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 - 2016

7 November 2016 (v1.227)

Page Title Details
1.1.D.73 Dependent female Added Act reference.
1.2.10.20 Seniors Supplement - Description Clarified policy.
1.3.4.20 Duty of Care when Giving Advice or Information Clarified policy.
1.3.5 Liability of Decision Makers Updated terminology.
3.8.18 APWS - Qualification & Payability Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.10.4.30 Notification Period for CIS Pension Recipients - 28 Days Updated terminology.
3.12.2 Seniors Supplement - Qualification & Payability Clarified policy.
4.3.2.30 Income Exempt from Assessment - Legislated Updated to reflect legislative change for people who enter aged care from 1 January 2017.
4.3.2.35 Income Exempt from Assessment - s8(11) Exempt Lump Sums Updated to reflect new determination exempting payments made through the Victorian Government's Taxi Reform Hardship Fund.
4.3.8.30 Income from Real Estate Updated to reflect legislative change for people who enter aged care from 1 January 2017.
4.4.1.50 Deeming Rate Calculation - Single DSP Recipient/Single Allowee Updated to reflect 1 July 2016 deeming threshold.
4.4.1.60 Deeming Rate Calculation - Age Couple Updated to reflect 1 July 2016 deeming threshold.
4.4.1.70 Deeming Rate Calculation - Single WidB Recipient/Single Allowee Updated to reflect 1 July 2016 deeming threshold.
4.4.1.80 Deeming Rate Calculation - NSA Recipient, Partner Receiving PP Updated to reflect 1 July 2016 deeming threshold.
4.4.1.90 Deeming Rate Calculation - Pensioner & Non-Pensioner Couple Updated to reflect 1 July 2016 deeming threshold.
4.6.3.70 Exempting the Principal Home - Care Situations Updated to reflect legislative change for people who enter aged care from 1 January 2017.
4.6.7.90 Notional Ordinary Income - Non-farm Property & Other Assets Clarified policy.
4.9.1.50 History of the Treatment of Income Streams Clarified exemptions for income streams purchased prior to 20 September 1998.
5.2.8.20 Seniors Supplement - Historical Rates Updated policy.
6.7.1.45 Ten per cent Recovery Fee on Debts from False or Non-declaration of Income from Personal Exertion Updated policy.
8.3.3.90 Backdated Start Days - FTP (deleted) Removed information.

4 October 2016 (v1.226)

Page Title Details
1.3.1 Beneficial Administration of the Act Clarified policy.
4.3.2.30 Income Exempt from Assessment - Legislated Updated to reflect legislative change.
4.3.9.90 Treatment of PLP & DAPP New page.

20 September 2016 (v1.225)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.375 AWOTE, relevant AWOTE, AWOTE weeks Updated AWOTE figure.
1.1.G.50 Government rent (RA) Clarified policy.
1.1.M.140 Minimum time (YA, Austudy, PES) Updated policy.
1.1.R.84 Recipient child (RA) Clarified policy.
1.1.T.47 Temporarily separated couple (RA, TAL) Clarified policy.
1.2.7.140 Youth Disability Supplement (YDS) - Description Updated rates.
2.2.4.30 Verifying Temporary Absences Clarified policy.
3.3.1.30 Payability of PA Clarified that partner allowance has been closed to new entrants since 20 September 2003.
3.5.1.230 Mutual Obligation Requirements Exemption - Pregnancy (PP) Added information regarding ParentsNext.
3.9.1.40 HCC Provisions for Children & Dependants Removed references to the child income limit.
3.9.1.65 HCC Benefits Clarified policy.
3.9.1.70 Low Income HCC - Assessment of Income Updated to reflect indexation.
3.9.1.90 Notification & Recipient Obligations for HCC Clarified policy.
3.9.3.30 Assessment of Income for CSHC Updated income limits.
4.3.9.90 Treatment of PLP & DAPP New page.
4.7.2.30 Treatment of Assessable Assets - Private & Unlisted Public Companies - Not Assessed Under Trusts & Companies Rules Updated title.
4.10.3 Historical Age & Invalid (Disability Support) Pension Income & Assets Limits Updated to reflect indexation.
4.10.4.20 Historical Widow B Means Test Limits & Additional Payments Updated to reflect indexation.
4.10.7.50 Historical Income Limits for CSHC Updated to reflect indexation.
4.10.7.60 Historical Income Limits for Low Income HCC from 20/09/1996 Updated income limits.
5.1.1.20 YA - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.5.10 DSP - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.10 RA - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.7.60 TAL - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.7.100 ISB - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.7.110 UA - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.8.10 Common Pension Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.8.20 Common Benefit Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.9.10 Pension Supplement - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.1.20 Single Unemployment & Sickness Benefit - November 1984 to Present Date Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.1.30 Married Unemployment & Sickness Benefit - November 1984 to Present Date Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.1.40 Additional Benefit for Child, Mother's & Guardian's Allowance & RA - November 1984 to Present Date Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.2.10 Maximum Basic Rates of Pension - July 1909 to Present Date Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.2.15 Historical Transitional Pension Rates Payable from 20/09/2009 Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.2.20 Additional Payments - April 1943 to Present Date Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.2.40 Historical Rates of DSP for People Under 21 Years of Age Without Dependent Children - July 2000 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.3.10 Widow Class A, Supporting Parent's Benefit, Sole Parent Pension, PPS - Rates from July 1942 to Present Date Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.3.30 Widow B, C & D Pension, Bereavement Allowance - July 1942 to Present Date Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.4.40 RA (Families with Children) - December 1987 to Present Date Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.4.50 Parenting Payment & Associated Rates - July 1995 to Present Date Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.6.10 RA Rates - June 1990 to Present Date Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.6.40 TAL and Telephone Rental Concession Historical Rates - January 1990 to Present Date Updated to reflect rate change.
5.2.6.100 UA Historical Rates - March 2005 to Present Date Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.8.10 Pension Supplement - Historical Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.2.10 Single Person 22 Years & over, No Dependents, Income over $252 per Fortnight Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.2.20 Single Person 22 Years & over, No Dependents, Income $252 & under per Fortnight Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.2.30 Single Person 22 Years & over, No Dependents, Paying No Rent Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.2.40 Single Person under 22 Years, No Dependents, Income $250 & under per Fortnight Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.2.50 Single Person 22 Years & over, Principal Carer of Dependent Children Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.3.10 Partnered Allowance Recipient, Partner Also Receives an Allowance, Income Above Free Areas Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.3.30 Partnered NSA Recipient, Partner's Income Results In Nil Rate, or Partner Not On Income Support Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.3.50 Partnered Allowance Recipient, Partner Receiving Pension Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.3.60 Partnered Allowance Recipient - Compensation Effect on Partner Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.4 Samples of PP Rate Calculations Updated for indexation.
5.5.4.10 PPP, Partner Not a Pensioner Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.4.30 PPP, Partner a Pensioner, Recipient Qualifies for PhA Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.4.40 PPP, Compensation Effect on Partner Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.4.50 PPS, Under Age Pension Age, 2 Children Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.4.60 PPS, Over Age Pension Age, 1 child Updated to reflect indexation.
6.2.3 Retirement & Widows Reviews Clarified policy regarding widow allowance reviews.
7.1.2.20 Application of Portability Rules (Portability Table) Updated policy.
7.2.1.10 Departure & Arrival Notification Updated policy.
8.1.1.20 Claim Lodgement - General Provisions Added note regarding student online claim process.
8.1.1.40 When to Lodge a Claim - General Provisions Added note regarding student online claim process.
8.1.1.60 Deemed Claims Added note regarding student online claim process.
8.3.3.30 Backdated Start Days - YA Clarified policy.
8.3.3.40 Backdated Start Days - Austudy Clarified policy.

15 August 2016 (v1.224)

Page Title Details
1.1.E.30 Educational, vocational & on-the-job training (DSP) Clarified policy.
1.1.I.10 Impairment Tables (DSP) Clarified policy.
1.1.J.20 Job capacity assessor Clarified policy.
1.1.L.70 Locally acessible labour market (DSP) Clarifed policy.
1.1.M.30 Manifest grants (DSP) Clarified policy.
1.1.N.12 National Training Wage schedule rate (YA, DSP) Updated rates.
1.1.T.188 Two or more carers (CP) Clarified policy.
1.1.W.60 Work (any) (DSP) Clarified policy.
1.2.1.20 Youth Allowance (YA) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.7.120 Seniors Concession Allowance (SCA) - Description Clarified information is for historical purposes only.
1.2.8.10 Health Care Card (HCC) - Description Clarified policy.
3.1.4.10 Situations that Constitute Being in Gaol or Psychiatric Confinement Clarified that a person who is detained in an immigration detention centre is not considered to be in gaol.
3.1.4.40 Effect of a Community Service Order on Activity Tested Payments Updated policy.
3.1.10.70 Review of SEAM Suspension or Cancellation Updated policy.
3.4.7.50 Non-accruing Membership of PBS Clarified policy.
3.6.1.10 Qualification for DSP - 30 Hour Rule Clarified policy.
3.6.1.12 Qualification for DSP - 15 Hour Rule Clarified policy.
3.6.1.45 Qualification for DSP - After 2 Years on Income Support with Suitable Training (deleted) Removed information.
3.6.1.67 Sustainability of Work & DSP Clarified policy.
3.6.2.140 DSP Recipients Aged 55 Years or More Clarified policy.
3.6.3 Guidelines to the Tables for the Assessment of Work-related Impairment for DSP Updated PDF version of Guidelines to the Tables for the Assessment of Work-related Impairment for DSP (from 1 January 2012).
3.6.3.30 Guidelines to Table 3 - Lower Limb Function Clarified policy.
3.6.3.100 Guidelines to Table 10 - Digestive & Reproductive Function Clarified policy.
3.6.4.10 Qualification for CP Clarified policy.
3.6.5.90 Supplementary & Employment Assistance for SA Recipients Clarified policy.
3.7.2.40 SpB for People not Residentially Qualified for Other Payments Clarified policy.
3.7.2.110 SpB in Other Common Situations Clarified policy.
3.7.4.30 Qualification for CrP - Extreme Circumstances (other) Clarified policy.
3.7.4.60 Payability of CrP - Extreme Circumstances (other) Clarified policy.
3.8.3.50 Assessing Tertiary Study-load for PES Updated terminology.
3.10.1 What is Payment Cycles? (deleted) Removed information from whole section.
3.10.2.40 Group Payment Arrangements - Entitlement Period Updated policy.
4.3.2.35 Income Exempt from Assessment - s 8(11) Exempt Lump Sums Updated to reflect new determination exempting payments made under the South Australian Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme.
4.3.3.60 Deferred Income, Salary Sacrifice, Valuable Consideration & Fringe Benefits Updated fringe benefit tax (FBT) rates.
4.6.2.10 General Provisions for Exempt Assets Updated exempt funeral investment threshold.
6.2.5.03 DSP - Application of DSP Qualification Rules at Review Updated policy.
6.2.6.10 SpB Reviews - Quarterly & Intensive Reviews Updated policy.
6.2.6.20 SpB Reviews - Non-permanent Resident & Temporary Absence Overseas Updated policy.
6.3.8.40 Student Start-up Loan (SSL) Overpayments Clarified policy.
6.7.1.20 Debts Arising under the SSAct from 1/7/2001 Updated terminology.
8.1.8 Interviews Clarified that all special benefit claimants are required to have a pre-grant interview.
8.7.2.10 Restrictable Payment (Cashless Debit Card Trial) Updated to reflect legislative change.
11.1.1.60 Payments Subject to Income Management Updated to reflect cessation of schoolkids bonus.

26 July 2016 (v1.223)

Page Title Details
3.9.1.70 Low Income HCC - Assessment of Income Updated to reflect indexation.
4.10.7.60 Historical Income Limits for Low Income HCC from 20/09/1996 Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.10.40 EMEP - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.9.20 EMEP - Historical Rates Updated to reflect indexation.

1 July 2016 (v1.222)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.320 Australia Updated to reflect legislative change regarding Norfolk Island.
1.1.A.324 Australian Apprentice (YA, Austudy) Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.1.E.164 Exclusion period Updated policy.
1.1.E.230 External territory Updated to reflect legislative change regarding Norfolk Island.
1.1.M.140 Minimum time (YA, Austudy, PES) Updated policy.
1.1.P.57 ParentsNext Clarified policy.
1.1.R.150 Remote area (RAA) Updated to reflect legislative change regarding Norfolk Island.
1.1.S.45 School - enrolment, attendance, person responsible for operation of a school (SEAM) Updated references.
1.1.S.438 Supporting Jobless Families measure participation requirements (PP) (deleted - see 1.1.P.57) Removed information.
1.2.1.10 Newstart Allowance (NSA) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.1.20 Youth Allowance (YA) - Description Updated policy.
1.2.2.10 Partner Allowance (PA) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.3.30 Widow Allowance (WA) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.3.90 Bereavement Allowance (BVA) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.4.10 Parenting Payment (PP) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.5.30 Sickness Allowance (SA) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.5.40 Mobility Allowance (MOB) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.6.10 Special Benefit (SpB) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.6.30 Crisis payment (CrP) - description Clarified policy.
1.2.7.70 Telephone Allowance (TAL) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.7.80 Remote Area Allowance (RAA) - Description Updated to reflect legislative change regarding Norfolk Island.
1.2.7.130 Utilities Allowance (UA) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.7.165 Student Start-up Loan (SSL) - Description Updated to reflect indexation.
1.3.6 Act of Grace Payments Clarified policy.
2.2.1.10 General Procedures for Confirming & Verifying Identity Updated policy.
2.2.1.40 Persons Experiencing Difficulty with Identity Confirmation & Verification Updated policy.
2.2.2 Verifying Personal Details Updated policy.
2.2.4.10 Verifying Residence/Citizenship Updated policy.
3.1.1.20 Residence in External Territories Updated policy.
3.1.8 Dates of Effect of Claim Determinations Updated terminology.
3.1.10.10 Background to SEAM Updated policy.
3.1.10.70 Review of SEAM Suspension or Cancellation Updated policy.
3.2.3.10 Qualification for YA Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.2.3.20 Payability of YA Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.2.3.40 Start Day for YA (Student or Australian Apprentice) Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.2.3.60 Notification & Recipient Obligations for YA Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.2.3.70 Continuation, Variation or Termination of YA Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.2.5.70 Assessment & Mandatory Procedures for YA, DSP & SpB - Unreasonable to Live at Home Updated policy.
3.2.7.10 Satisfying the YA Activity Test Updated policy.
3.2.7.20 YA Recipients Under 18 Updated policy.
3.2.7.50 YA Study-load - Part-time Students Updated policy.
3.2.7.60 YA Study-load - Full-time Secondary Students Updated policy.
3.2.8.20 Who Do Mutual Obligation Requirements Apply to? Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.2.9.10 Mutual Obligation Requirements for NSA/YA Job Seekers - Suitable Activities - Overview Clarified policy.
3.2.9.100 Suitable Activity - Study & Training Updated policy.
3.2.9.150 Suitable Activity - Placement in Other Commonwealth or State Government Labour Market or Appropriate Training or Skills Development Programmes, including Skills for Education & Employment & NEIS Clarified terminology.
3.2.10.30 Annual Activity Requirement - Hours of Participation Updated policy.
3.3.3.10 Qualification for Austudy Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.3.3.20 Payability of Austudy Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.3.3.50 Notification & Recipient Obligations for Austudy Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.3.3.60 Continuation, Variation or Termination of Austudy Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.5.1.164 Supporting Jobless Families Measure Participation Requirements (PP) (deleted - see 1.1.P.57) Removed information.
3.5.1.165 Helping Young Parents Measure Participation Requirements (PP) (deleted - see 1.1.P.57) Removed information.
3.5.1.167 ParentsNext Summary & Participation Requirements (PP) Clarified policy.
3.6.1.90 Notification & Recipient Obligations for DSP Updated policy.
3.7.1.60 Short Term Available Funds Test for SpB Clarified policy.
3.7.2.70 SpB for Young People Under 18 Years of Age Updated policy.
3.8.19 SSL - Qualification & Payability Updated to reflect indexation.
3.8.19.20 Payability for SSL Updated to include overpayments or payments made when a student ceases to be qualified for a Start-up Loan.
3.9.2.20 PCC Benefits Updated policy.
4.1.5 Deprivation Related to Deceased Estates, Superannuation Funds & Separation Added information regarding superannuation funds.
4.2.6 SpB Income Test & Limits Clarified policy.
4.2.8.10 Dependent YA - Parental Income Test & Limits Updated policy.
4.2.8.55 Full-time Australian Apprentice Personal Income Test, Limits & Australian Apprentice Income Bank Updated to reflect legislative change.
4.4.1.10 Overview of Deeming Updated to reflect indexation.
4.4.1.20 Operation of Deeming Updated to reflect indexation.
4.14.3.35 Special Disability Trusts - Discretionary Spending Updated rates.
4.14.3.40 Means Testing of Special Disability Trusts Updated rates.
5.1.4.50 DOP - Additional Component Updated to reflect legislative change.
5.1.7.100 ISB - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.9.10 Pension Supplement - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
6.2.4.10 PP Reviews Updated policy.
6.3.8.40 Student Start-up Loan (SSL) Overpayments New page.
6.9 SSL Repayment Arrangements Updated rates.
7.1.2.20 Application of Portability Rules (Portability Table) Updated to reflect legislative change.
8.6.1 Date of Effect of Determinations - Summary of Legislation Clarified policy.

16 May 2016 (v1.221)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.28 Accumulator Clarified policy.
1.1.D.17 Date of action Clarified policy.
1.1.D.19 Date of event Clarified policy.
1.1.E.125 Entitlement period Clarified policy.
1.1.I.170 Intending employee (YA) Updated policy.
1.1.L.40 Levels of tertiary courses Updated policy.
1.1.N.124 Notification handler (NOHL) Clarified policy.
1.1.P.124 Payday based payments Clarified policy.
1.1.P.280 Physical, intellectual or psychiatric disability (CA) Clarified policy.
1.1.P.460 Provisional commencement day Clarified policy.
1.1.S.10 Safety net (HCC, PCC, CSHC) Updated rates and thresholds.
1.2.8.30 Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) - Description Updated policy.
1.3.3 Privacy & Confidentiality Updated to reflect Australian Privacy Principles.
3.1.5.140 Death of a Care Receiver - CA Updated title.
3.2.7.70 YA Study-load - Full-time Tertiary Students Clarified policy.
3.2.9.20 Job Search - Overview Updated policy.
3.2.9.60 Suitable Activity - Work for the Dole Clarified policy. Moved information about Community Development Programme (CDP) to 3.2.9.70.
3.2.9.70 Suitable Activity - Work for the Dole - CDP New page.
3.7.1.30 Assessment of SpB Claims Clarified policy.
3.7.4.20 Qualification for CrP - Extreme Circumstances (domestic & family violence) Clarified policy regarding claim period for a perpetrator.
3.7.4.30 Qualification for CrP - Extreme Circumstances (other) Clarified policy.
3.8.1.140 Savings Provisions for RA Clarified policy.
3.9.3.33 Employer Provided Benefits - School Fees, Private Health Insurance & Low Interest Loans Clarified policy.
3.10.3.35 Weekly Payments for Most Vulnerable People Updated policy.
3.10.6 Transitional Arrangements (deleted) Removed information from whole section.
4.3.2.31 Income Exempt from Assessment - Specifically Approved Added ACT Lifetime Care and Support Scheme and Self-Directed Funding Tasmania Program to list of group personal care support schemes approved by ministers.
4.3.2.35 Income Exempt from Assessment - s 8(11) Exempt Lump Sums Added payments made under the Queensland Stolen Wages Reparation Payment Scheme to list of lump sums that have been specifically exempted under section 8(11).
4.13.1.50 Exemptions from the Compensation Provisions Updated to reflect legislative change.
4.14.1 Overview of Special Disability Trust Updated Act reference.
5.3.1.30 Taxation Exemptions Related to Death Clarified policy.
7.1.2.20 Application of Portability Rules (Portability Table) Clarified policy.
8.1.1.40 When to Lodge a Claim - General Provisions Updated Act references.
8.1.1.50 When to Lodge a Claim - Payment Specific Provisions Clarified policy.
10.2.2 Terms Used - Agreement with New Zealand Clarified policy.
10.4.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Italy Clarified policy.
10.5.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Canada Clarified policy.
10.6.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Spain Clarified policy.
10.7.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Malta Clarified policy.
10.8.2 Terms Used - Agreement with the Netherlands Clarified policy.
10.9.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Ireland Clarified policy.
10.10.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Portugal Clarified policy.
10.11.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Austria Clarified policy.
10.12.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Cyprus Clarified policy.
10.13.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Denmark Clarified policy.
10.14.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Germany Clarified policy.
10.15.2 Terms Used - Agreement with the USA Clarified policy.
10.16.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Chile Clarified policy.
10.17.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Croatia Clarified policy.
10.18.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Slovenia Clarified policy.
10.19.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Belgium Clarified policy.
10.20.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Norway Clarified policy.
10.21.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Switzerland Clarified policy.
10.22.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Korea Clarified policy.
10.23.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Greece Clarified policy.
10.24.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Japan Clarified policy.
10.25.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Finland Clarified policy.
10.26.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Poland Clarified policy.
10.27.2 Terms Used - Agreement with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Clarified policy.
10.28.2 Terms Used - Agreement with the Czech Republic Clarified policy.
10.29.2 Terms Used - Agreement with the Slovak Republic Clarified policy.
10.30.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Hungary Clarified policy.
10.31.2 Terms Used - Agreement with Latvia Clarified policy.
10.32.2 Terms Used - Agreement with India Clarified policy.
11.1.14.70 Exemptions from Income Management for People Who Are Not Principal Carers of Children Updated policy.
11.2.1 Cape York Welfare Reforms - Overview Updated policy.
11.7.6 Application of Income Management under VIM Measure Updated policy.

21 March 2016 (v1.220)

1.1.A.375 AWOTE, relevant AWOTE, AWOTE weeks Updated AWOTE figure.
1.1.P.57 ParentsNext New page.
1.1.P.71 Participation plan (ParentsNext) New page.
3.1.2.20 Liquid Assets Waiting Period Updated policy.
3.1.7.100 Example of Waiving the SWPP - Partnered Recipients Updated example.
3.2.7.70 YA Study-load - Full-time Tertiary Students Clarified study-load as it applies to various types of flexible study.
3.2.7.90 YA Study-load - Full-time Students in Flexible Study Updated policy.
3.2.9.260 Suitable Activity - Approved Non-government Programmes New page.
3.3.4.60 Assessing Tertiary Study-load for Austudy - Full-time Students Added details about Open Training and Education Network (OTEN) courses.
3.3.5 Participation Support for PA & WA (deleted) Removed information from whole section.
3.3.6 Participation Support for WA (New Claims from 20/9/2003) (deleted) Removed information from whole section.
3.4.3.70 Participation Support for WA (deleted) Removed information.
3.5.1.167 ParentsNext Participation Requirements (PP) New page.
3.6.12.280 DCLAD (Child) Professional Questionnaire Scoring Step 6 - Interim THP score Clarified policy.
3.8.1.109 Net Rent Rules Clarified policy.
3.8.3.50 Assessing Tertiary Study-load for PES Added details about Open Training and Education Network (OTEN) courses.
3.9.1.70 Low Income HCC - Assessment of Income Updated income limits.
3.15.3 LIS & LIFS - Qualifications & Payability Updated to reflect change in length of time claimant must have been in Australia in income year.
4.2.8.40 Independent YA - Partner Income Test & Limits Clarified explanation.
4.3.4.10 Application of the Income Maintenance Period (IMP) Removed reference to General Employee Entitlements & Redundancy Scheme (GEERS).
4.9.2.17 Retention of Asset Test Exemption for ATE Income Streams Purchased from 20/09/2004, or from 20/09/2007 Clarified policy.
4.9.2.30 Income Test Assessment of Asset-Test Exempt Income Streams Updated to reflect change to income test assessment for defined benefit income streams from 1 January 2016.
4.9.3.30 Income Test Assessment of Asset-Tested Income Streams Updated to reflect change to income test assessment for defined benefit income streams from 1 January 2016.
4.10.7.60 Historical Income Limits for Low Income HCC from 20/9/1996 Updated income limits.
5.1.5.40 MOB - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.10 RA - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.7.45 Student Start-up Scholarship - Current Rate Clarified policy.
5.1.7.110 UA - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.8.10 Common Pension Rates Updated rates.
5.1.8.20 Common Benefit Rates Updated rates.
5.2.1.20 Single Unemployment & Sickness Benefit - November 1984 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.1.30 Married Unemployment & Sickness Benefit - November 1984 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.1.40 Additional Benefit for Child, Mother's & Guardian's Allowance & RA - November 1984 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.2.10 Maximum Basic Rates of Pension - July 1909 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.2.15 Historical Transitional Pension Rates Payable from 20/09/2009 Updated rates.
5.2.2.20 Additional Payments - April 1943 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.3.10 Widow Class A, Supporting Parent's Benefit, Sole Parent Pension, PPS - Rates from July 1942 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.3.30 Widow B, C & D Pension, Bereavement Allowance - July 1942 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.4.40 RA (Families with Children) - December 1987 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.4.50 Parenting Payment & Associated Rates - July 1995 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.6.10 RA Rates - June 1990 to Present Date Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.6.100 UA Historical Rates - March 2005 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.8.10 Pension Supplement - Historical Rates Updated rates.
5.5.2.10 Single Person 22 Years & over, No Dependents, Income over $252 per Fortnight Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.2.20 Single Person 22 Years & over, No Dependents, Income $252 & under per Fortnight Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.2.30 Single Person 22 Years & over, No Dependents, Paying No Rent Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.2.40 Single Person under 22 Years, No Dependents, Income $250 & under per Fortnight Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.2.50 Single Person 22 Years & over, Principal Carer of Dependent Children Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.3 Samples of Allowance Rate Calculations - Partnered Recipient Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.3.10 Partnered Allowance Recipient, Partner Also Receives an Allowance, Income Above Free Areas Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.3.30 Partnered NSA Recipient, Partner's Income Results In Nil Rate, or Partner Not On Income Support Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.3.50 Partnered Allowance Recipient, Partner Receiving Pension Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.4.10 PPP, Partner Not a Pensioner Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.4.30 PPP, Partner a Pensioner, Recipient Qualifies for PhA Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.4.40 PPP, Compensation Effect on Partner Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.4.50 PPS, Under Age Pension Age, 2 Children Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.4.60 PPS, Over Age Pension Age, 1 Child Updated to reflect indexation.
6.2.5.90 MOB Reviews Updated policy.
8.5.3 Responsibilities of Nominee Clarified policy.
8.7.3.10 Ceduna & Surrounding Region Updated policy.
8.7.3.20 East Kimberley New page.
8.7.4.10 People Automatically Made Participants in the Cashless Debit Card Trial Updated policy.
8.7.4.15 Exemptions from the Trial New page.
8.7.4.20 Voluntary Participation in Cashless Debit Card Trial Clarified policy.
8.7.5 Exiting the Cashless Debit Card Trial Updated policy.
8.7.6.15 Temporary Changes to Splitting Arrangements New page.
8.7.6.40 Welfare Restricted Bank Accounts New page.
8.7.6.50 Declinable Transactions in the Cashless Debit Card Trial New page.
8.7.7.30 Ceduna Community Panel New page.
Page Title Details

8 February 2016 (v1.219)

Page Title Details
1.1.I.195 Intermittent work Clarified definition.
1.1.S.60 Seasonal work Clarified definition.
3.2.9.30 Job Search - Setting Job Search Requirements - General Updated policy where a job seeker will have nil job search requirements.
3.7.1.30 Assessment of SpB Claims Clarified policy.
3.8.15.10 Qualification for Relocation Scholarship Clarified policy.
4.3.4.40 Hardship Provisions for the IMP Updated policy.
5.1.2.30 Austudy - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.5.50 CA - Current Rate Updated rate.
5.1.7.40 Relocation Scholarship - Current Rates Clarified 2016 rate.
5.2.5.20 CA, Child Disability Allowance & HCA - December 1974 to Present Date, DNCB 1987 to 1999 Updated rates.
6.1.7 Steps in the Social Security Review & Appeals System Updated to reflect tribunals amalgamation.
6.7.1.90 Miscellaneous Categories of Debts Updated policy.
7.1.2.20 Application of Portability Rules (Portability Table) Clarified policy regarding acute and chronic condition.
8 Administration Act Provisions Updated to reflect tribunals amalgamation.
8.7 Cashless Debit Card Trial New chapter.
11.1.12.90 Prison Release and Income Management Updated policy.
11.1.14.10 Overview of Exemptions from Income Management Updated policy.
11.1.14.40 Exemptions from Income Management for People with under School-age Children Added note.
11.4.2.40 Determination Process for the Vulnerable Welfare Payment Measure Where a Person Meets the Vulnerable Welfare Payment Measure Youth Triggers Updated policy.

4 January 2016 (v1.218)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.120 Agreement - country, pension, international social security agreement Clarified definition of international social security agreement.
1.1.B.10 Base year (YA) Updated policy.
1.1.C.102 CDEP Scheme participant (deleted) Removed information.
1.1.C.210 Commonwealth scholarship Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.1.D.55 Delivery day Updated policy.
1.1.D.255 Drawings Updated policy.
1.1.E.05 Early school leaver (YA) Updated policy.
1.1.F.10 Family Actual Means Test (FAMT) (YA) (deleted) Removed information.
1.1.F.20 Family assets (YA) (deleted) Removed information.
1.1.F.230 Full-time study (YA, Austudy, PES) Updated policy.
1.1.M.100 Medical evidence (DSP,SA, partial capacity to work) Removed reference to carer payment and carer allowance. New page, 1.1.M.110, added for definition for carer payment and carer allowance.
1.1.M.110 Medical evidence (CP, CA) New page.
1.1.M.136 Merit or equity-based scholarship Updated threshold amount.
1.1.M.160 Mutual obligation requirements Updated policy.
1.1.P.40 Parental income test (YA) Updated policy.
1.1.P.50 Parental means test (YA) Updated definition.
1.1.Q.40 Qualifying study (Austudy, YA, PES, FAA) Updated policy.
1.1.R.05 RapidConnect (NSA, YA) Updated policy.
1.1.S.210 Social security payment Updated explanation.
1.1.S.370 Student income bank (YA, Austudy) Updated maximum student income bank.
1.1.S.410 Suitable activities (NSA, YA) Updated policy.
1.1.T.70 Temporary incapacity for work (NSA, YA(jobseeker), or full-time study (YA(student)) Updated policy.
1.1.T.105 Total net investment loss (YA) Updated policy.
1.1.Y.20 Youth allowance job seeker Updated policy.
1.2.1.20 Youth Allowance (YA) - Description Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.2.2.30 Austudy Payment (Austudy) - Description Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.2.5.20 Carer Payment (CP) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.7.160 Student Start-up Scholarship - Description Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.2.7.165 Student Start-up Loan (SSL) - Description New page.
2.2.13.10 Supplementary Benefits - Verification Required Updated policy.
3.1.5.30 Bereavement Payment Provisions for Couples Updated policy.
3.1.6.10 General Payability Provisions Updated policy.
3.1.11.60 Working Credit & the CDEP Scheme (deleted) Removed information.
3.2.1.70 Notification & Recipient Obligations for NSA Clarified overseas travel notification requirement.
3.2.3.10 Qualification for YA Updated policy.
3.2.3.20 Payability of YA Updated policy.
3.2.3.45 Rapidconnect - Impact on YA Payability Updated policy.
3.2.3.50 Supplementary Benefits & Employment Assistance for YA Recipients Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.2.3.60 Notification & Recipient Obligations for YA Updated policy.
3.2.4.10 General Provisions for YA Exemptions for Under 18s Updated policy.
3.2.4.60 Inability to Secure an Appropriate Place Exemption for Under 18s Updated policy.
3.2.4.80 Part-time Study or Work Exemption for Under 18s Updated policy.
3.2.5.30 Unreasonable to Live at Home (YA, DSP & SpB) Updated policy.
3.2.7.50 YA Study-load - Part-time Students Updated income free area.
3.2.8.10 Mutual Obligation Requirements for NSA/YA Job Seekers Overview Updated policy.
3.2.8.40 What Should Not be Included in a Job Plan Updated policy.
3.2.8.50 What Can be Included in a Job Plan Updated policy.
3.2.9.95 Suitable Activity - Early School Leavers (YA) Updated policy.
3.2.9.100 Suitable Activity - Study & Training Updated policy.
3.2.11.10 Mutual Obligation Requirements for NSA/YA Job Seekers/YA Students - Exemptions - Temporary Incapacity Updated policy.
3.2.11.90 Mutual Obligation Requirements for YA Early School Leavers - Inability to Secure an Approriate Place Updated policy.
3.3.3.20 Payability of Austudy Clarified policy.
3.3.3.40 Supplementary Benefits & Assistance for Austudy Recipients Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.3.3.50 Notification & Recipient Obligations for Austudy Updated to reflect legislative change and clarified overseas travel notification requirements.
3.4.1.50 Notification & Recipient Obligations for Age Clarified policy.
3.4.2.40 Notification & Recipient Obligations for WP Clarified policy.
3.4.3.50 Notification & Recipient Obligations for WA Clarified policy.
3.4.4.70 Notification & Recipient Obligations for WidB Clarified policy.
3.6.2.150 DSP Claimants with Less than 10 Years Residence Clarified policy.
3.6.4.100 Assessment of CP Claim - Medical Evidence Updated policy.
3.6.6.70 Supplementary Benefits & Assistance for MOB Recipients Updated policy.
3.6.7.50 Qualification for CA during Temporary Cessation of Care Clarified the application of temporary cessation of care provisions for carers being paid carer allowance under shared care arrangements.
3.6.7.110 Payability of CA - Carers with Shared Care Responsibilities Clarified policy.
3.6.7.145 Assessment of CA Claim Clarified policy.
3.7.1.10 Qualification for SpB Added subclass visa 060 to list of temporary visas that may be paid special benefit.
3.7.1.20 Payability of SpB Added visa subclass 060 to list of visas exempted from the newly arrived resident's waiting period (NARWP) under determinations made by the Minister under SSAct subsection 739A(6).
3.7.1.70 Long Term Available Funds Test for SpB Updated example 1.
3.7.1.100 Notification & Recipient Obligations for SpB Clarified policy.
3.7.2.10 SpB for Newly Arrived Residents Updated policy.
3.7.2.40 SpB for People not Residentially Qualified for Other Payments Added subclass visa 060 to list of temporary visas that may be paid special benefit .
3.7.3.10 Qualification for AGDRP Removed reference to payment by cheque.
3.7.3.20 Determining the Rate of AGDRP Clarified how Australian Government disaster recovery payment is paid.
3.8.1.108 Assessing RA Payable Clarified policy.
3.8.15.10 Qualification for Relocation Scholarship Clarified policy.
3.8.16 Student Start-up Scholarship - Qualification & Payability Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.8.16.10 Qualification for Student Start-up Scholarship Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.8.16.20 Payability of Student Start-up Scholarship Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.8.19 SSL - Qualification & Payability New section.
3.9.3.20 CSHC Benefits Updated list of benefits available to Commonwealth seniors health card (CSHC) holders.
3.9.3.30 Assessment of Income for CSHC Updated verification documents.
3.10.3.90 Cheque Payments (deleted) Removed information.
4.2.2 Benefits Income Test & Limits Updated income test thresholds for full-time youth allowance students.
4.2.8 YA Means Tests & Limits Updated policy.
4.2.8.10 Dependent YA - Parental Income Test & Limits Updated policy.
4.2.8.20 Dependent YA - Family Assets Test & Limits (deleted) Removed information.
4.2.8.50 Full-time Students - Personal Income Test, Limits & Student Income Bank Updated income free area and maximum student income bank.
4.2.9 Dependent YA - Family Actual Means Test (deleted) Removed whole section.
4.3.9.40 Income from Scholarships Updated threshold amount.
4.6.7.10 General Provisions for Hardship Updated policy.
4.7.1.40 Assessment of Assets for Sole Traders Updated policy.
4.7.1.50 Assessment of Assets for Partnerships Updated policy.
4.10.7.60 Historical Income Limits for Low Income HCC from 20/9/1996 Removed reference to card being issued for 26 weeks.
4.12.6.10 Capital Injections in Return for Equity in a Private Trust or Private Company Clarified policy.
4.12.11.20 Qualification Provisions for the Primary Production Concession Updated threshold amounts.
4.14.2 Eligibility of the Principal Beneficiary of a Special Disabilty Trust Updated policy.
5.1.1.20 YA - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.4.40 DOP - Current rate Updated rate.
5.1.7.40 Relocation Scholarship - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.7.46 SSL - Current Rate New page.
5.2.1.50 Youth Related Payments - July 1986 to Present Date Updated youth allowance rate.
5.2.4.60 DOP Rates - October 1973 to Present Date Updated rate.
5.4.1.40 Payment Methods for Advance Payments - Benefits & Pensions Updated policy.
6.2.5.50 CP - Reviews (Adult with a Disability) Clarified policy.
6.2.5.52 CP - Reviews (Lower ADAT Score Adult) Clarified policy.
6.2.5.140 CA - Reviews (Adult with a Disability) Clarified policy.
6.9 SSL Repayment Arrangements New page.
7.1.2.10 General Rules of Portability Clarified policy.
7.1.2.20 Application of Portability Rules (Portability Table) Clarified policy.
7.2.1.10 Departure & Arrival Notification Updated policy.
8.4 Payment Methods Updated policy.
8.4.1.10 Regular Direct Credit Payments Updated policy.
8.4.1.20 Regular Cheque Payments (deleted) Removed information.
8.4.1.30 Payments to a Third Party Updated policy.
8.4.2.10 Urgent Payments Updated policy.
8.4.2.20 Hardship Advance Payment Updated policy.
9.1.2.100 Bridging Visas Updated policy.
9.1.2.130 Human Trafficking Visa Framework (HTVF) Updated policy.
9.2.1.20 Visa Subclass 060 Bridging F Visa Updated policy.
9.2.12.40 Visa Subclass 852 Referred Stay (Permanent) Updated policy.
9.2.12.50 Visa Subclass 855 Labour Agreement Updated note.
9.2.14 Visa Subclass ZB 951 Criminal Justice Stay Visa Updated policy.
10.6.1.30 Social Security System in Spain Clarified policy.
10.14.1.30 Germany's Social Security System Updated policy.
10.15.9.20 Australia to USA & USA to Australia Clarified policy.
10.17.4.20 Where People Can Lodge Claims Under the Agreement with Croatia Clarified policy.
10.17.8.40 Inside Australia - Agreement with Croatia Updated policy.
10.19.100 Belgian Glossary Removed definition of Belgium's Agreement Countries.
10.32 Agreement with India New chapter.
11.1.3.90 Unrestricted Direct Payment under Income Management Updated policy.
11.1.14.40 Exemptions from Income Management for People with under School-age Children Updated to reflect legislative changes.