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.

Social Security Guide updates - 2023

6 November 2023 (v1.313)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.170 Appropriate tax year (YA) Updated Policy reference.
1.1.A.260 Articulated courses (YA) Updated Act and Policy references.
1.1.A.375 AWOTE, relevant AWOTE, AWOTE weeks Updated AWOTE figures.
1.1.C.90 CA child Updated page title.
1.1.C.350 Continuous support (YA, DSP) Updated Act reference.
1.1.D.235 Domestic & family violence Clarified definition
1.1.E.150 Excessive travelling time (YA) Clarified definition.
1.1.I.95 Independently of a program of support Clarified policy.
1.1.I.180 Intending student (YA) Updated example.
1.1.M.136 Merit or equity-based scholarship Updated policy and added policy reference.
1.1.S.330 State or territory payment (YA) Added Act and policy references.
1.1.T.30 Telephone allowance payday (TAL) Clarified definition.
1.1.T.40 Telephone subscriber (TAL) Clarified definition.
1.1.U.10 Unapproved absences (YA) (deleted) Removed information.
1.2.2.30 Austudy payment (Austudy) - description Clarified policy.
1.2.7.40 Student Financial Supplement Scheme (SFSS) - description Updated policy.
1.2.7.70 Telephone allowance (TAL) - description Updated policy reference.
1.2.7.90 Fares allowance (FAA) - description Updated policy reference.
1.2.7.160 Student start-up scholarship - description (deleted) Removed information.
1.2.7.170 Income support bonus (ISB) - description (deleted) Removed information.
3.1.2.20 Liquid assets test waiting period Updated Act and Policy references and clarified policy.
3.1.4.20 Person undertaking a course of rehabilitation Updated department name.
3.1.5.115 Death of PP child Updated to reflect legislation change.
3.1.12 Employment income nil rate period Updated supplementary benefits list to include remote engagement program payment.
3.2.2.40 Situations involving industrial action Clarified policy.
3.3.4.50 Austudy & secondary students Updated Act reference.
3.6.1.50 Payability of DSP Clarified policy.
3.6.2.100 DSP assessment of impairment ratings Claified policy.
3.6.3.02 Guidelines to the rules for applying the Impairment Tables - applying the Tables Updated Act reference.
3.6.3.08 Guidelines to the rules for applying the Impairment Tables - assigning an impairment rating Updated Act reference.
3.6.4.38 Qualification for CP (child) - short term or episodic care Clarified policy.
3.6.4.70 Changes to carer situation - effect on CP qualification Clarified policy.
3.6.7.32 Assessment of income for CA Clarified policy.
3.6.7.50 Qualification for CA during temporary cessation of care Clarified policy.
3.6.7.145 Assessment of CA claim Clarified policy.
3.6.12.60 DCLAD (Child) ACL questionnaire scoring step 4 - raw score for domain B Updated question number.
3.6.12.80 DCLAD (Child) ACL questionnaire scoring step 6 - score for subdomain C(1) Updated question number.
3.6.12.100 DCLAD (Child) ACL questionnaire scoring step 8 - score for subdomain C(2) Updated question number.
3.6.12.120 DCLAD (Child) ACL questionnaire scoring step 10 - score for subdomain C(3) Updated question number.
3.6.12.160 DCLAD (Child) ACL questionnaire scoring step 14 - total score for subdomain D(1) - special care needs - interventions Updated question number.
3.6.12.170 DCLAD (Child) ACL questionnaire scoring step 15 - total score for subdomain D(2) Updated question number.
3.7.4.25 Qualification for CrP - remaining in the home after removal of family member due to domestic or family violence Clarified policy and updated Act reference.
3.8.4.80 Repayment of the financial supplement - after the contract ends Clarified policy.
3.8.9.20 FAA entitlement Added policy reference.
3.8.9.50 Travel outside the study year for FAA Updated example.
3.8.19.10 Qualification for SSL Updated policy.
3.9.3.10 Qualification for CSHC Clarified policy.
3.10.3.35 Weekly payments for most vulnerable people Clarified policy.
4.14.2 Eligibility of the principal beneficiary of a special disability trust Clarified policy.
5.1.1.20 YA - current rates Updated Act and Policy reference.
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.
5.2.5.20 CA, child disability allowance & HCA - December 1974 to present date, DNCB 1987 to 1999 Updated rate.
5.4.1.50 Repayment of advance payments - benefits & pensions Clarified policy and updated Act references.
5.4.6.10 Qualification for special employment advance payments Removed reference to ceased payment.
6.3.8.10 SFSS overpayments Added note.
9.4.1.20 History of the AoS scheme Updated to reflect legislative change.
9.4.3.40 Assurer eligibility requirements - unincorporated bodies Clarified policy.
9.4.3.50 Assurer eligibility requirements - Community Support Program Updated to reflect change of age requirements for Community Support Program entrants.
9.4.6 AoS periods, cancellations & transfers Clarified policy.

20 September 2023 (v1.312)

Page Title Details
1.1.C.310 Constant care (CP) Updated example.
1.1.D.180 Disability medical assessment (DSP) Clarified policy.
1.1.N.12 National Training Wage schedule rate (YA, DSP) Added National Training Wage schedule rate from 1 July 2023.
1.1.P.51 Parenting payment (single) (PPS) Updated eligibility to reflect legislative change.
1.1.P.71 Participation plan (ParentsNext) Updated to reflect legislation change regarding mutual obligations.
1.1.P.340 PP child (PP) Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.2.4.10 Parenting payment (PP) - description Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.2.7.50 Energy supplement (ES) - description Moved from 1.2.12.20.
1.2.7.120 Essential medical equipment payment (EMEP) - description Moved from 1.2.12.40.
1.2.12 Clean energy payments - description (deleted - see 1.2.7.50 & 1.2.7.120) Restructured section.
2.2.1.10 General procedures for confirming & verifying identity Updated to reflect Trusted Digital Identity Framework adoption from 1 October 2023.
3.1.7.50 Sample calculations - SWPP Updated sample calculation dates.
3.3.4.70 Austudy & progress rules for tertiary study Updated example.
3.4.5.40 How the HEAS is paid Updated examples.
3.6.4.10 Qualification for CP Clarified policy.
3.6.4.20 Testing qualification for CP (deleted) Removed information.
3.6.4.120 Care receiver income & assets (CRIA) tests New page.
3.8.2.10 PhA - qualification & payability Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.8.7.10 TAL - qualification & payability Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.9.1.70 LIC - assessment of income Updated to reflect indexation.
3.9.2.10 Qualification for PCC Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.9.2.30 PCC extension rules Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.10.5.65 PP change between single & partnered Clarified policy and updated to reflect legislative change.
3.11.1.30 Adequate job search Clarified policy.
3.11.5.40 Pre & post natal exemptions Updated to reflect legislative change concerning mutual obligations.
3.11.5.50 Exemption arrangements in ParentsNext Updated to reflect legislation change concerning mutual obligations.
3.11.8 Mutual obligation requirements for principal carer parents Updated to reflect legislation.
3.11.11 ParentsNext Updated to reflect legislative change concerning mutual obligations.
4.10.7.50 Historical income limits for CSHC Updated income limits.
4.10.7.60 Historical income limits for LIC from 20/09/1996 Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.1.20 YA - current rates Updated rates.
5.1.5.10 DSP - current rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.10 RA - current rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.60 TAL - 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 rates.
5.1.10.20 ES - 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 Partnered unemployment & sickness benefit - November 1984 to present date Updated terminology and to reflect indexation.
5.2.1.50 Youth related payments - July 1986 to present date Updated to reflect indexation.
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.
5.2.3.10 Widow class A, supporting parent's benefit, sole parent pension, PPS - rates from July 1942 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 rates.
5.2.6.40 TAL & telephone rental concession historical rates - January 1990 to present date Updated to reflect indexation.
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 rates.
5.5.2.10 Single person 22 years & over, no dependents, income over $300 per fortnight Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.2.20 Single person 22 years & over, no dependents, income $256 & 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 Partner JSP 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.
5.5.4.10 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 and legislative change.
5.5.4.60 PPS, over age pension age, 1 child Updated to reflect indexation and legislative change.

4 September 2023 (v1.311)

Page Title Details
11 Income Management Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.1 Income management framework Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.1.1 Overview of income management Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.1.1.20 Outline of income management measures Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.3 Child Protection Measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.3.1 Overview of Child Protection Measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.3.2 Eligibility for income management under the Child Protection Measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.4 Vulnerable Welfare Payment Recipient measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.4.1 Overview of the VWPR measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023
11.4.1.20 People income managed under the VWPR Measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.4.2 Identification of a VWPR Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.4.2.10 Decision-making principles for identifying a VWPR Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.5 Disengaged Youth Measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.5.1 Overview of the Disengaged Youth measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.5.1.20 Who is income managed under the Disengaged Youth measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.6 Long-term Welfare Payment Recipients measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.6.1 Overview of the Long-term Welfare Payment Recipients measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.6.1.20 Who is income managed under the Long-term Welfare Payment Recipients measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.7 Voluntary income management Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.7.1 VIM measure - overview Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.7.3 VIM agreement Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.9 Supporting People at Risk measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.9.1 Overview of SPAR measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
11.9.2 Eligibility for income management under the SPAR measure Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
12 Enhanced income management regime Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
12.1 Overview of enhanced income management regime Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
12.1.1 Outline of the enhanced income management regime Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
12.1.4 Hierarchy of enhanced income management measures New page.
12.1.5 Nominee arrangements under enhanced income management New page.
12.1.6 Disbursement of enhanced income management funds when a person ceases to be subject to enhanced income management New page.
12.2.4 Exempt welfare payment recipient Updated to reflect commencement of Income Management Reform Act 2023.
12.3.1 Moving from the income management regime to the enhanced income management regime Restructured section - see 12.3.2.
12.3.2 Queensland Commission - overview New section.
12.3.3 Disengaged youth - overview New section.
12.3.4 Long-term welfare payment recipient - overview New section.
12.3.5 Voluntary enhanced income management - overview New section.
12.3.6 Child protection - overview New section.
12.3.7 Vulnerable welfare payment recipient - overview New section.
12.3.8 Supporting people at risk - overview New section.

14 August 2023 (v1.310)

Page Title Details
1.1.D.140 Diagnosed, reasonably treated & stabilised (DSP) Updated terminology.
1.2.7.10 Rent assistance (RA) - description Removed reference to CDEP.
2.2.1.40 Persons experiencing difficulty with identity confirmation & verification Clarified policy.
2.2.2 Verifying personal details Clarified policy.
3.6.1.100 Continuation, variation or termination of DSP Clarified policy.
3.6.2.112 DSP assessment of continuing inability to work - 15 hour rule Updated suspension rules regarding pensioner concession card.
3.6.7.10 Qualification for CA (child) HCC only Clarified policy.
3.8.1.90 Temporary accommodation & RA Clarified policy.
4.3.2.31 Income exempt from assessment - specifically approved Updated list of exemptions due to sunsetting instruments.
4.3.2.35 Income exempt from assessment - s 8(11) exempt lump sums Updated list of exemptions due to sunsetting instruments.
5.1.10.40 EMEP - current rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.9.20 EMEP - historical rates Updated to reflect indexation.
6.2.7.10 RA reviews Clarified policy .

26 July 2023 (v1.309)

Page Title Details
1.1.L.140 Lump sum Clarified policy.
4.3.1.10 Determining the rate of income for benefits Clarified policy.
4.3.1.20 Determining the rate of income for pensioners of age pension age from 20/09/2009 Clarified policy.
4.3.1.25 Determining the assessable income for pensioners below age pension age Clarified policy.
4.3.1.40 Determining the rate of income for PP Clarified policy.
4.3.3.07 Assessment periods for employment income Clarified policy.
4.3.3.10 General provisions for income from employment Clarified policy.
4.3.3.20 Income from employment or independent contracting Clarified policy.
4.3.3.25 Employment income for pensioners of age pension age from 20/09/2009 Clarified policy.
4.3.3.35 Employment income for pensioners below age pension age Clarified policy.
4.3.9.50 Income from gifts, legacies, royalties & native title claims Clarified policy.

3 July 2023 (v1.308)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.218 Approved scholarship course (YA, Austudy) Updated legislative reference.
1.1.A.310 Assuree, assurer, assurance of support, assurance of support security Clarified definitions.
1.1.C.240 Compensation Updated list of excluded compensation payments.
1.1.F.210 Full year course (PES) Updated definition and policy references.
1.1.M.10 Main supporter of a secondary pupil child (PP, JSP, YA, SpB) Clarified definition.
1.1.N.124 Notification handler (NOHL) (deleted) Removed information.
1.1.P.350 Pre-application period (PBS) (deleted) Removed information.
1.1.P.412 Principal carer Updated example.
1.1.P.414 Principal carer - disputed care arrangements & abduction Clarified policy.
1.1.P.416 Principal carer - shared care Updated definition.
1.1.S.350 Statement reporter Clarified policy and added Act reference.
3.1.2.70 Exemptions from waiting periods Updated terminology.
3.1.4.30 Payment after release Clarified policy.
3.1.5.130 Bereavement payment provisions for CP Updated policy.
3.1.5.140 Death of a care receiver - CA Updated policy.
3.2.3.30 Waiting, preclusion & exclusion periods for YA Updated Act reference.
3.2.7.100 YA full-time students satisfactory progress Clarified policy.
3.3.4.40 Austudy & students with disabilities Clarified policy and added Act reference.
3.6.3 Guidelines to the Tables for the assessment of work-related impairment for DSP Clarified use of pre-April 2023 tables.
3.7.1.90 Supplementary benefits & assistance for SpB recipients Clarified policy.
3.8.3.20 PES qualifying study for tertiary students Updated references.
3.8.9.60 Payment of FAA Clarified policy.
3.9.1.70 LIC - assessment of income Updated to reflect indexation.
3.10.5.100 Review of Decisions (deleted) Removed information.
3.11.3.30 Voluntary work Clarified policy.
3.11.6 Fully meeting requirements Clarified policy.
3.15.2.20 Payability of ES Clarified policy.
4.4.1.10 Overview of deeming Updated to reflect 1 July 2023 deeming rates and thresholds.
4.6.2.10 General provisions for exempt assets Updated exempt funeral investment threshold.
4.10.7.60 Historical income limits for LIC from 20/09/1996 Updated rates.
4.12.11.20 Qualification provisions for the primary production concession Updated to reflect indexation.
4.13.2.10 Treatment of specific lump sums Updated link to structured settlements webpage.
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 limit.
5.1.7.120 APWS - current rates Clarified policy.
5.4.3 PhA advance payment Clarified policy.
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.
8.2.1 Transfers Clarified policy.
8.3.2 Start days for early claims Clarified policy.

8 May 2023 (v1.307)

Page Title Details
1.1.H.70 Home equity conversion agreement Added legislative reference.
1.1.M.120 Member of a couple Updated definition.
1.1.P.65 Partial capacity to work (JSP, YA (job seeker), PP & SpB (NVH)) Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.1.S.290 Sponsor (SpB) Removed Act reference.
1.1.T.110 Totalisation Updated definition.
2.2.5 Verifying membership of a couple Restructured section and clarified policy.
3.7.2.70 SpB for young people under 18 years of age Clarified policy.
3.8.1 RA - qualification & payability Clarified policy.
3.15.5 Energy assistance payment (EAP) - qualification & payability Added note.
4.3.2.10 Income received to cover specific expenses Added information regarding taxation refund.
4.3.2.35 Income exempt from assessment - s 8(11) exempt lump sums Updated to reflect legislative change.
4.3.3.60 Deferred income, salary sacrifice, valuable consideration & fringe benefits Updated policy.
5.4.1.35 Formula for calculating certain pension advance payments Updated policy and examples.

3 April 2023 (v1.306)

Page Title Details
1.1.C.20 Care receiver (CP) Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.1.C.21 Care receiver (CA) Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.1.C.90 CA child (CA) Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.1.C.100 CA (child) HCC only New page, contains information previously in 1.1.C.115.
1.1.C.144 Child with a disability (CA) Updated Act reference, and updated policy.
1.1.C.195 Combined care (CP) Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.1.C.361 CP (child) Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.1.D.140 Diagnosed, reasonably treated & stabilised (DSP) New page.
1.1.D.180 Disability medical assessment (DSP) Clarified definition.
1.1.F.240 Fully diagnosed, fully treated & fully stabilised (FDTS) (DSP) (deleted - see 1.1.D.140) Removed information.
1.1.H.60 Health Professional Advisory Unit (HPAU) Updated definition.
1.1.I.10 Impairment Tables (DSP) Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.1.J.20 Job capacity assessor Updated definition.
1.1.M.100 Medical evidence (DSP, JSP & partial capacity to work) Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.1.M.155 Multiple care (CP) Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.1.P.220 Permanent condition & permanent impairment (DSP) (deleted - see 1.1.D.140) Removed information.
1.1.R.90 Recognised disability (CA (child)) Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.2.5.10 Disability support pension (DSP) - description Updated to reflect legislative change.
1.2.5.50 Carer allowance (CA) - description Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.1.10 Qualification for DSP - 30 hour rule Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.1.12 Qualification for DSP - 15 hour rule Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.1.67 Sustainability of work & DSP Updated to legislative change.
3.6.2.10 Medical & other evidence for DSP Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.2.15 Specialist assessments for DSP Clarified policy.
3.6.2.20 Manifest grants & rejections for DSP Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.2.50 Assessment of people with intellectual impairments for DSP Clarified policy.
3.6.2.100 DSP assessment of impairment ratings Updated policy.
3.6.3 Guidelines to the Tables for the assessment of work-related impairment for DSP Updated section to reflect legislative change.
3.6.4.10 Qualification for CP Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.4.32 Qualification for CP (child) - child with a severe disability or severe medical condition Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.4.33 Qualification for CP (child) - child who has a terminal condition Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.4.34 CP (child) to CP (adult) transfer process New page.
3.6.4.35 Qualification for CP (child) - combined care Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.4.36 Qualification for CP (child) - multiple care Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.4.37 Qualification for CP (child) - exchanged care Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.4.50 Qualification for CP during temporary absence from the private home - hospitalisation Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.4.60 Changes to care receiver situation - effect on CP qualification Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.4.150 Continuation, variation or termination of CP Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.4.160 Qualification for CP (child) - transition (turning 16 years of age) from CP (child) to CP (adult) New page, contains information previously in 3.6.4.34.
3.6.7.10 Qualification for CA (child) HCC only Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.7.20 CA (child) HCC only - measuring the level of care & attention Clarified policy.
3.6.7.30 Qualification for CA Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.7.35 Qualification for CA (child) - automatic qualification for CA (child) through qualification for CP (child) Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.7.42 Qualification for CA (child) - transition (turning 16 years of age) from CA (child) to CA (adult) Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.7.43 CA (child) to CA (adult) transfer process New page.
3.6.7.115 Payability of child disability assistance Updated policy.
3.6.7.190 Continuation, variation or termination of CA Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.6.12 Disability Care Load Assessment (Child) (DCLA) Updated to reflect legislative change.
6.2.5.03 DSP - application of DSP qualification rules at review Updated to reflect legislative change.
8.7 Cashless debit card program Updated to reflect cessation of cashless debit card program and removed sections.

20 March 2023 (v1.305)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.200 Approved care organisation (ACO) Removed information.
1.1.D.60 Departure interview (deleted) Updated Policy.
1.1.Q.35 Qualifying residence exemption (QRE) Updated legislative reference.
1.2.8.20 Pensioner concession card (PCC) - description Updated to reflect legislative change.
3.1.1.20 Residence in external territories Updated policy.
3.4.1.60 Continuation, variation or termination of Age Updated policy.
3.4.1.70 Suspension instead of cancellation for Age recipients with employment income New page.
3.4.5.10 Qualification for HEAS Clarified policy.
3.4.7.130 Sample PBS top up calculations Updated examples.
3.4.9 BVA - qualification & payability (deleted) Removed section.
3.5.2.20 Payability of DOP Clarified policy.
3.7.6.10 Qualification for DRA Updated legislative reference.
3.9.2.30 PCC extension rules Clarified policy.
4.2.8.05 Dependent YA - reduction for parental income Updated example.
4.6.3.60 Exempting the principal home - temporary vacation of property Updated policy.
4.6.3.80 Exempting the principal home - sale proceeds (for homes sold between 01/07/2007 & 31/12/2022) Updated policy.
4.6.3.90 Exempting the principal home - sale proceeds (for homes sold on or after 01/01/2023) New page.
4.6.4.50 Granny flats - features, rights & interests Added note.
5.1.1.20 YA - current rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.10 RA - 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.
5.2.2.10 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.
5.2.3.10 Widow class A, supporting parent's benefit, sole parent pension, PPS - rates from July 1942 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.
5.2.8.10 Pension supplement - historical rates Updated rates.
5.5.2.10 Single person 22 years & over, no dependents, income over $300 per fortnight Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.2.20 Single person 22 years & over, no dependents, income $256 & 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 aged 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 JSP 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.
5.5.4.10 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.
5.5.5.20 DRA, eligible for JSP, income cut-off does not apply Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.5.30 DRA, eligible for JSP, income cut-off applies Updated to reflect indexation.
8.2.1 Transfers Updated to reflect indexation.

6 March 2023 (v1.304)

Page Title Details
1.1.T.47 Temporarily separated couple (RA, TAL, UA) Updated policy.
11.1.4.10 Payment nominees under income management Updated Policy.
11.1.5.10 Meeting priority needs using the BasicsCard Clarified policy.
11.1.9.20 Store licensing arrangements (deleted) Removed information.
11.1.11.90 Disbursing an income management balance where income management has been applied incorrectly Updated Act reference.
11.2 Cape York initiative Updated policy.
11.3.1 Overview of Child Protection Measure Clarified policy.
11.3.3.10 Locations that are declared child protection states & territories Updated to include legislative instruments.
11.4.1.10 Background of the VWPR Measure Updated policy.
11.4.1.20 People income managed under the VWPR Measure Updated policy.
11.4.3 Payments income managed under the VWPR Measure Clarified policy and updated Act reference.
11.5 Disengaged Youth Measure Clarified policy.
11.6 Long-term Welfare Payment Recipients measure Clarified policy.
11.7.2.10 Locations that are declared VIM areas Updated policy.
11.7.3 VIM agreement Updated policy.
11.9.3.10 Recognised state or territory authorities for the SPAR Measure Clarified policy.
12 Enhanced income management regime Updated terminology.
12.1 Overview of enhanced income management regime New chapter.
12.2 Enhanced income management regime – defined terms New chapter.
12.3 Persons subject to the enhanced income management regime New chapter.
12.4 Enhanced income management regime – receipt & use of welfare payments New chapter.
12.5 Enhanced income management regime – disclosure of information New chapter.

6 February 2023 (v1.303)

Page Title Details
1.1.P.45 Parental means test (YA) Updated Act reference.
1.1.Q.15 Qualifying Australian residence Updated definition.
3.1.15 Work bonus Updated Act reference.
3.1.15.10 Work bonus - eligibility Added note regarding the temporary change to work bonus and updated Act reference.
3.1.15.30 Work bonus - application Added note regarding the temporary change to work bonus.
3.1.15.40 Work bonus - examples of calculation of income eligible for the work bonus & work bonus income concession bank balance Added note regarding the temporary change to work bonus and updated references.
3.1.15.50 Work bonus - history Updated to reflect temporary change to work bonus income bank balance.
3.2.7.30 YA full-time students Clarified policy.
3.3.4.20 Austudy and full-time tertiary students Clarified policy.
3.4.1.10 Qualification for Age Added note regarding ceased payments.
3.5.2.40 Continuation, variation or termination of DOP Updated Act reference.
3.6.3.01 Guidelines to the rules for applying the Impairment Tables - purpose & design of the Impairment Tables New page.
3.6.3.02 Guidelines to the rules for applying the Impairment Tables - applying the Impairment Tables New page.
3.6.3.03 Guidelines to the rules for applying the Impairment Tables - information that must be taken into account in applying the Tables New page.
3.6.3.04 Guidelines to the rules for applying the Impairment Tables - information that must not be taken into account in applying the Impairment Tables New page.
3.6.3.05 Guidelines to the rules for applying the Impairment Tables - use of aids, equipment & assistive technology New page.
3.6.3.06 Guidelines to the rules for applying the Impairment Tables - selecting the applicable Impairment Table and assessing impairments New page.
3.6.3.08 Guidelines to the rules for applying the Impairment Tables - assigning an impairment rating New page.
3.7.2.40 SpB for people not residentially qualified for other payments Updated policy.
3.8.9.40 Change in circumstances during the study year for FAA Updated policy reference.
3.8.16.10 Qualification for student start-up scholarship (deleted - see 1.2.7.165) Removed information.
3.8.16.20 Payability of student start-up scholarship (deleted - see 1.2.7.165) Removed information.
3.9.1.20 Qualification for LIC Updated policy.
4.2.2 Benefits income test & limits Updated to reflect indexation.
4.2.8.10 Dependent YA - parental income test Updated examples.
4.2.8.20 Dependent YA - maintenance income test Updated maintenance income free area thresholds.
4.2.8.50 Full-time students - personal income test, limits & student income bank Updated income free area and maximum student income bank.
4.2.8.55 Full-time Australian Apprentice - personal income test, limits & Australian Apprentice income bank Updated income free area.
4.3.2.35 Income exempt from assessment - s8(11) exempt lump sums Updated list of lump sums specifically exempted under section 8(11).
4.3.9.40 Income from scholarships Updated to reflect indexation.
4.6.7.110 Notional ordinary income - person's farm used by a family member Clarified policy.
5.1.2.30 Austudy - current rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.40 Relocation scholarship - current rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.45 Student start-up scholarship - current rate (deleted - see 1.2.7.165) Removed information.
5.1.7.46 SSL - current rate Updated rate.
6.3.2 Jobseeker payment & youth allowance overpayments Clarified policy.
6.7.1.90 Miscellaneous categories of debts Clarified policy.
9.2.7 Visa subclasses 440-499 payment eligibility Updated policy.

3 January 2023 (v1.302)

Page Title Details
1.1.C.170 Clean energy advance daily rate (deleted) Removed information.
1.1.C.180 Clean energy advance top-up (deleted) Removed information.
1.1.N.126 Notification reporter Updated definition.
1.1.T.47 Temporarily separated couple (RA, TAL, UA) Updated definition.
1.2.6.10 Special benefit (SpB) - description Clarified policy.
1.2.6.30 Crisis payment (CrP) - description Updated to reflect cessation of national health emergency crisis payment.
1.2.12.10 Clean energy advance (CEA) - description (deleted) Removed information.
3.1.2.40 Newly arrived resident's waiting period (NARWP) Clarified policy.
3.1.2.43 Exemptions from the NARWP Clarified policy.
3.1.5.90 LBP example calculations - members of a couple where separated due to Illness or respite care or death of both members of a couple Updated examples.
3.1.12 Employment income nil rate period Clarified policy.
3.2.5.70 Assessment & mandatory procedures for YA, DSP & SpB - unreasonable to live at home Updated to reflect departmental name change.
3.7.2 Common situations where SpB is claimed Updated reference.
3.7.4.45 Qualification for CrP - national health emergency (NHE) Added note regarding cessation of NHE crisis payment.
3.7.4.55 Payability of CrP - remaining in the home after removal of a family member due to domestic or family violence Updated to gender neutral terminology.
3.8.13 UA - qualification & payability Clarified policy.
3.10.3.40 Payment delivery to certain pension recipients overseas Clarified policy.
3.10.4.30 Notification period for certain social security pension recipients - 28 days Clarified policy.
3.11.13.40 Suspensions, demerits & reconnection Clarified policy.
4.10.1.50 Historical employment amount (permissible child earnings) - January 1990 to present date Updated employment amount (permissible child earnings).
4.14.3.35 Special disability trusts - discretionary spending Updated discretionary spending limit.
5.1.1.20 YA - 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.
5.1.7.20 PhA - current rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.110 UA - current 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 rates.
5.2.5.10 MOB - April 1983 to present date Updated rates.
5.2.6.50 PhA rates - 01/11/90 to present date Added rate at 1 January 2023.
5.5.2.50 Single person 22 years & over, principal carer of dependent children Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.5 Samples of DRA rate calculations Updated to reflect indexation.
5.5.5.10 DRA, eligible for YA, income cut-off does not apply Updated to reflect indexation.
6.7.1.45 Ten per cent recovery fee on debts from false or non-declaration of income from personal exertion Clarified policy.
6.7.1.100 Overpayments under other Acts Updated to reflect legislative change.
6.7.2.10 Methods of recovery Updated policy.
6.7.2.40 Debt recovery by legal proceedings Clarified policy.
6.7.3.80 Waiver of debt on the basis of notional entitlement Clarified policy.
8.1.1.10 General claim requirements Updated policy.
8.4.3 Protection of payment Clarified policy.
8.6.4.20 Automatic cancellations & variations Updated references.
8.7 Cashless debit card program Added note regarding cashless debit card (CDC) program ending.
8.7.1 Overview of cashless debit card program Added note regarding CDC program ending.
8.7.1.10 Outline of cashless debit card program Updated to reflect legislative change.
8.7.2 Cashless debit card program - defined terms Added note regarding CDC program ending.
8.7.3 Cashless debit card program areas Added note regarding CDC program ending.
8.7.3.10 Ceduna & surrounding region Updated to reflect legislative change.
8.7.3.20 East Kimberley Updated to reflect legislative change.
8.7.3.30 Goldfields Updated to reflect legislative change.
8.7.3.40 Bundaberg & Hervey Bay Updated to reflect legislative change.
8.7.3.50 Northern Territory Updated to reflect legislative change.
8.7.3.60 Cape York Updated to reflect legislative change.
8.7.4 Participants - people subject to cashless welfare arrangements Added note regarding CDC program ending.
8.7.4.10 Becoming a participant in the cashless debit card program Updated to reflect legislative change.
8.7.4.20 Voluntary participation in cashless debit card program Updated to reflect legislative change.
8.7.5 Exiting the cashless debit card program Added note regarding CDC program ending.
8.7.5.10 Exiting the cashless debit card program New page.
8.7.5.20 Request to cease program participation New page.
8.7.6 Cashless welfare arrangement rules Added note regarding CDC program ending.
8.7.7 Community body may vary percentage of restricted & unrestricted portions Added note regarding CDC program ending.
8.7.8 Disclosure of information (cashless debit card program) Added note regarding CDC program ending.
12 Enhanced income management New part.