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 - 2017

13 December 2017 (v1.239)

Page Title Details
1.1.M.120 Member of a couple Updated to reflect changes to the Marriage Act 1961.
2.2.2 Verifying Personal Details Updated policy.
2.2.5.10 Determining a De Facto Relationship Updated to reflect changes to the Marriage Act 1961.
2.2.5.11 Member of a Couple - Age of Consent Updated to reflect legislative change.
2.2.5.13 Registered Relationships Updated to reflect legislative change.
2.2.5.14 Overseas Same-Sex Marriage (deleted) Removed information.
2.2.5.15 Multiple Relationships Updated to reflect legislative change.
2.2.5.20 Determining Living Separately & Apart Updated to reflect legislative change.
2.2.5.30 Determining Separation Under One Roof Updated to reflect legislative change.
2.2.5.40 Transgender (deleted) Removed information.
2.2.5.50 Discretion to Treat a Person as Not Being a Member of a Couple for a Special Reason Updated to reflect legislative change.
2.2.5.60 Determining an Illness Separated Couple Updated to reflect legislative change.
2.2.5.70 Determining a Respite Care Couple Updated to reflect legislative change.
2.2.5.80 Determining Treatment of Claimant/Recipient with Partner in Gaol - General Provisions Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.4.9.10 Qualification for BVA Updated policy.
6.6 Conducting a Member of a Couple Review Updated to reflect legislative change.

6 November 2017 (v1.238)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.110 Aged care (residential) ​Clarified definition.
3.3.1.70 Continuation, Variation or Termination of PA Clarified policy.
4.3.2.31 Income Exempt from Assessment - Specifically Approved Updated list of group personal care support schemes approved by ministers.
4.3.2.35 Income Exempt from Assessment - s8(11) Exempt Lump Sums Updated list of lump sums exempted under section 8(11).
4.6.4.50 Granny Flats - Features, Rights & Interests Clarified policy.
4.6.4.70 Granny Flats - Additional Features Clarified deprivation rules.
4.6.7.50 Unrealisable Assets - Unable or Unreasonable to Sell or Borrow Against Clarified policy.
4.9.2.20 Extension of Asset Test Exemption to pre-20/9/98 Defined Benefit Income Streams Updated Act reference.

19 October 2017 (v1.237)

Page Title Details
2.2.3 Verifying Financial Information Updated verifying financial circumstances.
3.7.2.80 SpB for Australian Citizen Children & Australian Permanent Resident Children in the Custody of a Non-permanent Resident Clarified application of residency rules.
6.3.9 Employment Income Confirmation New page.

20 September 2017 (v1.236)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.210 Approved course of education or study (YA (full-time student), Austudy, PES) Clarified policy.
1.1.A.323 Australian apprentice income bank (YA, Austudy) Updated references.
1.1.A.375 AWOTE, relevant AWOTE, AWOTE weeks Updated AWOTE figure.
1.1.C.240 Compensation Clarified policy.
1.1.P.340 PP child (PP) Updated example.
1.1.P.370 Prescribed Educational Scheme Added student financial supplement scheme to definition.
1.1.S.57 SEAM locations Updated locations.
1.1.Y.10 Year 13 (YA) - (deleted) Removed information.
3.2.7.30 YA Full-time Students Updated policy.
3.2.9.180 Suitable Activity - Self-employment (Including Through NEIS) Updated policy.
3.3.1.70 Continuation, Variation or Termination of PA Clarified policy regarding death of the recipient.
3.3.4.20 Austudy & Full-time Tertiary Students Clarified policy.
3.5.1.10 Qualification Summary for PP 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.
3.6.3.70 Guidelines to Table 7 - Brain Function Clarified policy.
3.6.5.120 Expiry & Extension of the MAP for SA Updated policy.
3.7.4.30 Qualification for CrP - Extreme Circumstances (other) Clarified policy.
3.9.1.20 Qualification for Low Income HCC Removed information about health care card for pensioners who lost pension eligibility on 1 January 2017 due to rebalancing the assets test measure.
3.9.1.70 Low Income HCC - Assessment of Income Added information about assessment of certain compensatory type payments. Updated rates. Removed information about pensioners who lost pension entitlement on 1 January 2017 as a result of the measure to rebalance the assets test.
3.9.2.10 Qualification for PCC Updated to reflect reinstatement of pensioner concession card for pensioners who lost pension eligibility on 1 January 2017 due to the rebalancing the assets test measure.
3.9.3.30 Assessment of Income for CSHC Updated income limits.
3.10.5.65 PP Change Between Single & Partnered Updated example.
3.15 Energy Payments - Qualification & Payability Update to include one-off energy assistance payment (EAP).
3.15.5 Energy Assistance Payment (EAP) - Qualification & Payability New page.
4.3.2.31 Income Exempt from Assessment - Specifically Approved Added National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland to table of group personal care support schemes approved by ministers.
4.3.2.35 Income Exempt from Assessment - s8(11) Exempt Lump Sums Updated list of lump sums specifically exempted under section 8(11).
4.3.6.20 Overseas War Pensions Updated references.
4.3.6.30 Holocaust Restitution Payments - All Countries Added information about compensation payments to victims of National Socialist (Nazi) persecution from countries other than Germany or Austria.
4.3.6.31 Holocaust Restitution Payments - Other Countries (deleted - see 4.3.6.30) Removed information.
4.6.7.130 Rate Calculation Under the Hardship Provisions Updated rate calculation to reflect legislation.
4.12.2.10 Attribution Percentages Updated legislative instruments details.
4.12.2.20 Derivation & Attribution Periods Updated legislative instrument details.
4.12.6.10 Capital Injections in Return for Equity in a Private Trust or Private Company Updated legislative instrument details.
4.12.7.20 Allowable & Non-allowable Deductions Updated policy.
4.13.1.60 Effect of Compensation on Low Income Health Care Cards Updated policy.
5.1.1.20 YA - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.7.10 RA - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.60 TAL - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.110 UA - Current Rates Updated rates.
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 rates.
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 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 to reflect indexation.
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 - Rates from July 1942 to Present Date Updated rate.
5.2.4.40 RA (Families with Children) - December 1987 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.4.50 Parenting Payment and Associated Rates - July 1995 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.6.10 RA Rates - June 1990 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.6.40 TAL & Telephone Rental Concession Historical Rates - January 1990 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.6.100 UA Historical Rates - March 2005 to Present Updated rates.
5.2.8.10 Pension Supplement - Historical Rates Updated rates.
5.3.1.10 Taxation of Payments & PAYG Payment Summary - Individual Non-Business Updated non-taxable payments.
5.5.2 Samples of Allowance Rate Calculations - Single Person Updated section to reflect indexation.
5.5.3 Samples of Allowance Rate Calculations - Partnered Recipient Updated section to reflect indexation.
5.5.4 Samples of PP Rate Calculations Updated section to reflect indexation.
6.1.2.55 Reviews - Business - Private Trusts & Private Companies Updated legislative instrument details.
6.2.5.90 MOB Reviews Clarified policy.
8.7.3.10 Ceduna and Surrounding Region Clarified policy.
8.7.3.20 East Kimberley Clarified policy.
8.7.5 Exiting the Cashless Debit Card Trial Clarified policy.
8.7.7.20 Community Body May Vary Percentage of Restricted Portion Clarified policy.
10.4.8.70 People Exempt from the Agreement Rate Calculation Process - Agreement with Italy Updated terminology.
10.7.5.10 Totalising to Qualify for an Australian Benefit - Agreement with Malta Clarified policy.
10.7.100 Malta Glossary Updated terms.
10.16.4.10 Who Can Lodge Claims under the Agreement with Chile Updated policy.

14 August 2017 (v1.235)

Page Title Details
1.1.F.95 Fares allowance (YA, Austudy) Updated policy.
1.1.L.100 Long term income support student (YA, Austudy) Clarified definition.
1.1.N.12 National Training Wage schedule rate (YA, DSP) Added National Training Wage schedule rate from 1 July 2017.
1.2.7.90 Fares Allowance (FAA) - Description Updated policy.
3.8.9.30 Determining the FAA Reimbursement for Austudy, PES and YA Updated policy.
4.2.2 Benefits Income Test & Limits Updated information on farm household allowance.
4.3.2.35 Income Exempt from Assessment - s 8(11) Exempt Lump Sums Updated list of exempted lump sums under section 8(11).
4.13.1.20 Assessment of Compensatory Type Payments Updated policy.
5.1.8.30 Common Provisions Affecting Calculation of a Rate Updated example.
5.2.1.60 Historical National Training Wage Schedule Rates (YA, DSP) New page.
11.1.2 Financial Wellbeing Support Services Supporting Welfare Payments Reform Updated whole section.

3 July 2017 (v1.234)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.15 Accommodation bond, accommodation bond balance Clarified example.
1.1.A.63 Adjusted taxable income (LIS) (deleted) Removed information.
1.1.C.190 Clean energy payment Updated to reflect legislative changes.
1.1.C.210 Commonwealth scholarship Replaced information with reference to 1.1.I.115.
1.1.C.250 Compensation affected payment Updated policy.
1.1.D.40 Debt Updated definition.
1.1.D.233 Disqualifying scholarship New page.
1.1.E.163 Excluded payment (LIS) (deleted) Removed information.
1.1.I.92 Income year (LIS) (deleted) Removed information.
1.1.I.115 Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarship New page.
1.1.L.140 Lump sum Clarified policy.
1.1.M.136 Merit or equity-based scholarship Updated policy.
1.1.P.236 Personal financial crisis - OWP New page.
1.1.R.113 Refundable deposit, refundable deposit balance Clarified example.
1.1.S.125 Severe financial hardship - OWP, SWPP, LAWP, IMP Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.1.T.26 Tax free pensions or benefits New page.
1.1.T.70 Temporary incapacity for work (NSA, YA (job seeker), or full-time study YA (student)) Updated policy.
1.1.U.30 Unemployed (NSA) Added example under 'Unemployed - section 595'.
1.1.W.10 Waiting period Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.2.1.20 Youth Allowance (YA) - Description Updated policy.
1.2.2.30 Austudy Payment (Austudy) - Description Updated policy.
1.2.7.160 Student Start-up Scholarship - Description Updated policy.
1.2.7.165 Student Start-up Loan (SSL) - Description Updated policy.
1.2.11 Income Management Payments - Description (deleted) Removed section.
1.2.12.10 Clean Energy Advance (CEA) - Description Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.2.12.20 Energy Supplement (ES) - Description Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.2.12.30 Low Income Supplement (LIS) & Low Income Family Supplement (LIFS) - Description (deleted) Removed information.
2.2.14.10 Verification for LIS (deleted) Removed information.
3.1.2.10 Application of Waiting Periods Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.1.2.50 Ordinary Waiting Period Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.1.2.70 Exemptions from Waiting Periods Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.2.1.30 Waiting, Preclusion & Exclusion Periods for NSA Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.2.3.30 Waiting, Preclusion & Exclusion Periods for YA Added ordinary waiting period (OWP) to list of waiting periods that may apply to youth allowance (YA).
3.2.3.50 Supplementary Benefits & Employment Assistance for YA Recipients Removed reference to student start-up scholarship.
3.2.3.60 Notification & Recipient Obligations for YA Updated policy.
3.2.5.30 Unreasonable to Live at Home (YA, DSP & SpB) Updated policy where parents are separated.
3.2.5.80 YA & DSP - Self-supporting through Paid Employment Updated policy.
3.2.9.10 Mutual Obligation Requirements for NSA/YA Job Seekers - Suitable Activities - Overview Updated to include details about the Seasonal Horticultural Work program.
3.2.9.150 Suitable Activity - Placement in Other Commonwealth or State Government Labour Market or Appropriate Training or Skills Development Programs, including Skills for Education & Employment & NEIS Added details about the Seasonal Horticultural Work program.
3.2.11.10 Mutual Obligation Requirements for NSA/YA Job Seekers/YA Students - Exemptions - Temporary Incapacity Updated policy.
3.3.3.40 Supplementary Benefits & Assistance for Austudy Recipients Updated policy.
3.3.3.50 Notification & Recipient Obligations for Austudy Updated policy.
3.5.1.90 Payability Summary for PP Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.5.1.100 Payability of PP - Single Rate Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.5.1.110 Payability of PP - Partnered Rate Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.5.70 Waiting Periods for SA Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.7.6.20 Determining the Rate of DRA Clarified policy.
3.8.1.108 Assessing RA Payable Updated information about student scholarships.
3.8.15.10 Qualification for Relocation Scholarship Updated 'Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship' to 'disqualifying accommodation scholarship'.
3.8.15.20 Payability of Relocation Scholarship Updated 'Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship' to 'disqualifying accommodation scholarship'.
3.8.16 Student Start-up Scholarship - Qualification & Payability Updated policy.
3.8.16.10 Qualification for Student Start-up Scholarship Clarified that information is for historical purposes only.
3.8.16.20 Payability of Student Start-up Scholarship Clarified that information is for historical purposes only.
3.8.19.10 Qualification for SSL Updated policy.
3.8.19.20 Payability for SSL Updated policy.
3.15.2.30 ES & Holders of a CSHC Clarified policy.
3.15.3 LIS & LIFS - Qualification & Payability (deleted) Removed information.
4.2.1.20 Additional Free Area for Dependent Children Updated Act references.
4.2.2 Benefits Income Test & Limits Updated to reflect indexation of income free areas paused for 3 years.
4.2.4.20 PPP Income & Assets Tests & Limits Updated to reflect income free area at 1 July 2017.
4.2.7 DRA Income Test Updated policy.
4.2.8.05 Dependent YA - Reduction for Parental Income Updated examples.
4.2.8.10 Dependent YA - Parental Income Test Updated policy.
4.2.8.20 Dependent YA - Maintenance Income Test Updated maintenance income free area amount.
4.2.8.30 Independent YA - Personal Assets Test & Limits Updated to reflect legislative change.
4.3.1.20 Determining the Rate of Income for Pensioners of Age Pension Age from 20/09/2009 Clarified 'Apportioning remunerative lump sums'.
4.3.2.30 Income Exempt from Assessment - Legislated Updated 'Other exempt income'. Added information about seasonal work living away and travel allowance, and seasonal horticultural work income exemption.
4.3.2.31 Income Exempt from Assessment - Specifically Approved Updated list of group personal care support schemes approved by ministers. Added information about Secretarial determination - specified scholarships.
4.3.2.35 Income Exempt from Assessment - s 8(11) Exempt Lump Sums Updated list of lump sums exempted under section 8(11).
4.3.3.20 Income from Employment or Independent Contracting Clarified policy.
4.3.3.30 Employment Income for Pensioners of Age Pension Age pre-20/09/2009 Updated Act references.
4.3.3.35 Employment Income for Pensioners Below Age Pension Age Updated Act references.
4.3.3.90 Seasonal Horticultural Work Income Exemption New page.
4.3.9.40 Income from Scholarships Added Indigenous Commonwealth Reward Scholarship to list of Commonwealth scholarships.
4.3.9.50 Income from Gifts, Legacies, Royalties & Native Title Claims 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.
4.4.1.50 Deeming Rate Calculation - Single DSP Recipient/Single Allowee Updated to reflect indexation.
4.4.1.60 Deeming Rate Calculation - Age Couple Updated to reflect indexation.
4.4.1.70 Deeming Rate Calculation - Single WidB Recipient/Single Allowee Updated to reflect indexation.
4.4.1.80 Deeming Rate Calculation - NSA Recipient, Partner Receiving PP Updated to reflect indexation.
4.4.1.90 Deeming Rate Calculation - Pensioner & Non-Pensioner Couple Updated to reflect indexation.
4.6.2.10 General Provisions for Exempt Assets Updated exempt funeral investment threshold.
4.6.6.30 Encumbrances & Loans Against Assets Clarified policy.
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.
4.12.11.20 Qualification Provisions for the Primary Production Concession Added threshold amounts for 1 July 2016 and 1 July 2017.
4.13.2.20 Treatment of Periodic Payments as a Lump Sum Clarified policy.
4.13.2.60 Lump Sum Preclusion Period - General Clarified policy.
4.13.3.10 Overview of Periodic Compensation Payments Clarified policy.
4.13.3.30 Effect of Periodic Compensation on the Partner of a Compensation Recipient Clarified policy.
4.13.4.20 Factors to Consider When Determining Special Circumstance Provisions Clarified policy.
4.14.3.35 Special Disability Trusts - Discretionary Spending Updated discretionary spending limit.
4.14.3.40 Means Testing of Special Disability Trusts Updated concessional asset value limits.
5.1.6.40 DRA - Current Rates Clarified policy.
5.1.7.45 Student Start-up Scholarship - Current Rate Updated to reflect student start-up scholarship no longer available.
5.1.8.50 Common Provisions Affecting Indexation of Pensions Updated Act references.
5.1.10.20 ES - Current Rates Updated to reflect legislative change.
5.1.10.30 LIS - Current Rates (deleted) Removed information.
5.1.10.40 EMEP - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.6.120 Relocation Scholarship Historical Rates New page.
5.2.9.20 EMEP - Historical Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.5 Samples of DRA Rate Calculations Updated policy.
5.5.5.10 DRA, Eligible for YA, Income Cut-off Does Not Apply Clarified policy.
5.5.5.20 DRA, Eligible for NSA, Income Cut-off Does Not Apply Clarified policy.
6.7.2.60 Debt Repayment by Instalments Clarified policy.
9.2.8.01 Visa Subclass 500 Student New page.
9.2.8.20 Visa Subclass 562 Student (deleted) Removed information.
9.2.8.30 Visa Subclass 563 Student (deleted) Removed information.
9.2.8.40 Visa Subclass 570 Independent ELICOS Sector Added note that this visa is no longer issued.
9.2.8.50 Visa Subclass 571 Schools Sector Added note that this visa is no longer issued.
9.2.8.60 Visa Subclass 572 Vocational Education & Training Sector Added note that this visa is no longer issued.
9.2.8.70 Visa Subclass 573 Higher Education Sector Added note that this visa is no longer issued.
9.2.8.80 Visa Subclass 574 Postgraduate Research Sector Added note that this visa is no longer issued.
9.2.8.90 Visa Subclass 575 Non-award Foundation/Other Sector Added note that this visa is no longer issued.
9.2.8.100 Visa Subclass 576 AusAid or Defence Sector Added note that this visa is no longer issued.
9.2.8.110 Visa Subclass 580 Student Guardian Added note that this visa is no longer issued.
9.2.8.120 Visa Subclass 590 Student Guardian New page.
10.1.9.70 Inside Australia Rate - One of a Couple Paid under the Direct Deduction Rate Updated policy.
10.2 Agreement with New Zealand Updated chapter to reflect new agreement.
10.4.5.30 Transfer of Contributions - Agreement with Italy Clarified policy.
10.4.6 Requirement to Claim a Benefit from Italy Clarified policy.
10.4.8.20 Outside Australia Rate - Agreement with Italy Clarified policy.
11.1.1.60 Payments Subject to Income Management Removed reference to student start-up scholarship.
11.3.4 Payments Subject to Income Management under the Child Protection Measure Removed reference to student start-up scholarship.
11.4.3 Payments Income Managed under the Vulnerable Welfare Payment Recipients Measure Removed reference to student start-up scholarship.
11.5.2 Payments Income Managed under the Disengaged Youth Measure Removed reference to student start-up scholarship.
11.6.2 Payments Income Managed under the Long-term Welfare Payment Recipients Measure Removed reference to student start-up scholarship.
11.7.5 Payments Income Managed under the VIM Measure Removed reference to student start-up scholarship.
11.7.9 VIM Incentive Payment (deleted) Removed information.
11.9.4 Payments Subject to Income Management under the SPAR Measure Removed reference to student start-up scholarship.

31 May 2017 (v1.233)

Page Title Details
8.4.2.10 Urgent Payments Updated policy.

8 May 2017 (v1.232)

Page Title Details
1.1.C.20 Care receiver (CP) Clarified policy.
1.1.D.22 Date of notification Updated terminology.
1.1.P.377 Preservation age Updated definition.
1.2.7.140 Youth Disability Supplement (YDS) - Description Updated rate.
3.10.2 Entitlement Periods Updated terminology.
3.10.2.10 Entitlement Period - an Overview Updated terminology.
3.10.2.70 Changing an Entitlement Period Updated terminology.
3.10.3 Payment Delivery Updated terminology.
3.10.3.10 Timing of Payment Delivery Updated terminology.
3.10.3.60 Partnered Recipients - Payment Delivery Updated terminology.
3.10.3.70 'Offset' Family Assistance & Carer Allowance Payments Updated terminology.
3.3.4.80 Austudy & Impact of Previous Study Clarified policy.
4.3.2.31 Income Exempt from Assessment - Specifically Approved Updated list of 'approved' scholarships awarded outside Australia and 'approved' personal care support schemes.
4.3.2.35 Income Exempt from Assessment - s 8(11) Exempt Lump Sums Updated list of exempted lump sums under section 8(11).
4.3.3.60 Deferred Income, Salary Sacrifice, Valuable Consideration & Fringe Benefits Updated policy.
5.4.1.30 Formula for Calculating Certain Benefits & PPS Advance Payments Updated policy.
5.5.5.20 DRA, Eligible for NSA, Income Cut-off Does Not Apply Updated rate.
5.5.5.30 DRA, Eligible for NSA, Income Cut-off Applies Updated rates.
8.1.2.50 Deemed Refusal of Claims Updated terminology.
8.1.7.10 Guidelines for Social Worker Involvement Updated policy.
8.4.1.40 Deductions from Payments Updated terminology.
8.7.1.40 Roles & Responsibilities - Cashless Debit Card Trial Updated terminology.
8.7.3.10 Ceduna & Surrounding Region Updated to reflect Cashless Debit Card Trial has been extended.
8.7.3.20 East Kimberley Updated to reflect Cashless Debit Card Trial has been extended.
9.1.2.20 Provisional Residence Visas Updated policy.
10.11.1.30 Austria's Social Security System Updated terminology.
11.1.10.60 Value of Debits Exceeds Credit Balance of Income Management Account Updated terminology.
11.4.2.30 Determination Process under the Vulnerable Welfare Payment Recipients Measure Updated terminology.
11.7.6 Application of Income Management under VIM measure Updated terminology.

5 April 2017 (v1.231)

Page Title Details
6.7.1.45 Ten per cent Recovery Fee on Debts from False or Non-declaration of Income from Personal Exertion Updated contact requirements.

20 March 2017 (v1.230)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.375 AWOTE, relevant AWOTE, AWOTE weeks Updated AWOTE figure.
1.1.C.190 Clean energy payment Clarified policy.
1.1.E.109 Energy supplement Updated policy.
1.1.E.200 Exempt resident (SpB) (deleted) Removed information.
1.1.F.60 Family member Updated policy.
1.1.Q.35 Qualifying residence exemption Updated policy.
1.2.8.30 Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) - Description Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.2.12.10 Clean Energy Advance (CEA) - Description Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.2.12.20 Energy Supplement (ES) - Description Updated policy.
3.1.2.45 NARWP Saving Provisions (deleted) Removed information.
3.1.2.46 NARWP Saving Provisions for New Zealand Citizens Clarified policy.
3.1.2.70 Exemptions from Waiting Periods Updated policy.
3.2.10.30 Annual Activity Requirement - Hours of Participation Updated policy.
3.6.7.70 Qualification for CA during Overseas Travel Updated policy.
3.7.1.20 Payability of SpB Updated policy.
3.7.1.80 Determining the Rate of SpB Clarified policy.
3.7.2.10 SpB for Newly Arrived Residents Updated policy.
3.9.1.70 Low Income HCC - Assessment of Income Updated to reflect indexation.
3.9.3.20 CSHC Benefits Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.9.3.32 Employer Provided Benefits - Cars Updated examples.
3.9.3.35 Employer Provided Benefits - Financial Investments & Expense Benefits Clarified policy.
3.9.3.36 Target Foreign Income Clarified policy.
3.15.1 CEA - Qualification & Payability Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.15.2 ES - Qualification & Payability Updated whole section.
4.3.2.35 Income Exempt from Assessment - s 8(11) Exempt Lump Sums Updated list of lump sums that have been specifically exempted under section 8(11).
4.4.1.20 Operation of Deeming Clarified policy.
4.10.7.60 Historical Income Limits for Low Income HCC from 20/09/1996 Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.1.20 YA - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.7.10 RA - Current Rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.7.110 UA - Current Rates Updated rates.
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.
5.1.10.10 CEA - Current Rates Updated to reflect legislative change.
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.
5.2.2.05 Total Maximum Periodic Pension-related Payment - 1909 to Present Date (deleted) Removed information.
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.
5.2.3.10 Widow Class A, Supporting Parent's Benefit, Sole Parent Pension, PPS - Rates from July 1942 to Present Date Updated rate.
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 and 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 to reflect indexation.
5.2.9.30 CES - Historial Rates Updated to reflect legislative change.
5.5.2 Samples of Allowance Rate Calculations - Single Person Updated section to reflect indexation.
5.5.3 Samples of Allowance Rate Calculations - Partnered Recipient Updated section to reflect indexation.
5.5.4 Samples of PP Rate Calculations Updated section to reflect indexation.
9.2.2.10 Visa Subclass 100 Spouse/Partner Updated policy.
9.2.2.80 Visa Subclass 110 Interdependency Updated policy.
9.2.11.20 Visa Subclass 801 Spouse/Partner Updated policy.
9.2.11.130 Visa Subclass 814 Interdependency Updated policy.
9.4.3.60 AoS - Income Requirements & Family Circumstances of Potential Assurer Updated policy.
10.11.1.10 History of the Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.1.40 Double Coverage - Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.4.20 Where People Can Lodge Claims Under the Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.5.10 Totalising to Qualify for an Australian Benefit - Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.5.20 Totalising to Qualify for an Austrian Benefit Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.5.30 Widowed Persons - Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.7.10 Arrears of Austrian Benefits Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.7.20 Embargoes on Arrears of Austrian Benefits Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.7.30 Overpayments Resulting from the Grant of Austrian benefit Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.8.10 Rate Calculation - Background - Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.8.20 Outside Australia Rate - Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.8.30 Working Life Residence - Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.8.40 Proportional Income - Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.8.50 Inside Australia Rate - Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.8.60 Exempt Payments - Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.9.30 People Who Travel to a Third Country - Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.10.10 Administrative Arrangements & Mutual Assistance - Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.10.20 Information Exchange & Confidentiality - Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.11.10 Appeals - Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.12.20 Termination of the Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.12.30 Transitional Provisions - Agreement with Austria Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.
10.11.100 Austrian Glossary Updated to reflect revised social security agreement between Australia and Austria that commenced on 1 March 2017.

6 February 2017 (v1.229)

Page Title Details
1.1.S.10 Safety net (HCC, PCC, CSHC) Updated safety net thresholds.
4.3.2.31 Income Exempt from Assessment - Specifically Approved Updated terminology.
4.3.2.35 Income Exempt from Assessment - s 8(11) Exempt Lump Sums Updated to include new lump sum exceptions.
Added 2 payments to list of lump sums that have been specifically exempted under section 8(11).
4.3.9.80 Treatment of Government Capital Assistance Funding Programs Removed reference to LPG Vehicle Scheme and Solar Homes and Communities Plan.
5.5.5.10 DRA, Eligible for YA, Income Cut-off Does Not Apply Updated to reflect indexation.
10.1.9.50 Payments for Children of Pensioners Overseas Updated rates.
10.23.5.10 Totalising to Qualify for an Australian Benefit - Agreement with Greece Clarified policy.
10.23.5.20 Totalising to Qualify for a Greek Benefit Clarified policy.

3 January 2017 (v1.228)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.52 Acute onset (CA) (deleted) Removed information.
1.1.E.90 Employer provided benefit (YA) Updated Act reference.
1.1.M.136 Merit or equity-based scholarship Updated threshold.
1.1.M.160 Mutual obligation requirements Updated act reference.
1.1.P.60 Part 2.23B major disaster Clarified policy.
1.1.P.260 Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (HCC, PCC, CSHC) (deleted) Removed information.
1.1.P.270 Pharmaceutical concessions (HCC, PCC, CSHC) (deleted) Removed information.
1.1.R.55 Receiving Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.1.S.370 Student income bank (YA, Austudy) Clarified policy.
1.1.U.55 Unsuitable work (NSA, YA) Updated policy.
1.2.1.10 Newstart Allowance (NSA) - Description Removed reference to income support bonus (ISB).
1.2.4.10 Parenting Payment (PP) - Description Removed reference to income support bonus (ISB).
1.2.5.30 Sickness Allowance (SA) - Description Removed reference to income support bonus (ISB).
1.2.6.10 Special Benefit (SpB) - Description Removed reference to income support bonus (ISB).
1.2.6.20 Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.6.40 Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.7.140 Youth Disability Supplement (YDS) - Description Clarified policy.
1.2.7.170 Income Support Bonus (ISB) - Description Updated to reflect payment has ceased.
2.2.13.10 Supplementary Benefits - Verification Required Removed reference to income support bonus (ISB).
2.2.13.20 RA - Verification Required Clarified policy.
3.1.12 Employment Income Nil Rate Period Removed reference to income support bonus (ISB).
3.1.13.20 No Show, No Pay Failures Removed reference to income support bonus (ISB).
3.1.13.30 Participation Payment Suspensions, Connection Failures, Non-Attendance Failures, Reconnection Failures & Penalties Clarified policy.
3.1.13.80 Unemployment Non-payment Periods Clarified policy.
3.2.1.50 Supplementary Benefits & Employment Assistance for NSA Recipients Removed reference to income support bonus (ISB) and clean energy advance (CEA).
3.2.3.50 Supplementary Benefits & Employment Assistance for YA Recipients Removed reference to income support bonus (ISB) and clean energy advance (CEA).
3.2.4.80 Part-time Study or Work Exemption for Under 18s Updated act reference.
3.2.7.50 YA Study-load - Part-time Students Clarified policy.
3.2.8.40 What Should Not be Included in a Job Plan Clarified policy.
3.2.9.180 Suitable Activity - Self-employment (Including Through NEIS) Updated policy.
3.3.3.40 Supplementary Benefits & Assistance for Austudy Recipients Removed reference to income support bonus (ISB).
3.5.1.130 Supplementary Benefits & Employment Assistance for PP Recipients Removed reference to income support bonus (ISB).
3.6.5.90 Supplementary & Employment Assistance for SA Recipients Removed reference to income support bonus (ISB).
3.6.7.150 Start Day for CA Clarified policy.
3.6.12.220 Referrals to the Carer Specialised Assessment Team (CSAT) Updated policy.
3.7.1.90 Supplementary Benefits & Assistance for SpB Recipients Removed reference to income support bonus (ISB) and clean energy advance (CEA).
3.7.2.20 Substantial Change in Circumstances for SpB Updated policy.
3.7.2.30 SpB for People from New Zealand (deleted) Removed information.
3.7.2.40 SpB for People not Residentially Qualified for Other Payments Clarified policy.
3.7.2.70 SpB for Young People Under 18 Years of Age Clarified rate to pay a young person in state care.
3.7.3.10 Qualification for AGDRP Clarified policy.
3.7.6.10 Qualification for DRA Clarified policy.
3.7.6.20 Determining the Rate of DRA Clarified policy.
3.8.15.10 Qualification for Relocation Scholarship Clarified policy.
3.8.17 ISB - Qualification & Payability Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.9.1.20 Qualification for Low Income HCC Added information about automatic issue of a low income health care card (LIC) for pensioners who lose pension eligibility due to the rebalancing the assets test measure.
3.9.1.70 Low Income HCC - Assessment of Income Added information about automatic issue of a low income health care card (LIC) for pensioners who lose pension eligibility due to the rebalancing the assets test measure.
3.9.3.10 Qualification for CSHC Added information about automatic issue of a Commonwealth seniors health care card (CSHC) for people who lose eligibility to age pension due to the rebalancing the assets test measure.
3.9.3.30 Assessment of Income for CSHC Added information about automatic issue of a Commonwealth seniors health care card (CSHC) for people who lose eligibility to age pension due to the rebalancing the assets test measure.
3.10.2.40 Group Payment Arrangements - Entitlement Period (deleted) Removed information.
3.10.3.50 Group Payment Customers - Payment Delivery (deleted) Removed information.
3.10.4 Notification Periods Updated terminology.
3.10.4.10 General Notification Period - 14 Days Clarified policy.
3.10.4.20 Notification Period for Bereavement Events - 28 Days Clarified policy.
3.10.4.40 Secretary can Extend Notification Period - 28 Days Updated terminology.
3.11 Debts under the SSAct before 01/07/2001 (deleted) Removed section.
4.2.2 Benefits Income Test & Limits Updated to reflect indexation.
4.2.3 Pensions & Benefits Assets Tests & Limits Updated to reflect assets test taper changes.
4.2.7 DRA Income Test Updated rates.
4.2.8.05 Dependent YA - Reduction for Parental Income New page.
4.2.8.10 Dependent YA - Parental Income Test Updated to reflect legislative change.
4.2.8.20 Dependent YA - Maintenance Income Test New page.
4.2.8.50 Full-time Students - Personal Income Test, Limits & Student Income Bank Updated to reflect indexation.
4.2.8.55 Full-time Australian Apprentice - Personal Income Test, Limits & Australian Apprentice Income Bank Updated to reflect indexation.
4.3.3.60 Deferred Income, Salary Sacrifice, Valuable Consideration & Fringe Benefits Updated to reflect legislative change.
4.3.9.40 Income from Scholarships Clarified policy and updated to reflect indexation.
4.6.2.10 General Provisions for Exempt Assets Removed information about first home savers account.
4.6.7.130 Rate Calculation Under the Hardship Provisions Updated to reflect assets test taper changes.
4.8.2.10 Principles for Assessing Superannuation Investments Clarified policy.
4.9.2.40 Commuting an Asset-Test Exempt Income Stream Clarified circumstances when commutation of an ATE income stream is allowed.
4.9.4.20 General Provisions for Assessing Income Streams Paid from SMSFs or SAFs Clarified policy.
4.10.1.40 Historical Student Income Dependency Limits Since 1975 Updated student dependency limit.
5.1.1.20 YA - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.2.30 Austudy - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.4.40 DOP - Current Rate Updated rate.
5.1.5.40 MOB - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.5.50 CA - Current Rate Updated rate.
5.1.6.20 AGDRP - Current Rates Clarified policy.
5.1.7.40 Relocation Scholarship - Current Rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.45 Student Start-up Scholarship - Current Rate Updated policy and rate.
5.1.7.46 SSL - Current Rate Updated rate.
5.1.7.100 ISB - Current Rates (deleted) Removed information.
5.1.8.20 Common Benefit Rates Clarified policy.
5.2.1.50 Youth Related Payments - July 1986 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.4.60 DOP Rates - October 1973 to Present Date Updated rate.
5.2.5.10 MOB - April 1983 to Present Date Updated rates.
5.2.5.20 CA, Child Disability Allowance & HCA - December 1974 to Present Date, DNCB 1987 to 1999 Updated rate.
5.2.6.110 ISB Historical Rates New page.
5.3.1.10 Taxation of Payments & PAYG Payment Summary - Individual Non-Business Updated to reflect income support bonus (ISB) has ceased.
5.5.5 Samples of DRA Rate Calculations Updated whole section to reflect current rates and income test parameters.
5.5.5.10 DRA, Eligible for YA, Income Cut-off Does Not Apply Updated example calculation.
5.5.5.20 DRA, Eligible for NSA, Income Cut-off Does Not Apply Updated example calculation.
5.5.5.30 DRA, Eligible for NSA, Income Cut-off Applies Updated example calculation.
6.2.5.05 DSP - Reviews (Service Updates) Updated policy.
6.2.5.08 DSP - Face-to-Face Contact Service Update Reviews (from 20/09/2003) (deleted) Removed information.
6.2.5.12 DSP - Income & Assets Service Update Mail Reviews (from 20/09/2003) (deleted) Removed information.
6.2.5.15 DSP - General Provisions for Service Updates (deleted) Removed information.
6.2.5.18 DSP - Manual Medical/Work Capacity Service Update Reviews (deleted) Removed information.
6.7.1.10 Debts Due to the Commonwealth Updated to reflect legislative change.
6.7.1.40 Interest Charge on Debts Updated to reflect legislative changes.
6.7.1.45 Ten per cent Recovery Fee on Debts from False or Non-declaration of Income from Personal Exertion Clarified policy.
6.7.1.110 Notice of Debts Updated to reflect legislative change.
6.7.2.40 Debt Recovery by Legal Proceedings Updated to reflect legislative change.
6.7.2.50 Debt Recovery by Garnishee Notice Updated to reflect legislative change.
6.7.2.100 Departure Prohibition Orders New page.
6.7.3.08 No Time Limit on Debt Recovery Updated to reflect legislative change.
6.7.3.10 Write off of Debt Updated to reflect legislative change.
8.1.1.20 Claim Lodgement - General Provisions Updated policy.
8.1.1.40 When to Lodge a Claim - General Provisions Updated policy.
8.1.1.60 Deemed Claims Updated policy.
8.3.3.30 Backdated Start Days - YA Updated policy.
8.3.3.40 Backdated Start Days - Austudy Updated policy.
8.3.3.50 Backdated Start Days - CA (deleted) Removed information.
8.7.2.10 Restrictable Payment (Cashless Debit Card Trial) Updated to reflect income support bonus (ISB) ceased on 31 December 2016.
11.1.1.60 Payments Subject to Income Management Added note that income support bonus (ISB) ceased on 31 December 2016.
11.2.5.30 Category Q Welfare Payment Updated to reflect income support bonus (ISB) ceased 31 December 2016.