclusion of CDEP in description of allowance and pension for supplementary assistance.
3.1.8 Inclusion of CDEP information relating to Dates of Effect of Claim Determination.

3.2.1.20

3.2.1.50

3.2.3.20

3.2.3.50

3.2.4.10

3.2.7.10

3.3.1.30

3.3.1.50

3.3.2.40

3.3.2.70

 Payability of allowance, supplementary assistance and the effect of activity test.

3.4.1.20

3.4.1.40

3.4.2.20

3.4.2.30

3.4.3.20

3.4.3.40

3.4.4.50

3.4.4.70

3.4.9.20

3.4.9.40

 CDEP - Payability of pension, bereavement allowance and supplementary assistance.

3.5.1.100

3.5.1.110

3.5.1.130

 CDEP - Payability of parenting payment single, partnered and supplementary assistance.
3.5.2.10 CDEP - Qualification for Family Allowance.

3.6.1.50

3.6.1.70

 CDEP - Payability of DSP and supplementary assistance.

3.6.4.90

3.6.4.130

 CDEP - Payability of Carer Payment and supplementary assistance

3.7.1.20

3.7.1.90

 CDEP - Payability of Special Benefit and supplementary assistance.
3.8.1.20 CDEP - Payability of rent assistance.
3.8.2.30 CDEP - Pharmaceutical income and assets testing.
3.8.5.10 CDEP - Qualification for EEP - NSA, MAA, MAPA, PA, WA & CP customers.
3.8.5.20 CDEP - Qualification for EEP - Pension PP single and DSP customers.
3.8.8.20 CDEP - Payability of remote area allowance.
3.10.3.80 CDEP - Changing a payment delivery day.
3.8.3.20 Payment of PES during periods of incapacity.
3.8.3.40 Clarifying that allowable study time rules have some exceptions and inserting hotlink to the list of exceptions.
3.8.3.60 Highlighting date at which progress is measured against allowable study time.
General Improvement
Topic No. Details
3.8.3.70 Inserting hotlink to the impact of previous study.
3.8.3.80 Clarifying payment of PES in between short courses.
3.8.1.120 Amend examples of assessment for RA sharers provisions.
Corrections
Topic No. Details

3.4.8.10

3.4.8.160

 Add links to RAFS and Retirement Assistance for Farmers Scheme.
6.2.3 Fixing links in keyword index by removing Retirement Assistance for Farmers Scheme.

Update 1437G # Date 15 November 1999

New Policy
Topic No. Details

1.2.6.30

3.1.4.20

3.1.4.30

3.1.6.10

3.2.1.50

3.2.3.50

3.3.1.50

3.3.2.50

3.3.2.70

3.3.3.40

3.4.1.40

3.4.2.30

3.4.3.40

3.4.4.70

3.4.9.40

3.5.1.130

3.6.1.70

3.6.4.120

3.6.5.90

3.7.1.90

3.7.2.100

3.7.3.10

3.7.4

5.3.2

5.3.3.10

 Introduction of Crisis Payment.
3.5.9 Maintenance action test for FA.
3.5.10 Child support assessments and collection.
3.8.10 Implementation of CDEP scheme participant supplement CPS.
5.4.6 Special Employment Advance.
Policy Clarifications
Topic No. Details
1.1.B.90 Additional activity test breach.
1.1.I.120 Industrial action added new policy reference link.
1.1.L.50 Liquid assets added new act section reference link.
1.1.M.53 Maximum basic rate of entitlement (SEA).
3.2.3.30 Add Act reference and Guide reference.
3.2.8.10 Add heading and text.
3.2.11.40 Exclusion periods - reducing employment prospects by moving, changes to the MALEP.
3.5.1.50 Added new keyword index for 'parenting payment' and 'shared care'.
3.6.1.80 Expand SEA to 'sheltered employment allowance'.
4.3.3.40 Employment income for allowees - reference to contract income added.
4.5.4 Update notional interest rates for 1999/2000 (employer provided benefit).
4.9.2.40 Actuarial valuation certificate - self managed superannuation funds.
4.9.4.40 Life expectancy table payments commenced between 01/01/96 and 31/12/1999.
4.9.4.45

Life expectancy table payments commenced on or after 01/01/2000.

Life expectancy and pension valuation factor addition of new life expectancy table.
General Improvement
Topic No. Details
3.5.1.60 Added new keyword index for 'parenting payment' and 'shared care'.
4.10.7.40 Expand SEA to 'sheltered employment allowance'.
Corrections
Topic No. Details
  There have been a number of SSAct references removed due to incorrect links.
3.5.1.90 Corrected information on NZ portability rules.
3.5.1.100 Corrected information on NZ portability rules.
4.1.10 Deprivation related to self-managed superannuation funds.
4.5.3 Change definition of employer provided benefit (cars) to reflect Act.
4.9.3.10 Income assessment of asset-test exempt income stream change date of purchase to date of commencement for non-account based products.

Update 1436G # Date 1 November 1999

Policy Clarifications
Topic No. Details
4.2.9 Dependent YA - Family Actual Means Test.
4.2.9.10 Family Actual Means Test - Designated Parents.
4.2.9.20 Family Actual Means Test - Actual Means.
4.2.9.30 Family Actual Means Test - Exempt Funds.
4.2.9.40 Family Actual Means Test - Application of the test.
4.2.9.50 Family Actual Means Test - Current year means assessment.
6.2.4.60 FA Reassessments - Additional & Revised Estimates. Update and clarification of policy relating to estimates of income for FA.
Corrections
Topic No. Details
  A range of keyword index corrections.

Update 1435G # Date 18 October 1999

Policy Clarifications
Topic No. Details
1.1.A.40, 1.1.S.410, 1.1.V.67 Guidelines on suitable work have been strengthened.
4.1.10 Deprivation Related to Self Managed Superannuation Funds - minor amendments.
4.3.1.10 Determining the Rate of Income for Benefits - Clarification of the treatment of borrowings (loans).
4.3.1.20 Determining the Rate of Income for Pensions - Clarification of the treatment of borrowings (loans).
4.3.1.40 Determining the Rate of Income for PP - Clarification of the treatment of borrowings (loans).
4.3.2.31 Other Income Exempt from Assessment - Specifically Approved - Two additions to list of section 8(11) exempt lump sums.
4.3.8.10 Home Equity Conversion Loans - Clarification of the treatment of HEC loans.
4.9.3.10 Assessment of Asset Test Exempt Income Streams - minor amendments.
4.9.3.20 Assessment of Defined Benefit Income Streams - minor amendments.

Update 1434G # Date 4 October 1999

New Policy
Topic No. Details

1.1.D.70

1.1.F.20

1.1.O.31

3.5.2.10

3.5.2.20

3.5.2.40

3.5.2.120

3.5.3.10

3.5.4.10

3.5.4.20

3.5.4.40

3.5.4.60

3.5.4.80

4.2.6.10

4.2.6.80

5.1.4.20

5.1.4.22

6.2.4.30

 Extension of FA for 16-24 year olds from 1 October 1999.
Policy Clarifications
Topic No. Details
2.2.3 Verifying Financial Information: added tax assessment notice (for YA parental income test) as an example of acceptable forms of evidence.
4.6.3.10 General provisions for assessing the principal home - clarification of policy.
4.6.3.40 Assessing a home owned by a company or trust - clarification of policy.
Corrections
Topic No. Details
1.1.P.230 Corrected link.
1.1.P.341 Inserted keyword index references.
3.1.5.50 Deleted duplication of paragraphs.
3.1.5.70 Corrected error in lump sum calculator.
3.1.5.90 Corrected error in example 1.

Update 1433G # Date 20 September 1999

New Policy
Topic No. Details
2.2.13 RA Verification: changes to verification procedures as part of Improved RA Compliance announced in the 99-2000 Budget.
3.5.2.60 Amended policy guidelines relating to changes of care for FA, to reflect new four week guidelines for disputed change of care cases. New structure introduced: Change of Care for FA Purposes.
3.5.2.70 Disputed Change of Care for FA Purposes.
3.5.2.80 Taking Reasonable Steps for the Return of a Child.
Policy Clarifications
Topic No. Details
1.3.6 Act of Grace: "a matter not covered by legislation but where it is intended to introduce such legislation and it is desirable to apply the benefits of the proposed legislation retrospectively" - last word amended to "prospectively".
3.1.2.20 Liquid Assets Waiting Period: Added examples of expenditure which may be reduced from total liquid assets pertaining to full-time students eg HECS, books, uniforms.
3.2.6.20 Clarified the circumstances in which the away from home rate can be paid where the parental home is not conducive to job search/study.
3.2.3.70 Added that a NSA claim form is required when transferring to from YA to NSA at age 21.
3.8.4.20 SFSS for Category 1 Students - policy clarification.
3.8.4.30 Determining the Amount of Financial Supplement - policy clarification.
3.8.4.40 Cut-off dates for SFSS - policy clarification.
3.8.4.60 Cessation of the Financial Supplement - policy clarification.
3.8.4.70 Repayment of the Financial Supplement - Before the Contract Ends - policy clarification.
3.8.4.80 Repayment of the Financial Supplement - after the Contract Ends Update repayment thresholds.
4.3.1.10 Determining the Rate of Income for Benefits - reference to contract income added.
4.3.2.10 Income Received to Cover Expenses - clarification of treatment of allowances and expenses of ministers of religion.
4.3.2.30 Other Income Exempt from Assessment - Legislated - reference to ex gratia termination lump sums added to list of exempt lump sums.
4.3.3.20 Income from Employment or Independent Contracting - clarification of treatment of income of contract workers. Clarification of treatment of allowances and expenses of ministers of religion. Clarification of treatment of various commission payments.
4.3.3.30 Employment Income for Pensioners - reference to contract income added.
4.3.3.40 Employment Income for Allowees - reference to contract income added.
4.3.9.70 Income from Private Annuities & Overseas Income Streams - minor changes to income treatment of private annuities, to clarify policy.
4.7.4.10 Assessable Income & Assets from Primary Production - reference to treatment of Landcare grants added.
4.9.3.10 Clarification that for income test exemption, approval of personal care support schemes is obtained through FaCS Means Test Policy.
Corrections
Topic No. Details
Part 4 Deleted reference to Release 3.
1.1.A.190 Extremely minor amendment to key term.
1.2.7.40 Student Financial Supplement Scheme Description: Corrected grammatical errors.
3.2.1.70 Notification & Recipient Obligations for NSA: corrected spelling errors.
3.8.4.10 Eligibility & General Rules for SFSS: corrected grammatical errors.
4.3.2.31 Other Income Exempt from Assessment - Specifically Approved: corrected spelling error and activated link.
Update
Topic No. Details
4.5.7 Target Foreign Income.

Update 1432G # Date 6 September 1999

New Policy
Topic No. Details
3.1.5.140 Inclusion of policy guidelines covering bereavement payment provisions and CA (adult) deaths.
3.2.1.70 Policy for the exemption of personal lodgement of SU19 continuation forms added.
4.1 Inclusion of a warning relating to impending retrospective deprivation rules. Note: this amendment was intended for Release 1.18, but did not appear in Centrelink versions. Apologies from Guide Management Group.
4.9.2.40 Actuarial Valuation Certificate - Self Managed Superannuation Funds - New Topic. Information on the provision of an actuarial certificate by self managed superannuation funds.
6.2.5.51 Inclusion of policy guidelines covering reviews for disabled child.
6.2.5.52 Inclusion of policy guidelines covering reviews for lower ADAT score adults.
Policy Clarification
Topic No. Details
1.1.V.67 Voluntary unemployment - minor changes.
3.1.5.130 Clarification of policy covering bereavement payment provisions CP.
3.9.1 Clarification of policy covering HCC in regard to CA (child) and CP.
4.3.4.20 Under "Exclusions when calculating the IMP", a small re-write to make it more clear.
4.7.1.80 Assessment of assets for partnership - clarification of policy.
4.7.3.80 Other trust matters - clarification of policy.
4.9.3.10 Income Assessment of Asset-test Exempt Income Streams - Changes to clarify calculation of new purchase price when asset tested income stream is converted into a new asset test exempt product.
4.9.3.20 Income and Assets Assessment of Defined Benefit Income Streams - Minor changes dealing with the assessment of income arising from a defined benefit income stream.
Corrections
Topic No. Details
1.1.A.375 Added latest AWOTE figures to table.
1.1.D.171 Corrected link for disability permanent/for an extended period (1.1.P.230).
1.1.U.40 Act reference corrected.
3.1.5.10 The table has been broken down into separate parts to make it easier to read.
3.1.7.80 Corrected link for severe financial hardship (1.1.S.125).

6.2.5.100

6.2.5.110

6.2.5.120

6.2.5.130

 Corrected CDA to CA (child) and child disability allowance to carer allowance (child).

Update 1431G # Date 23 August 1999

New Policy
Topic No. Details
3.5.6 Policy guidelines relating to the 'PP child' definition have been amended to reflect the new (simplified) qualification conditions for single foster carers. A new topic has been inserted explaining the new PP qualification conditions for foster carers.
4.1 Inclusion of a warning relating to impending retrospective deprivation rules.
Policy Clarification
Topic No. Details
1.2.1.20 Clarification of Youth Allowance Description.
1.2.2.30 Addition of SFSS and a Health Care Card to the supplementary assistance that may be received in Austudy Payment Description.
2.1.6.10 Inclusion of YA & Austudy Act References.
2.1.7.10 Clarification of terminology for Guidelines for Social Worker Involvement - regarding YA customers only.
3.5.1.10 Amended definition of Qualification Summary for PP.
3.5.1.20 Amended definition of Child-related Qualification for PP - Overview.
3.5.1.30 Amended definition of Child-related Qualification for PP - Single Customer.
3.5.1.40 Amended definition of Child related Qualification for PP - Permanent or Indefinite Care - Single Customer.
3.5.1.50 Amended definition of Child-related Qualification for PP - Shared Care.
4.1.7 Clarification of 'Deprivation related to farm transfers'.
4.6.3.10 Clarification of 'General provisions for assessing the principal home'.
4.6.3.30 Addition of definition and link for 'Defining the principal home'.
4.6.5.80 Clarification of 'Assessing interests in deceased estate'.
Corrections
Topic No. Details
1.1.A.200 Inclusion of link to 3.5.3.
1.1.D.171 Correction of link to 'extended period'.
3.2.3.50 Supplementary Benefits and Assistance for YA recipients. YA recipients are not eligible for Telephone Allowance and PES.
3.2.5.10 Qualification for YA as an independent young person & 3.2.5.20 - Marriage like relationships & YA - Dependant YA child - minor grammatical improvements, by insertion of commas.
3.2.5.70 Assessment and Mandatory Procedures for YA - Unreasonable to Live at Home - Centrelink social worker must undertake the assessment.
3.2.5.90 Specially Disadvantaged - Defined dot point 4 and provided legislative reference.
3.2.6.10 Away from Home Rate - YA - Last dot point removed.
3.7.1.10 Correction of link for SPB for Customers not Residentially Qualified for Pension to 3.7.2.40.
3.8.6 EEP Correction of links to, 3.8.7 EdEP, 3.8.8 Telephone Assistance information, and 3.8.9 RAA information.
4.1.2 Minor word change to 'Deprivation of assets before claim'.
4.1.6 Change to Act Reference 'Deprivation related to Home & Accommodation Transfers'.
4.6.3.20 Correction of typing error in 'Determining homeowners and non-homeowners'.
4.6.6.10 Correction of typing error in 'General provisions for valuation'.
4.7.4.10 Correction of formatting problems.

Update 1430G # Date 9 August 1999

New Policy
Topic No. Details
1.1.D.240 Now reads: 'for the purposes of DOP'.
3.2.2.20 Situations involving industrial action - 'individual' has been changed to 'industrial'.
4.1.1 General Provisions of Deprivation. There is no deprivation where a customer does not use an asset to derive income; that income from an income producing life interest is assessed; & period of maintenance of deprived income.
4.1.3 Deprivation of Assets and Income - Effect on Income. Period of maintenance of deprived income has been clarified.
4.2.6 Maintenance Income Test & Limits. Changes to heading clarifying, for FA purposes only.
4.2.7 Non-cash Maintenance. Changes to heading clarifying, for FA purposes only.
4.3.1.10 Determining the Rate of Income for Benefits. Details of contract workers' income have been provided.
4.3.2.30 Other Income Exempt from Assessment. This has been legislated.
4.3.2.31 Other Income Exempt from Assessment - Specifically Approved. Additions to lists of ETS and of s 8(11) have been exempted.
4.3.3.20 Income from Employment or Independent Contracting. Details about regular & advance commissions and contract work income have been added.
4.3.3.30 Employment Income for Pensioners.
4.3.3.40 Employment Income for Allowees. Details, on casual earnings contract work income, have been added.
4.3.3.60 Deferred Income, Salary Sacrifice & Fringe Benefits. This is a clarification of treatment of superannuation salary sacrifices by prescribed pre-pension aged persons.
4.3.5.10 Assessing Income from DVA. A correction has been made to year in WWP table and to related Act reference.
4.3.5.40 About DVA War Widow's Pension, War Widower's Pension & Income Support Supplement. Details have been added on the effect on a partner's claim for social security payment.
4.3.7 Income from Compensation. Details on unfair dismissal have been added.
4.3.9.50 Income from Gifts, Legacies & Royalties. A correction has been made to the table on treatment of gifts.
4.7.1 Sole Traders and Partnerships. Information has been provided about Farm Management Deposits scheme.
4.7.4.10 Assessable Income & Assets from Primary Production. There have been changes made to cross-references to 4.7.1 and information has been provided about AFFA interest subsidies.
4.10.5.10 A reference/link to 'section 8(1) income' has been removed.
4.10.5.20 A reference/link to 'section 8(1) income' has been removed.
4.10.5.30 A reference/link to 'section 8(1) income' has been removed.
4.10.5.40 A link to section 8(1) has been removed and the table has been updated with 1998 limits.
4.10.5.50 A reference/link to 'section 8(1) income' has been removed.
4.10.5.60 A reference/link to 'section 8(1) income' has been removed.
5.1.4.60 The word 'maximum' from the sentence under block heading 'Current rate' has been removed.
6.3.5.20 Reference from '100%' to '110%' under block label 'FA Overpayment' has been changed.

Update 1429G # Date 22 July 1999

New Policy
Topic No. Details
1.1 YA - extensive, minor amendments to clarify policy.
1.1.I.40 Ineligible Homeowner - definition amended.
1.1.M.150 Ministers of Religion - updated.

1.2

3.1

3.6

 Carer Allowance changes.
5.1 Payment Cycles changes (effective 1 July).
5.1.4.30 Fixed link.

Update 1428G # Date 7 July 1999

New Policy
Topic No. Details
1.2.4.10 Parenting Payment (PP) - Description - Minor changes.
3.1.7.10 Link corrected.
4.1.10 Deprivation Related to 'Self Managed' or Excluded or 'DIY' Superannuation Funds - new topic added.
4.3.2.10 Income Received to Cover Expenses - Minor changes.
4.3.3.20 Income from Employment or Independent Contracting - Minor changes.
4.3.3.30 Employment Income for Pensioners - Minor changes.
4.3.3.40 Employment Income for Allowees - Minor changes.
4.3.3.60 Defined Income, Salary Sacrifice and Fringe Benefits - Minor changes.
4.3.4.40 Hardship Provisions for IMP - complete rewrite.
4.3.6.10 Income from Overseas Pensions - Minor changes.
4.3.6.30 Restitution Payments - Germany & Austria - Minor changes.
4.3.6.40 Restitution Payments - Netherlands - Minor changes.
4.3.7 Income from Compensation - Minor changes.
4.3.8.30 Income from Real Estate - Minor changes.
4.3.8.40 Income from Boarders & Lodgers - Minor changes.
4.3.9.10 Income from Property Settlements & Life Interest - Minor changes.
4.3.9.30 Income from Sickness & Accident Policy Payments - Minor changes.
4.3.9.50 Income from Gifts, Legacies & Royalties - Minor changes.
4.4.1.10 Background to Legislative Changes - Minor changes.
4.4.1.20 Operation of Deeming - Minor changes.
4.4.1.50 Deeming Rate Calculation - Single DSP Customer - Minor changes.
4.4.1.60 Deeming Rate Calculation - Age Couple - Minor changes.
4.4.1.70 Deeming Rate Calculation - Single Wid B Customer - Minor changes.
4.4.1.80 Deeming Rate Calculation -NSA Customer. Partner Receiving PP - Minor changes.
4.4.4 Deeming of Managed Investments - Minor changes.
4.6.3.20 Determining homeowners and non-homeowners - Minor changes.
4.6.6.30 Encumbrances and loans against assets - Minor changes.
4.9.3.10 Additional instructions have been inserted for assessing asset test exempt income streams where the contract between the customer and the provider has been altered to reflect the determination of a new purchase price. This may also involve the determination of a return of capital to the customer.
4.9.3.20 Instructions covering the income and asset test treatment of defined benefit income streams have been rewritten to more accurately reflect the correct tax and, consequently, the social security treatment of these products.
4.9.3.30 Additional instructions have been inserted where the primary beneficiary has died, without specifying a reversionary beneficiary, and the trustee has the discretion to determine who the reversionary beneficiary is.
4.9.4.05 Dealing with the calculation of a customer's relevant number, an additional life expectancy table has been inserted for determining a customer's relevant number where the income stream commenced to be paid before 1/7/93.
4.9.4.50 Contains a minor clarification covering indexation rate.

Update 1427G # Date 1 July 1999

New Policy
Topic No. Details
Carer Payment and Carer Allowance The reason for the amendments is to reflect the changes in policy announced in April 1998 by the Prime Minister in the context of Staying at Home - Care and Support for Older Australians. These new measures, which affect carer payment and carer allowance, are to be introduced from 1 July 1999.
3.10 Payment Cycles New chapter. These amendments include:- a chapter on the new payment arrangements called "3.10 Payment Cycles" that explains the concepts underlying the new payment arrangements and how customer entitlements are calculated and paid; removal of references to pension paydays and family paydays; and explanations of the new date of effect rules and their interaction with notification of changes and processing by Centrelink.
2.1.5 Changes have been made to 'Centrelink International Services'.
3.1.4 Amendments to policy relating to imprisonment, psychiatric confinement and prison release. A new topic has been included: 'Effect of Home Detention on Benefits, Pensions, PP and PES'.
3.2.2.20 Changes to 'Impact on Qualifications for NSA'.
3.5 From 1 July 1999, the provision will be abolished that allowed the payment of parenting payment (single) to lone parents in respect of child disability allowance full-time students aged 16-21 inclusive. From this date, all customers must have a child aged under 16 in order to qualify for parenting payment.
3.6.4.70 Clarifies conditions of payability of carer payment (CP) under international social security agreements.
3.6.6.10 Austudy payment has been added to the criterion table and changes have been made to the material for travel test and vocational training.
3.6.6.50 Austudy has been added to the payments affected and a further point has been added to 'Acceptable Vocational Training Course'. A new heading has been added called 'Independent Living Skills/Life Skills Training'.
3.6.6.60 'Claims by Phone, Fax or E-mail' has been removed.
3.9.1 New budget initiative implemented 1 July 1999 which extends eligibility for Health Care Cards to foster carers.
4.3.4.10 Changes to 'Effect of IMP on pensioner/allowee couple and its method of assessment'.
4.3.4.40 Complete rewrite.
5.1.5.40

The current rate for MOB as at 1/1/99 is $57.10

Changes have been made to 'Further Advances'.
Minor Changes
Topic No. Details
1.1.A.170 Appropriate Tax Year.
1.1.M.120 Member of a Couple.
1.1.T.70 Temporary Incapacity to Work.
3.1.4.20 Payment during Periods of Imprisonment.
3.3.1.10 Qualification for PA.
3.6.1.20 Qualification for DSP during Employment.
3.6.1.50 Payability of DSP.
3.6.4.80 Payability of Carer Payment.
3.6.5.70 Waiting Periods for SA.
4.3.4.10 Application of the Income Maintenance Period (IMP).
5.1.7.70 RAA - Current Rates.
5.3.2 Immediate Payments.

Update 1426G # Date 18 May 1999

A temporary chapter on CA has been added for training purposes.

This amendment incorporates extensive changes to Guide chapters as a result of the Guide Rewrite Stage 3 (final).

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 (the new Guide).

All policy material can now be found in the new Guide. The OPAL version will be left online for a limited period as a courtesy to users. Please familiarise yourself with the structure of the new Guide - navigating to it through the OPAL version can be ineffective because the two documents are structured completely differently.

Stage 3 additions are:

  • Part 3 - Qualification and Payability:
    • all of Chapter 3.5 - Families & Parenting
    • all of Chapter 3.8 - Supplementary Payments
    • all of Chapter 3.9 - Concession Cards
  • Changes to Part 5, recommended to complete information
  • All of Part 6 - Reviews & Payment Recovery
  • 4.7 - Business Structures, Trusts and Primary Production
  • DSP examples.

Update 1425G # Date 5 May 1999

Parts 1 to 5 - Various style/format changes to correspond with Guide Standards Document, and additional links provided. The contents in these parts has not been changed.

Acronym List - Added some acronyms that are already in use in the Guide, but were not linking because they were not in the acronym list.

Update 1424G # Date 7 April 1999

Part1 Chapter 1 - Various style/format changes to correspond with Guide Standards Document, and additional links provided. These are not content related changes.

Acronym List - Added some acronyms that are already in use in the Guide, but were not linking because they were not in the acronym list.

Update 1423G # Date 23 March 1999

Chapter 22 has been replaced by Child Care Reference Library. This information can be found in the Centrelink Reference Suite under C in the alpha index.

Part 1 Chapter 1 - Minor change, reworded to clarify the topic. See guideline 1.2.8.30 (Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)-Description).

Part 3 Chapter 2 - Minor change, typing error, have changed 21 days to 14 days. See guideline 3.2.1.40 (Commencement Date for NSA).

Part 4 Chapter 3 - Minor change - Changing one word from bond to charge. See guideline 4.3.8.30 (Income from Real Estate).

Part 4 Chapter 4 - Deeming Provisions. A change in Deeming Rates resulted in a need to update the existing examples.

Part 5 Chapter 1 - Minor change, contained incorrect link. See guidelines 5.1.7.50 (EdEP Current Rate) and 5.1.4.20 (FA Current Rates).

The rates have changed for Youth Allowance and Austudy payments (significant change). See guideline 5.1.1.20 (YA Current Rates).

Part 5 Chapter 4. Minor change, removed incorrect link. See guideline 5.4.2 (FA Advance Payment).

Update 1422G # Date 8 March 1999

This amendment incorporates extensive changes to Guide chapters as a result of the Guide Rewrite Stage 2.

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.

Update 1421G # Date 17 February 1999

Chapters affected are:

Chapter 1, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 5A, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, Chapter 17, Chapter 19, Chapter 20, Chapter 21, Chapter 24, Chapter 25, Chapter 26, Chapter 27, Chapter 28, Chapter 29, Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 32, Chapter 33, Chapter 33A, Chapter 34, Chapter 35, Chapter 36, Chapter 38, Chapter 39, Chapter 43, Chapter 46, Chapter 47, Chapter 48, Chapter 50

ALL the material included in the Guide Rewrite Stage 2 has been cleared by relevant policy staff in FaCS. Stage 2 additions are:

  • ALL of Part 2 Claim Lodgement & Verification,
  • Part 3 Qualification & Payability for the following payment groupings:
    • Other Labour Market & Older Students
    • Retirement & Widows
    • Special Payments
  • ALL of Part 4 Income & Assets, EXCEPT 4.7 Business Structures, Trusts & Primary Production.

Update 1420G # Date 12 January 1999

Chapter 5 - Age Pensions - See guidelines 5.2510 to 5.3308

To fix an irregularity with Part C - Pensions Bonus Scheme and Part D -Payment of Age Pension to Veterans Receiving Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Pensions.

Update 1419G # Date 1 January 1999

Chapter 27 - INCOME - OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT - Department of Veterans Affairs Payments. See guidelines 27.4000 to 27.5011.

Information on Department of Veterans' Affairs payments has been updated.

Please note that if a social security pensioner is paid War Widows Pension that is determined after 20 March 1995 by the Department of Veterans' Affairs, then social security pension is not payable from the date Income Support Supplement is (retrospectively) paid. Any overlapping payments are recoverable.

When ceasing social security pension and the Department of Veterans' Affairs commencing Income Support Supplement it is important that there are no gaps in the customer's payments. The social security pension should be paid up until Income Support Supplement commences.

Update 1418G # Date 1 January 1999

Chapter 17 - Family Allowance - Child Maintenance Expenditure. See guidelines 17.7800 to 17.7807.

From 1 January 1999, family allowance recipients who pay maintenance in respect of natural or adopted children will have their family allowance income reduced by 50% of the maintenance they or their partner pay. Changes have been made to the Income and Verification parts of Chapter 17. Additional examples of net rental property loss calculations are also provided.

Update 1417G # Date 1 January 1999

Chapter 17 - Family Allowance - Child Maintenance Expenditure. See guidelines 17.7670 to 17.7754.

From 1 January 1999, family allowance recipients who pay maintenance in respect of natural or adopted children will have their family allowance income reduced by 50% of the maintenance they or their partner pay. Changes have been made to the Income and Verification parts of Chapter 17. Additional examples of net rental property loss calculations are also provided.

Update 1416G # Date 1 January 1999

Chapter 17 - Family Allowance - Child Maintenance Expenditure. See guideline 17.7600.

From 1 January 1999, family allowance recipients who pay maintenance in respect of natural or adopted children will have their family allowance income reduced by 50% of the maintenance they or their partner pay. Changes have been made to the Income and Verification parts of Chapter 17. Additional examples of net rental property loss calculations are also provided.

Update 1415G # Date 1 January 1999

Chapter 17 - Family Allowance - Child Maintenance Expenditure. See guidelines 17.7000 to 17.7002

From 1 January 1999, family allowance recipients who pay maintenance in respect of natural or adopted children will have their family allowance income reduced by 50% of the maintenance they or their partner pay. Changes have been made to the Income and Verification parts of Chapter 17. Additional examples of net rental property loss calculations are also provided.

Update 1414G # Date 1 January 1999

Chapter 17 - Family Allowance - Child Maintenance Expenditure. See guidelines 17.11600 to 17.11608

From 1 January 1999, family allowance recipients who pay maintenance in respect of natural or adopted children will have their family allowance income reduced by 50% of the maintenance they or their partner pay. Changes have been made to the Income and Verification parts of Chapter 17. Additional examples of net rental property loss calculations are also provided.

Update 1413G # Date 1 January 1999

Chapter 7 - Wife Pension - Department of Veterans' Affairs payments. See guidelines 7.000 to 7.3108

A new section of the chapter is added on payment of wife pension to partners of veterans receiving Department of Veterans' Affairs disability pension. Minor changes are also made to chapter 7.

Update 1411G # Date 1 January 1999

Chapter 30 - Income - Assessment from Financial Assets - Historical rates of payment. See guidelines 30.1110 to 30.1111

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Changes.

Update 1410G # Date 1 January 1999

Chapter 25 - Non-cash Benefits - New Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. See guidelines 25.2000 to 25.2900

Increased income limits for access to Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. New income test.

Update 1409G # Date 1 January 1999

Chapter 35 - Extended Deeming. See guideline 35.5600

Extended Deeming - not relevant to Commonwealth Seniors Health Card from 1 January 1999