Singh and Secretary, Department of Social Services (Social services second review)

This matter concerned an appeal by Mr. Singh against a decision of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) affirming a decision by the Secretary of the Department of Social Services. The dispute centred on Mr. Singh's eligibility for a Crisis Payment for extreme circumstances, specifically a forced departure from his home.

The AAT was required to determine whether Mr. Singh's circumstances met the criteria for a Crisis Payment under section 1061JH of the *Social Security Act 1991* (Cth). This involved assessing whether the cumulative factors of his situation constituted extreme circumstances and whether he had moved to a new home as a consequence of those circumstances.

The AAT Member reasoned that while Mr. Singh had experienced significant difficulties, including a breakdown in his relationship with his landlord and subsequent eviction proceedings, these factors did not, in combination, amount to "extreme circumstances" as contemplated by section 1061JH. Furthermore, the AAT found that Mr. Singh had not established that he had moved to a "new home" in the sense required by the legislation. Consequently, the reviewable decision was affirmed.