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 - 2024

12 August 2024 (v1.319)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.340 Australian working life residence (AWLR) Clarified definition.
1.1.A.360 Autonomous pensions Clarified definition.
1.1.H.80 Host country agreement Clarified definition.
1.1.V.40 Visa Clarified definition.
2.2.5.30 Determining member of a couple relationships Clarified policy.
2.2.5.50 Determining separated under one roof Clarified policy.
3.1.6.10 General payability provisions Removed information regarding multiple entitlement exclusion for CDEP.
3.2.5.60 Parents unable to provide a home (YA, DSP & SpB) Clarified policy.
3.7.2.50 SpB for expectant mothers (deleted) Removed information.
4.3.6.10 Income from overseas payments - general rules Clarified policy.
4.6.3.70 Exempting the principal home - care situations Updated policy.
4.8.2.20 Early release of superannuation Updated Act & Policy reference.
4.9.4.10 Background to income streams paid from SMSFs or SAFs Clarified policy.
4.9.6.10 Splitting of income streams - overview Clarified policy.
4.9.6.60 Payment splits of income streams - creation by trustee of new interest, transfer/roll-over or lump sum payment Clarified policy.
6.7.1.70 Debts arising from conviction Clarified policy.
7.3.2 CFP exemptions Updated policy to include information on bereavement.
8.1.7.20 Social worker involvement - specific payments Clarified policy.
9.4.2 Lodging an AoS Clarified policy. .

1 July 2024 (v1.318)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.306 Asset-test exempt income stream Updated definition.
1.1.M.138 Military invalidity pension income stream New page.
1.1.S.250 Special reduction amount New page.
1.2.7.60 Education entry payment (EdEP) - description Clarified policy.
1.2.8.10 Health care card (HCC) - description Clarified policy.
1.2.8.20 Pensioner concession card PCC - description Updated policy and Act reference.
2.2.5.40 Discretion to treat a person as not being a member of a couple for a special reason - section 24 Clarified policy.
3.1.2.40 Newly arrived resident’s waiting period (NARWP) Clarified policy.
3.1.2.43 Exemptions from the NARWP Clarified policy.
3.1.12 Employment income nil rate period Clarified policy.
3.2.2.30 Employment commencing in the future Updated Act reference.
3.2.3.20 Payability of YA Clarified policy.
3.3.3.20 Payability of Austudy Clarified policy.
3.3.4.70 Austudy & progress rules for tertiary study Clarified policy.
3.4.5.10 Qualification for HEAS Clarified policy.
3.4.5.40 How the HEAS is paid Updated examples.
3.7.1.10 Qualification for SpB Clarified policy regarding subclass 309 & 820 visa holders.
3.7.1.70 Long term available funds test for SpB Updated example.
3.7.1.80 Determining the rate of SpB Clarified policy.
3.7.2.20 Substantial change in circumstances for SpB Clarified policy.
3.7.2.110 SpB in other common situations Clarified policy.
3.8.3.60 PES & progress rules for tertiary study Clarified policy.
3.8.17 ISB - qualification & payability (deleted) Removed information.
3.9.1.10 Qualification for HCC - automatic issue Clarified policy.
3.9.2.30 PCC extension rules Clarified policy.
3.9.3.34 Employer provided benefits - housing assistance Added Act reference.
3.10.5.10 General date of effect rules Clarified policy.
3.11 Mutual obligation requirements Updated policy.
3.11.3.10 Study & training Clarified policy.
3.11.3.30 Voluntary work Updated policy.
3.11.6 Fully meeting requirements Updated policy.
3.11.7 Mutual obligation requirements for people with a partial capacity to work Updated policy.
4.1.1 General provisions of deprivation Clarified policy.
4.2.8.20 Dependent YA - maintenance income test Updated maintenance income free area thresholds.
4.3.2.31 Income exempt from assessment - specifically approved Updated list of exemptions.
4.4.1.10 Overview of deeming Updated to reflect 1 July 2024 deeming rates and thresholds.
4.6.2.10 General provisions for exempt assets Updated exempt funeral investment threshold.
4.6.5.80 Assessing interests in a deceased estate Updated Act reference.
4.8.2.20 Early release of superannuation Clarified policy.
4.9.2.10 Characteristics of pre-20/09/2004 asset-test exempt income streams Updated to include military invalidity pension income streams.
4.9.2.15 Characteristics of asset-test exempt income streams purchased from 20/09/2004 & before 20/09/2007 Updated to include military invalidity pension income streams.
4.9.2.20 Extension of asset test exemption to pre-20/9/98 defined benefit income streams Clarified policy.
4.9.2.30 Income test assessment of asset-test exempt income streams Updated to include military invalidity pension income streams.
4.9.2.40 Commuting an asset-test exempt income stream Updated to include military invalidity pension income streams.
4.9.2.50 Joint income streams Updated to include military invalidity pension income streams.
4.9.6.20 Payment splits of income streams - percentage payment splits Updated to include military invalidity pension income streams.
4.9.6.50 Percentage payment splits - defined benefit income streams & military invalidity pension income streams Updated to include military invalidity pension income streams.
4.9.6.70 Payment splits of income streams - base amount payment splits Updated to include military invalidity pension income streams.
4.9.6.100 Base amount payment splits - defined benefit income streams & military invalidity pension income streams Updated to include military invalidity pension income streams.
4.9.8.20 Assessment of non-performing income streams Updated to include military invalidity pension income streams.
4.9.8.30 History of the treatment of income streams Updated to include military invalidity pension income streams.
4.10.3 Historical age & invalid (disability support) pension income & assets limits Updated to reflect indexation.
4.14.3.35 Special disability trusts - discretionary spending Updated discretionary spending limit.
5.1.1.20 YA - current rates Clarified policy.
5.1.6.10 SpB - current rates Clarified policy.
5.1.8.20 Common benefit rates Clarified policy.
5.1.10.40 EMEP - current rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.6.80 Employment entry payment (EEP) historical rates Clarified ceased policy.
5.2.9.20 EMEP - historical rates 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.
6.3.9 Confirming employment income Clarified policy.
6.7.1.110 Notice of debts Clarified policy.
6.7.2.70 Debt recovery by deductions from payments to third parties Clarified policy.
6.7.3.40 Waiver of debt on the basis of special circumstances Clarified policy.
6.7.3.90 Waiver of debts of a particular class Clarified policy.
7.1.4 Requirements for former residents of Australia receiving a portable pension Clarified policy.
9.1.2 Visas Updated information on visa subclasses.
9.2.3 Visa subclasses 140-199 payment eligibility Updated information on visa subclasses.
9.2.6 Visa subclasses 400-439 payment eligibility Updated information on visa subclasses.

6 May 2024 (v1.317)

Page Title Details
1.1.E.120 Entitled person (WidB, WP) Clarified definition.
1.2.3.60 Special needs pension (SpNP) - description Clarified policy.
3.1.15.30 Work bonus - application Clarified policy.
3.4.6.10 Qualification for SpNP Clarified policy.
3.4.6.20 Payability of SpNP Clarified policy.
3.4.6.30 Financial assessment for SpNP Clarified policy.
3.4.6.40 General assessment of SpNP claims Clarified policy.
3.4.6.70 Continuation, variation or termination of SpNP Clarified policy.
3.7.1.50 Short & long term categories of SpB Updated Act reference.
3.9.1.70 LIC - assessment of income Updated income limit rates for low income health care card.
4.3.2.35 Income exempt from assessment - s 8(11) exempt lump sums Updated list of lump sums specifically exempted under section 8(11).
4.6.4.50 Granny flats - features right and interests Clarified policy.
8.1.4.70 Supplementary benefits - documentation required Clarified policy.
9.4.1.10 Overview of the AoS scheme Clarified policy.
9.4.1.20 History of the AoS scheme Updated to reflect changes to assurance of support scheme.
9.4.3.10 Assurer eligibility requirements - individuals Clarified policy.
9.4.3.20 Examples - income requirements for individuals Clarified policy.
9.4.3.50 Assurer eligibility requirements - Community Support Program Clarified policy.
9.4.4 AoS securities Clarified policy.
9.4.6 AoS periods, cancellations & transfers Clarified policy.

20 March 2024 (v1.316)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.220 Approved voluntary work organisation (JSP, YA, PP, SpB) Updated definition.
1.1.D.70 Dependent child Updated permissible child earnings limits.
3.1.2.20 Liquid assets test waiting period Clarified the liquid asset waiting period calculation.
3.3.1.10 Qualification for PA Clarified ceased payment.
3.3.1.20 Issues affecting qualification for PA Clarified ceased payment.
3.3.1.30 Payability of PA Clarified policy.
3.5.2.10 Qualification for DOP Clarified policy.
3.7.4.20 Qualification for CrP - extreme circumstances (domestic & family violence) forcing departure from home Clarified policy.
3.11.2 Job Plans Clarified policy.
3.11.3.30 Voluntary work Clarified policy.
4.8.2.10 Principles for assessing superannuation investments Clarified policy.
5.1.1.20 YA - current rates Updated rates.
5.1.4.40 DOP - current rate Clarified policy.
5.1.4.50 DOP - additional component Clarified policy.
5.1.5.10 DSP - current rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.10 RA - current rates Updated rates and thresholds.
5.1.8.10 Common pension rates Updated to reflect indexation.
5.1.8.20 Common benefit rates Updated rates.
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 Partnered 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 to reflect indexation.
5.2.2.15 Historical transitional pension rates payable from 20/09/2009 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 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 rates and thresholds.
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 legislative change.
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 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 Samples of DRA rate calculations Updated to reflect correct date rates apply for examples.
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.
6.2.1 Proof of life certificate (Age, DSP, CP) Updated policy.
10.1.6 Australia's agreements & proof of identity Clarified policy.

5 February 2024 (v1.315)

Page Title Details
3.1.5.30 Bereavement payment provisions for couples Clarified policy.
3.1.5.120 Examples of bereavement calculations for PP Updated examples.
3.7.4.20 Qualification for CrP - extreme circumstances (domestic & family violence) forcing departure from home Updated to reflect the creation of the crisis payment extreme circumstances hubs.
3.7.4.30 Qualification for CrP - extreme circumstances (other) Updated to reflect the creation of the crisis payment extreme circumstances hubs.
3.7.4.40 Qualification for CrP - released prisoners Added Act reference.
3.9.1.45 Foster child HCC Updated Act references and clarified policy.
3.9.1.70 LIC - assessment of income Updated to correct income dates.
10.34 Agreement with Serbia New agreement.

2 January 2024 (v1.314)

Page Title Details
1.1.A.210 Approved course of education or study (YA (full-time student), Austudy, PES) Updated policy.
1.1.A.270 Articulated short course sequence (YA, Austudy, PES) Updated Act reference and clarified policy.
1.1.F.160 Foreign income (dependent YA) Updated Policy references and clarified policy.
1.1.I.50 Income components (YA) Clarified policy.
1.1.L.30 Late starting course (YA, Austudy, PES) Clarified policy.
1.1.L.100 Long term income support student (YA, Austudy) Clarified policy.
1.1.P.45 Parental means test (YA) Updated policy and added Act references.
1.1.R.30 Reasonable distance (YA) Added Act reference.
1.1.S.30 Satisfactory progress (YA) Added Act reference.
1.1.S.320 State care (YA) Clarified policy and added Act reference.
1.1.T.05 Target foreign income (dependent YA) New page.
1.1.T.105 Total net investment loss (YA) Clarified policy and updated examples.
1.2.7.40 Student Financial Supplement Scheme (SFSS) - description Clarified policy.
1.2.7.165 Student start-up loan (SSL) - description Clarified policy.
3.1.15 Work bonus Updated section to reflect legislative change.
3.2.3.10 Qualification for YA Clarified policy.
3.2.5.20 De facto relationships (YA & DSP) Clarified policy.
3.2.5.40 Assessment of extreme family breakdown & other similar exceptional circumstances Clarified policy.
3.2.5.50 Assessment of serious risk Clarified policy.
3.2.5.90 Education or employment disadvantage (YA & DSP) Updated examples.
3.2.7.110 YA full-time students satisfactory progress - study at the same level Clarified policy.
3.3.3.10 Qualification for Austudy Clarified policy.
3.3.3.70 Austudy participation failures Added Act reference.
3.4.7.20 Registration for PBS Clarified policy.
3.6.7.47 Qualification for CA - verifying care provided by non co-resident carers Clarified policy.
3.7.6.10 Qualification for DRA Updated prescribed payments list.
3.7.6.20 Determining the rate of DRA Updated rates.
3.8.4.10 Eligibility & general rules for SFSS Clarified policy.
3.8.4.80 Repayment of the financial supplement - after the contract ends Clarified policy.
3.8.19 SSL - qualification & payability Clarified policy.
3.10.3.30 Some YA payments made weekly Added Act reference.
3.11.13.50 Financial penalties Clarified policy.
4.2.7 DRA income test Updated income cut-off amount.
4.2.8.10 Dependent YA - parental income test Clarified policy.
4.2.8.40 Independent YA - partner income test & limits Added Act reference.
4.2.8.50 Full-time students - personal income test, limits & student income bank Updated examples, 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 and examples.
4.3.1.10 Determining the rate of income for benefits Updated examples.
4.3.1.20 Determining the rate of income for pensioners of age pension age from 20/09/2009 Updated to include additional example clarifying note.
4.3.1.25 Determining the assessable income for pensioners below age pension age Updated examples to clarify treatment of lump sums
4.3.1.40 Determining the rate of income for PP Updated examples to clarify treatment of lump sums.
4.3.3.05 Employment income - assessed when paid Clarified policy.
4.9.3.35 Means test assessment of asset-tested income streams (lifetime) Updated to reflect changes to actuary life tables.
4.10.1.50 Historical employment amount (permissible child earnings) - January 1990 to present date Updated rate.
4.10.2 Historical unemployment (including JSP), sickness benefit & SA income test from September 1969 to present date Updated to reflect indexation.
4.10.4.10 Historical widow class A, sole parent benefit & PPS means test limits Updated to reflect indexation on Table 3 Income & assets test.
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.
5.1.7.20 PhA - current rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.40 Relocation scholarship - current rates Updated rates.
5.1.7.46 SSL - current rate Updated rate.
5.2.1.20 Single unemployment & sickness benefit - November 1984 to present date Updated to reflect indexation.
5.2.1.50 Youth related payments - July 1986 to present date Updated rates.
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.
5.2.4.60 DOP rates - October 1973 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.
5.2.6.50 PhA rates - 01/11/90 to present date Added rate at 1 January 2024.
5.5.2.10 Single person 22 years & over, no dependents, income over $300 per fortnight Updated to reflect legislative change.
5.5.2.20 Single person 22 years & over, no dependents, income $256 & under per fortnight Updated to reflect legislative change.
5.5.2.30 Single person 22 years & over, no dependents, paying no rent Updated to reflect legislative change.
5.5.2.40 Single person aged under 22 years, no dependents, income $250 & under per fortnight Updated rates.
5.5.5 Samples of DRA rate calculations Updated dates to reflect indexation.
5.5.5.10 DRA, eligible for YA, income cut-off does not apply 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.
6.2.1 Proof of life certificate (Age, DSP, CP) Clarified policy.
6.2.4.20 DOP reviews - general provisions Updated policy.
6.2.5.130 CA (child) - reviews for recognised disabilities, medical conditions & child turning 16 years of age Clarified policy.
6.3.8.40 Student start-up loan (SSL) overpayments Clarified policy and updated Act reference.
6.9 SSL repayment arrangements Clarified policy.
8.1.8 Interviews Updated Act reference.