Social Security (Budget and Other Measures) Legislation Amendment Act 1993 (Cth)

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Social Security (Budget and Other

Measures) Legislation Amendment

Act 1993

No. 121 of 1993

TABLE OF PROVISIONS

PART 1—PRELIMINARY

Section

1. Short title etc.

2. Commencement

3. Application

PART 2—AMENDMENTS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT 1991

Division 1Principal Act

4. Principal Act

Division 2Mature age allowances

5. Insertion of new Part:

PART 2.12A—MATURE AGE ALLOWANCES

Division 1Structure of Part and time limit on claims

660XAA. Structure of Part

660XAB. Claims to be lodged on or before 30 June 1996

TABLE OF PROVISIONS—continued

Section

Division 2Qualification for mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance

Subdivision AQualification for mature age allowance

660XBA. Qualification for mature age allowance

660XBB. Assurance of support

660XBC. Person may be treated as unemployed

660XBD. Persons participating in Jobskills to be treated as employed

660XBE. Unemployment due to industrial action

660XBF. Registration by CES

660XBG. Certain mature age allowance claimants do not have to satisfy paragraph 660XBA(1)(c)

660XBH. Attendance at Reserve or Emergency Force training camp

Subdivision BQualification for mature age partner allowance

660XBI. Qualification for mature age partner allowance

660XBJ. Assurance of support

66GXBK. Attendance at Reserve or Emergency Force training camp

Division 3Payability of mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance

Subdivision APayability of mature age allowance

660XCA. Mature age allowance not payable in some circumstances

660XCB. Mature age allowance generally not payable before claim

660XCC. Provisional commencement day

660XCD. Provision of person’s tax file number

660XCE. Provision of partner’s tax file number

660XCF. Multiple entitlement exclusion

660XCG. Educational and other schemes exclusion

660XCH. Commonwealth funded employment program exclusion

Subdivision BPayability of mature age partner allowance

660XCI. Mature age partner allowance not payable in some circumstances

660XCJ. Mature age partner allowance generally not payable before claim

660XCK. Provisional commencement day

660XCL. Provision of person’s tax file number

660XCM. Provision of partner’s tax file number

660XCN. Multiple entitlement exclusion

660XCO. Educational schemes exclusion

660XCP. Commonwealth funded employment program exclusion

Division 4Claim for mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance

660XDA. Need for a claim

660XDB. Form of claim

660XDC. Lodgment of claim

660XDD. Claimant must be an Australian resident and in Australia

660XDE. Claim may be withdrawn

660XDF. Secretary may require claimant to give statement of claimant’s tax file number

660XDG. Secretary may require claimant to give statement of partner’s tax file number

Division 5Determination of claim

660XEA. Secretary to determine claim

TABLE OF PROVISIONS—continued

Section

660XEB. Grant of claim

660XEC. Date of effect of determination

Division 6Rate of mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance

660XFA. How to work out a person’s mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance

Division7—Payment of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance

660XGA. Commencement of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance

660XGB. Payment by instalments

660XGC. Effect on instalments of backdating claim

660XGD. Calculation of amount of instalment

660XGE. Instalments to be paid to person or nominee

660XGF. Payment into bank account etc.

660XGG. Where allowance payday would fall on public holiday etc.

660XGH. Payment of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance after death

Division 8Protection of mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance

660XHA. Mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance to be absolutely inalienable

660XHB. Effect of garnishee or attachment order

Division 9Recipient obligations

660X1A. Secretary may require recipient to give statement of recipient’s tax file number

660XIB. Secretary may require recipient to give statement of partner’s tax file number

660XIC. Secretary may require notice of the happening of an event or a change in circumstances

660X1D. Secretary may require recipient to give particular information relevant to payment of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance

Division 10Continuation, variation and termination

Subdivision AGeneral

660XJA. Continuing effect of determination

Subdivision B—Automatic termination

660XJB. Automatic termination—transfer to new payment type

660XJC. Automatic termination of mature age partner allowance—transfer of partner to new payment type

660XJD. Automatic termination—recipient complying with section 660XIC notification obligations

660XJE. Automatic termination—recipient not complying with section 660XIC notification obligations

Subdivision C—Automatic rate reduction

660XJF. Automatic rate reduction of mature age allowance—partner starting to receive pension or benefit

TABLE OF PROVISIONS—continued

Section

660XJG. Automatic rate reduction—recipient not complying with section 660XIC notification obligations

660XJH. Automatic rate reduction—failure to inform Department of payment for remunerative work where earnings credit account balance available

660XJI. Changes to payments by computer following automatic termination or reduction

Subdivision DDeterminations

660XJJ. Rate increase determination

660XJK. Rate reduction determination

660XJL. Cancellation or suspension determination

660XJM. Cancellation or suspension for failure to comply with section 660XID, 1304 or 1305 notice

660XJN. Changes to payments by computer

660XJO. Resumption of payment after cancellation or suspension

Subdivision EDate of effect of determinations

660XJP. Date of effect of favourable determination

660XJQ. Date of effect of adverse determination

Division 11Bereavement payments

Subdivision APerson receiving mature age allowance (death of partner)

660XKA. Qualification for payments under this Subdivision

660XKB. Continued payment of partner’s pension

660XKC. Lump sum payable in some circumstances

660XKD. Adjustment of person’s mature age allowance rate

660XKE. Effect of death of person entitled to payments under this Subdivision

660XKF. Matters affecting payment of benefits under this Subdivision

Subdivision BDeath of person receiving mature age allowance

660XKG. Death of recipient

Subdivision CContinuation of mature age partner allowance where partner dies

660XKH. Continuation of mature age partner allowance for bereavement period

660XKI. Continued mature age partner allowance rate

Subdivision DPerson receiving mature age partner allowance (death of partner)

660XKJ. Qualification for payments under this Subdivision

660XKK. Continued payment of partner’s allowance

660XKL. Lump sum payable in some circumstances

660XKM. Effect of death of person entitled to payments under this Subdivision

660XKN. Matters affecting payment of benefits under this Subdivision

Division 12Fringe benefits

660XLA. Fringe benefits

6. Consequential amendments

TABLE OF PROVISIONS—continued

Section

Division 3Earnings credit for allowance recipients

7. Insertion of new Division:

Division 5Earnings credit (benefits)

1115A. Earnings credit account balance may be set-off against ordinary income from remunerative work

1115B. Earnings credit accounts

1115C. Earnings credit account balance

EARNINGS CREDIT ACCOUNT BALANCE CALCULATOR B

Module A—Overall account balance calculation

Module B—Opening balance

Module C—Drawing on account

8. Consequential amendments

Division 4Job search allowance and newstart allowance initiatives

9. Qualification for job search allowance

10. Effect of incapacity on qualification

11. Persons may be treated as unemployed

12. Activity test

13. Insertion of new section:

525AA. Relief from activity test—special circumstances

14. Insertion of new Subdivision:

Subdivision BA—Job Search Activity Agreements

525A. Job Search Activity Agreements—requirement

525B. Job Search Activity Agreements—terms

525C. Job Search Activity Agreements—failure to negotiate

15. Multiple entitlement exclusion

16. Insertion of new sections:

542A. Removal from allowance for failure to enter Job Search Activity Agreement

542B. Removal from allowance for failure to comply with Job Search Activity Agreement

17. Activity test

18. Insertion of new section:

603A. Relief from activity test—special circumstances

19. Newstart Activity Agreements — terms

20. Multiple entitlement exclusion

21. Person undertaking rehabilitation program may qualify for sickness allowance

22. Delegation

23. Schedule 1A

24. Consequential amendments

Division 5—Education entry payment for the long term unemployed

25. Insertion of new Divisions:

Division 5—Job search allowance recipients

665Q. Payment to a job search allowance recipient who has not turned 18

665R. Amount of section 665Q payment

TABLE OF PROVISIONS—continued

Section

665S. Need for a claim

665T. Claim may be withdrawn

Division 6Newstart allowance recipients

665U. Payment to a newstart allowance recipient

665V. Amount of section 665U payment

665W. Need for a claim

665X. Claim may be withdrawn

26. Education entry payment debt

Division 6Claims for comparable foreign payments

27. General definitions

28. Insertion of new section:

38A. CFP countries

29. Insertion of new section:

51C. Secretary may require claimant or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

30. Insertion of new section:

69A. Secretary may require recipient or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

31. Insertion of new section:

78AA. Cancellation or suspension for failure to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

32. Insertion of new section:

112A. Secretary may require claimant or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

33. Insertion of new section:

133A. Secretary may require recipient or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

34. Insertion of new section:

146AA. Cancellation or suspension for failure to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

35. Insertion of new section:

155C. Secretary may require claimant or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

36. Insertion of new section:

174. Secretary may require recipient or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

37. Insertion of new section:

182AA. Cancellation or suspension for failure to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

38. Insertion of new section:

206C. Secretary may require claimant or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

39. Insertion of new section:

223A. Secretary may require recipient or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

40. Insertion of new section:

231AA. Cancellation or suspension for failure to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

41. Insertion of new section:

265C. Secretary may require claimant or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

42. Insertion of new section:

285A. Secretary may require recipient or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

TABLE OF PROVISIONS—continued

Section

43. Insertion of new section:

295AA. Cancellation or suspension for failure to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

44. Insertion of new section:

325B. Secretary may require claimant or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

45. Insertion of new section:

343. Secretary may require recipient or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

46. Insertion of new section:

352AA. Cancellation or suspension for failure to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

47. Insertion of new section:

372B. Secretary may require claimant or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

48. Insertion of new section:

391. Secretary may require recipient or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

49. Insertion of new section:

400A. Cancellation or suspension for failure to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

50. Insertion of new section:

791B. Secretary may require claimant or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

51. Insertion of new section:

810. Secretary may require recipient or partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

52. Insertion of new section:

818AA. Cancellation or suspension for failure to take action to obtain a comparable foreign payment

53. Consequential amendments

Division 7Debt recovery

Subdivision ADebt creation

54. Automatic termination—recipient not complying with section 574 notification obligations

55. Automatic rate reduction—recipient not complying with section 574 notification obligations

56. Automatic termination—recipient not complying with section 657 notification obligations

57. Automatic rate reduction—recipient not complying with section 657 notification obligations

58. Automatic termination—recipient not complying with section 727 notification obligations

59. Automatic rate reduction—recipient not complying with section 727 notification obligations

60. Debts arising under this Act and 1947 Act

61. Insertion of new section:

1224AA. Person other than payee obtaining payment of a cheque

62. Consequential amendments

Subdivision BRecovery of debts from persons involved in contravention of Act

63. General effect of Chapter

64. Insertion of new section:

1224AB. Debts arising from conviction of person for involvement in contravention of Act by debtor

TABLE OF PROVISIONS—continued

Section

65. Additional amount for late payment of certain debts

66. Deductions from debtor’s social security payment

67. Legal proceedings

68. Garnishee notice

Division 8—Compensation

Subdivision AEnhance effectiveness of treatment of compensation lump sums

69. Compensation recovery definitions

Subdivision BCompensation (general)

70. Compensation recovery definitions

71. General effect of Part

72. Insertion of new sections:

1163A. Certain lump sums to be treated as though they were received as periodic payments

1163B. Effect of certain State and Territory laws

73. Secretary may require person to take action to obtain compensation

74. Pension, benefit or allowance not payable during lump sum preclusion period

75. Person may have to repay amount where both lump sum and pension, benefit or allowance payments have been received

76. Rate reduction of certain pensions, benefits and allowances where periodic compensation payments received

77. Person may have to repay amount where both periodic compensation payments and pension, benefit or allowance payments have been received

78. Secretary may send recovery notice to compensation payer

79. Secretary may disregard some payments

80. Consequential amendments

Division 9Rent assistance

81. Benefit Rate Calculator A

82. Schedule 1A

Division 10Notice provisions

83. Secretary may require notice of the happening of an event or a change in circumstances

84. Secretary may require recipient to give particular information relevant to payment of age pension

85. Amendment of section 163 of the Social Security Act 1947

86. Further amendments

Division 11Waiver provisions

87. Repeal of section 1237 and substitution of new sections:

1236A. Application

1237. Secretary must waive whole of a debt

1237A. Secretary must waive part of a debt

88. Non-reviewable decisions

Division 12Minor technical amendments

89. Schedule 7

TABLE OF PROVISIONS—continued

Section

PART 3—AMENDMENTS OF THE DATA-MATCHING PROGRAM

(ASSISTANCE AND TAX) ACT 1990

Division 1Amendments of data-matching cycle

90. Principal Act

91. Interpretation

92. Steps in data-matching cycle

93. Source agencies may use results of data program

94. Guidelines relating to privacy

95. Insertion of new section:

15A. Appropriation

Division 2Operation of the Act

96. Cessation of operation of Act

SCHEDULE 1

AMENDMENTS RELATING TO MATURE AGE ALLOWANCE AND MATURE AGE PARTNER ALLOWANCE

PART 1—AMENDMENTS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT 1991

PART 2—AMENDMENTS OF OTHER ACTS

Data-matching Program (Assistance and Tax) Act 1990

Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986

SCHEDULE 2

AMENDMENTS CONSEQUENTIAL UPON DIVISION 3 OF PART 2

PART 1—AMENDMENTS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT 1991

PART 2—AMENDMENTS OF THE VETERANS’ ENTITLEMENTS ACT 1986

SCHEDULE 3

AMENDMENTS CONSEQUENTIAL UPON DIVISION 4 OF PART 2

SCHEDULE 4

AMENDMENTS CONSEQUENTIAL UPON DIVISION 6 OF PART 2

SCHEDULE 5

AMENDMENTS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT 1991

CONSEQUENTIAL UPON SUBDIVISION A OF

DIVISION 7 OF PART 2

SCHEDULE 6

AMENDMENTS CONSEQUENTIAL UPON SUBDIVISION B OF DIVISION 8 OF PART 2

SCHEDULE 7

MINOR TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT 1991

SCHEDULE 8

FURTHER AMENDMENTS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT 1991—NOTICE PROVISIONS

Social Security (Budget and Other Measures) Legislation Amendment Act 1993

No. 121 of 1993

An Act to amend the Social Security Act 1991,and for related purposes

[Assented to 24 December 1993]

The Parliament of Australia enacts:

PART 1—PRELIMINARY

Short title etc.

1. This Act may be cited as the Social Security (Budget and Other Measures) Legislation Amendment Act 1993.

Commencement

2.(1) The following provisions commence on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent:

(a) Part 1;

(b) Division 1 of Part 2;

(c) Division 11 of Part 2;

(d) Division 1 of Part 3.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), Division 2 of Part 3 commences on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.

(3) If this Act does not receive the Royal Assent on or before 21 January 1994, Division 2 of Part 3 commences, or is taken to have commenced, on that day.

(4) The amendments made by Division 12 of Part 2 and Schedule 7 are taken to have commenced on 19 September 1993, immediately after the commencement of section 18 of the Social Security Legislation Amendment Act 1993.

(5) The following provisions commence, or are taken to have commenced, on 1 January 1994:

(a) Division 5 of Part 2;

(b) Subdivision A of Division 7 of Part 2;

(c) Schedule 5;

(d) Division 8 of Part 2 (except subsection 70(2));

(e) Schedule 6.

(6) Subsection 70(2) commences on 1 July 1994.

(7) Subdivision B of Division 7 of Part 2 commences, or is taken to have commenced, on 1 January 1994, immediately after the commencement of Subdivision A of Division 7 of Part 2.

(8) The following provisions commence, or are taken to have commenced, on 20 March 1994:

(a) Division 2 of Part 2 and Schedule 1;

(b) Division 3 of Part 2 and Schedule 2;

(c) Division 4 of Part 2 and Schedule 3;

(d) Division 6 of Part 2 and Schedule 4;

(e) section 81.

(9) Section 82 commences, or is taken to have commenced, on 20 March 1994 immediately after the commencement of section 23.

(10) Section 85 is taken to have commenced on 1 January 1988.

(11) Sections 83, 84 and 86 and Part 2 of Schedule 8 are taken to have commenced on 1 July 1991, immediately after the commencement of the Social Security (Job Search and Newstart) Amendment Act 1991.

(12) Part 1 of Schedule 8 is taken to have commenced on 12 November 1991, immediately after the commencement of the Social Security (Disability and Sickness Support) Amendment Act 1991.

(13) Part 3 of Schedule 8 is taken to have commenced on 1 January 1993, immediately after the commencement of the Social Security (Family Payment) Amendment Act 1992.

(14) Part 4 of Schedule 8 commences on 1 July 1994, immediately after the commencement of Part 3 of the Social Security Legislation Amendment Act (No. 2) 1993.

Application

3.(1) The amendments made by Division 3 of Part 2 and Schedule 2 apply to instalments that fall due on or after 20 March 1994.

(2) Sections 15 and 20 apply to enrolments that occur on or after 20 March 1994.

(3) The amendments made by Division 6 of Part 2 and Schedule 4:

(a) apply to social security pensions whether granted before or after 20 March 1994; and

(b) apply to claims for social security pensions whether made before or after 20 March 1994.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), the amendments made by Subdivision A of Division 7 of Part 2 apply to amounts paid on or after 1 January 1994.

(5) Subsection 1223(2B) of the Social Security Act 1991 inserted by section 60 of this Act applies if the amount referred to in paragraph 1223(2B)(b) was paid on or after 1 January 1994 even if the amount referred to in paragraph 1223(2B)(a) was paid before 1 January 1994.

(6) The amendments made by Subdivision B of Division 7 of Part 2 apply to amounts paid on or after 1 January 1994.

(7) Subject to subsections (9), (10) and (11), the amendments made by Division 8 of Part 2 apply to compensation payments made on or after 1 January 1994.

(8) Subsection (7) applies to a payment even if a period calculated by reference to the payment commences before 1 January 1994.

(9) The amendment made by section 69 applies to lump sum compensation payments that become payable on or after 1 January 1994.

(10) For the purposes of subsection (9), a lump sum becomes payable on:

(a) if the lump sum is payable because of a decision of a court or tribunal—the day on which the decision is made; or

(b) if the lump sum is payable because of settlement of a claim—the day on which the claim is settled; or

(c) in any other case—the day on which the lump sum first becomes due and payable.

(11) The amendments made by sections 75 and 77 apply to compensation payments received by the recipient of a disability support wife pension or a special needs disability support wife pension only if:

(a) the payment is made on or after 1 January 1994; and

(b) the recipient claims the pension on or after 1 January 1994.

(12) The amendments made by section 84 apply to notices under section 163 of the Social Security Act 1947 given on or after 1 January 1988.

PART 2—AMENDMENTS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT 1991

Division 1Principal Act

Principal Act

4. In this Part, “Principal Act” means the Social Security Act 19911.

Division 2Mature age allowance

Insertion of new Part

5. After Part 2.12 of the Principal Act the following Part is inserted:

PART 2.12A—MATURE AGE ALLOWANCES

Division 1Structure of Part and time limit on claims

Structure of Part

“660XAA. Part 2.12A deals with 2 payment types, mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance:

• Division 1 sets out the date after which claims cannot be made.

• Divisions 2, 3 and 11 are divided into Subdivisions that deal with either mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance.

• Divisions 4 to 10 and 12 also deal with both mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance. The sections in those Divisions usually apply to both allowances (eg section 660XDA). However, sometimes a section is divided into subsections dealing with only one of the allowances (eg section 660XDG).

Claims to be lodged on or before 30 June 1996

“660XAB. A person is not to be granted a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance unless the person’s claim for the allowance is lodged on or before 30 June 1996.

Note: For ‘proper claim’ see section 660XDB (form), section 660XDC (manner of lodgment) and section 660XDD (residence/presence in Australia).

Division 2Qualification for mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance

Subdivision AQualification for mature age allowance

Qualification for mature age allowance

“660XBA.(1) A person is qualified for mature age allowance if the person:

(a) has turned 60 but has not reached pension age; and

(b) satisfies the Secretary that the person is unemployed; and

(c) has been registered by the CES in an allowance category as unemployed for a continuous period of at least 12 months immediately before a claim period day; and

(d) either:

(i) has been receiving one or a combination of the following:

(A) a social security pension;

(B) a social security benefit;

(C) a service pension; or

(ii) has been a benefit increase partner;

for a continuous period of at least 12 months immediately before a claim period day; and

(e) has 10 years qualifying Australian residence; and

(f) is in Australia.

“(2) The qualifications in paragraphs (1)(c) and (1)(d) do not apply if the person has previously received mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance.

Absence from Australia

“(3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(f), a person is taken to be in Australia if the person is temporarily absent from Australia for a period of 26 weeks or less.

“(4) In this section, ‘claim period day’ means:

(a) the day on which the claim is lodged; or

(b) any other day in the period of 3 months that starts immediately after the day on which the claim is lodged.

Note 1: For ‘pension age’ see section 23.

Note 2: ‘CES’ means the Commonwealth Employment Service (see section 23).

Note 3: For ‘allowance category’ see subsection 23(4A).

Note 4: For ‘benefit increase partner’ see subsection 4(10).

Note 5: For ‘qualifying Australian residence’ see section 7.

Note 6: Exceptions to the qualification requirements in subsection (1) are set out in this Subdivision.

Note 7: A mature age allowance is not payable in certain situations even if the person is qualified (see Subdivision A of Division 3).

Note 8: A person receiving mature age allowance may be automatically transferred to the age pension if the person becomes qualified for age pension (see subsection 48(3)).

Assurance of support

“660XBB. A person is not qualified for mature age allowance on a day if the Secretary is satisfied that:

(a) an assurance of support is in force in respect of the person (the ‘assuree’) on that day; and

(b) the person who gave the assurance of support is willing and able to provide an adequate level of support to the assuree; and

(c) it is reasonable for the assuree to accept that support.

Note: For ‘assurance of support’ see subsection 23(1).

Person may be treated as unemployed

“660XBC. If:

(a) a person undertakes paid work on a day; and

(b) the Secretary is of the opinion that, taking into account:

(i) the nature of the work; and

(ii) the duration of the work; and

(iii) any other matters relating to the work that the Secretary considers relevant;

the work should be disregarded;

the Secretary may treat the person as being unemployed on that day.

Persons participating in Jobskills to be treated as employed

“660XBD. A person participating in a Jobskills placement on a day is to be treated by the Secretary as being employed on that day.

Note: For ‘Jobskills’ see subsection 23(1).

Unemployment due to industrial action

“660XBE.(1) A person is not qualified for mature age allowance on a day unless the person satisfies the Secretary that the person’s unemployment on that day was not due to the person being, or having been, engaged in industrial action or in a series of industrial actions.

“(2) A person is not qualified for mature age allowance on a day unless the Secretary is satisfied:

(a) that the person’s unemployment on that day was due to other people being, or having been, engaged in industrial action or a series of industrial actions; and

(b) the people, or some of the people, were members of a trade union which was involved in the industrial action; and

(c) the person was not a member of the trade union on that day.

Note: For ‘industrial action’, ‘trade union’ and ‘unemployment’ see section 16.

“(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not prevent a person from being qualified for a mature age allowance on a day that occurs after the relevant industrial action or series of industrial actions has stopped.

Registration by CES

“660XBF. The Secretary may decide that a person does not have to satisfy paragraph 660XBA(1)(c) (CES registration) if:

(a) the person is not registered as unemployed by the CES as required; and

(b) the Secretary is satisfied that there were circumstances beyond the person’s control relating to the person’s failure to be registered; and

(c) having regard to those circumstances, the Secretary is satisfied that the person’s failure to be registered should be disregarded.

Certain mature age allowance claimants do not have to satisfy paragraph 660XBA(1)(c)

“660XBG. If:

(a) a person is receiving a newstart allowance; and

(b) immediately before starting to receive the newstart allowance, the person is receiving a mature age allowance; and

(c) the person claims a mature age allowance; and

(d) the person does not satisfy paragraph 660XBA(1)(c);

for the purposes of deciding if the person is qualified for mature age allowance, the person does not have to satisfy that paragraph.

Note: This section assists certain persons who transfer between mature age allowance and newstart allowance and in doing so do not continue to be registered with the CES (see also subsection 599A(1)).

Attendance at Reserve or Emergency Force training camp

“660XBH. A person is not disqualified for mature age allowance if the person is outside Australia attending a training camp as a member of:

(a) the Australian Naval Reserve; or

(b) the Naval Emergency Reserve Forces; or

(c) the Australian Army Reserve; or

(d) the Australian Air Force Reserve; or

(e) the Air Force Emergency Force; or

(f) the Army Individual Emergency Reserve.

Subdivision BQualification for mature age partner allowance

Qualification for mature age partner allowance

“660XBI.(1) A person is qualified for mature age partner allowance if:

(a) the person is a member of a couple; and

(b) the person’s partner is receiving mature age allowance; and

(c) the person is in Australia.

“(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c), a person is taken to be in Australia if the person is temporarily absent from Australia for a period of 26 weeks or less.

Note 1: For ‘member of a couple’ see section 4.

Note 2: A person is not qualified if an assurance of support is in force (see section 660XBJ).

Note 3: A person attending a training camp outside Australia as a member of Australia’s emergency or reserve armed forces may not have to be in Australia to qualify for mature age partner allowance (see section 660XBK).

Note 4: A person who is receiving mature age partner allowance may be automatically transferred to the age pension if the person becomes qualified for the age pension or to wife pension if the person becomes qualified for the wife pension (see subsections 48(3) and 152(3), respectively).

Assurance of support

“660XBJ. A person is not qualified for mature age partner allowance on a day if the Secretary is satisfied that:

(a) an assurance of support is in force in respect of the person (the ‘assuree’) on that day; and

(b) the person who gave the assurance of support is willing and able to provide an adequate level of support to the assuree; and

(c) it is reasonable for the assuree to accept that support.

Note: For ‘assurance of support’ see subsection 23(1).

Attendance at Reserve or Emergency Force training camp

“660XBK. A person is not disqualified for mature age partner allowance if the person is outside Australia attending a training camp as a member of:

(a) the Australian Naval Reserve; or

(b) the Naval Emergency Reserve Forces; or

(c) the Australian Army Reserve; or

(d) the Australian Air Force Reserve; or

(e) the Air Force Emergency Reserve; or

(f) the Army Individual Emergency Reserve.

Division 3—Payability of mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance

“Subdivision APayability of mature age allowance

Mature age allowance not payable in some circumstances

“660XCA.(1) Even though a person is qualified for mature age allowance, the allowance may not be payable to the person because:

(a) the allowance has not commenced to be payable (see sections 660XCB and 660XCC); or

(b) the person has not provided a tax file number for the person (see section 660XCD) or the person’s partner (see section 660XCE); or

(c) another pension or benefit is being paid to the person (see section 660XCF); or

(d) the person is receiving a payment under an educational scheme or a scheme providing allowances to refugees (see section 660XCG); or

(e) the person is receiving income that is paid by a community or group from funds provided under a Commonwealth funded employment program (see section 660XCH); or

(f) the person is in gaol (see Part 3.13); or

(g) the person is subject to a compensation preclusion period (see Part 3.14).

Note: For ‘Commonwealth funded employment program’ see subsection 23(1).

“(2) Subject to subsection (3), a mature age allowance is not payable to a person if the person’s mature age allowance rate would be nil.

“(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a person if the person’s rate would be nil merely because an advance pharmaceutical allowance has been paid to the person under:

(a) Part 2.23 of this Act; or

(b) Division 2 of Part VIIA of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act.

Mature age allowance generally not payable before claim

“660XCB. A mature age allowance is not payable to a person before the person’s provisional commencement day (identified under section 660XCC).

Provisional commencement day

General rule

“660XCC.(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a person’s provisional commencement day is the day on which the person claims the mature age allowance.

Initial incorrect claim followed by claim for mature age allowance

“(2) If:

(a) a person makes a claim (the ‘initial claim’) for:

(i) a social security or service pension or a social security benefit; or

(ii) a pension, allowance, benefit or other payment under another Act, or under a program administered by the Commonwealth, that is similar in character to the mature age allowance; and

(b) on the day on which the person makes the initial claim the person is qualified for a mature age allowance; and

(c) the person subsequently makes a claim for a mature age allowance; and

(d) the Secretary is satisfied that it is reasonable for this subsection to apply to the person;

the person’s provisional commencement day is the day on which the person made the initial claim.

Early claim

“(3) If:

(a) a person lodges a claim for a mature age allowance; and

(b) the person is not, on the day on which the claim is lodged, qualified for a mature age allowance; and

(c) the person becomes qualified for a mature age allowance sometime during the period of 3 months that starts immediately after the day on which the claim is lodged;

the person’s provisional commencement day is the first day on which the person is qualified for the allowance and is an Australian resident and in Australia.

Provision of person’s tax file number

“660XCD.(1) A mature age allowance is not payable to a person if:

(a) the person is required under section 660XDF or 660XIA to give the Secretary a written statement of the person’s tax file number; and

(b) at the end of the period of 28 days after the requirement is made, the person has neither:

(i) given the Secretary a written statement of the person’s tax file number; nor

(ii) given the Secretary a declaration by the person in a form approved by the Secretary and satisfied either subsection (2) or (3).

“(2) The person satisfies this subsection if:

(a) the person’s declaration states that the person:

(i) has a tax file number but does not know what it is; and

(ii) has asked the Commissioner of Taxation to inform the person of the person’s tax file number; and

(b) the person has given the Secretary a document by the person that authorises the Commissioner of Taxation to tell the Secretary:

(i) whether the person has a tax file number; and

(ii) if the person has a tax file number—the tax file number; and

(c) the Commissioner of Taxation has not told the Secretary that the person has no tax file number.

“(3) The person satisfies this subsection if:

(a) the person’s declaration states that an application by the person for a tax file number is pending; and

(b) the person has given the Secretary a document by the person that authorises the Commissioner of Taxation to tell the Secretary:

(i) if a tax file number is issued to the person—the tax file number; or

(ii) if the application is refused—that the application has been refused; or

(iii) if the application is withdrawn—that the application has been withdrawn; and

(c) the Commissioner of Taxation, has not told the Secretary that an application by the person for a tax file number has been refused; and

(d) the application for a tax file number has not been withdrawn.

Provision of partner’s tax file number

“660XCE.(1) Subject to subsection (4), a mature age allowance is not payable to a person if:

(a) the person is a member of a couple; and

(b) the person is required under section 660XDG or 660XIB to give the Secretary a written statement of the tax file number of the person’s partner; and

(c) at the end of the period of 28 days after the requirement is made, the person has neither:

(i) given the Secretary a written statement of the partner’s tax file number; nor

(ii) given the Secretary a declaration by the partner in a form approved by the Secretary and satisfied either subsection (2) or (3).

“(2) The person satisfies this subsection if:

(a) the partner’s declaration states that the partner:

(i) has a tax file number but does not know what it is; and

(ii) has asked the Commissioner of Taxation to inform the partner of the partner’s tax file number; and

(b) the person has given the Secretary a document by the partner that authorises the Commissioner of Taxation to tell the Secretary:

(i) whether the partner has a tax file number; and

(ii) if the partner has a tax file number—the tax file number; and

(c) the Commissioner of Taxation has not told the Secretary that the partner has no tax file number.

“(3) The person satisfies this subsection if:

(a) the partner’s declaration states that an application by the partner for a tax file number is pending; and

(b) the person has given the Secretary a document by the partner that authorises the Commissioner of Taxation to tell the Secretary:

(i) if a tax file number is issued to the partner—the tax file number; or

(ii) if the application is refused—that the application has been refused; or

(iii) if the application is withdrawn—that the application has been withdrawn; and

(c) the Commissioner of Taxation has not told the Secretary that an application by the partner for a tax file number has been refused; and

(d) the application for a tax file number has not been withdrawn.

“(4) The Secretary may waive the requirement for a statement of the partner’s tax file number if the Secretary is satisfied that:

(a) the person does not know the partner’s tax file number; and

(b) the person can obtain none of the following from the partner:

(i) the partner’s tax file number;

(ii) a statement of the partner’s tax file number;

(iii) a declaration by the partner under subparagraph (1)(c)(ii).

Multiple entitlement exclusion

“660XCF.(1) A mature age allowance is not payable to a person if the person is already receiving a service pension.

“(2) If:

(a) a person is receiving a mature age allowance; and

(b) another social security pension, a social security benefit or a service pension becomes payable to the person;

the mature age allowance is not payable to the person.

Note 1: Another payment type will generally not become payable to the person until the person claims it.

Note 2: For the day on which the mature age allowance ceases to be payable see section 660XJB.

“(3) A mature age allowance is not payable to a woman if:

(a) the woman is an armed services widow; and

(b) the woman is receiving:

(i) a pension under Part II or IV of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act at a rate determined under or by reference to subsection 30(1) of that Act; or

(ii) a pension under the Seamen’s War Pensions and Allowances Act 1940 at a rate determined under subsection 18(2) of that Act;

unless:

(c) the woman has been receiving a payment referred to in subparagraph (b)(i) or (ii) continuously since before 1 November 1986; and

(d) before 1 November 1986 the woman was also receiving a social security benefit.

Note 1: For ‘armed services widow’ see subsection 4(1).

Note 2: A widow receiving a payment under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act who is not covered by paragraph (b) may be paid at a lower rate (see subsection 1064(5)).

“(4) A mature age allowance is not payable to a man if:

(a) the man is an armed services widower; and

(b) the man is receiving a pension under Part II or IV of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act at a rate determined under or by reference to subsection 30(1) of that Act.

Note: For ‘armed services widower’ see subsection 4(1).

Educational and other schemes exclusion

“660XCG.(1) If:

(a) a payment is, or may be, made in respect of a person under:

(i) a prescribed educational scheme other than the ABSTUDY Tertiary Scheme to the extent that it applies to part-time students; or

(ii) the scheme to provide an allowance known as the Maintenance Allowance for Refugees; and

(b) the payment relates to a period;

mature age allowance is not payable to the person on a pension payday that falls within the period.

Note: For ‘prescribed educational scheme’ see section 5.

“(2) If:

(a) a person may enrol in a full-time course of education; and

(b) a payment under a scheme referred to in subsection (1) may be made in respect of the person;

the Secretary may decide that, in spite of subsection (1), mature age allowance is payable to the person before the person starts the course.

Commonwealth funded employment program exclusion

“660XCH. If:

(a) a person receives, or may receive, income that is paid by a community or group from funds provided under a Commonwealth funded employment program; and

(b) the income is paid in respect of a period;

mature age allowance is not payable to the person on a pension payday that falls within the period.

Note: For ‘Commonwealth funded employment program’ see subsection 23(1).

Subdivision BPayability of mature age partner allowance

Mature age partner allowance not payable in some circumstances

“660XCI.(1) Even though a person is qualified for a mature age partner allowance, the allowance may not be payable to the person because:

(a) the allowance has not commenced to be payable (see sections 660XCJ and 660XCK); or

(b) the person has not provided a tax file number for the person (see section 660XCL) or the person’s partner (see section 660XCM); or

(c) another pension or benefit is being paid to the person (see section 660XCN); or

(d) a person is receiving a payment under certain educational schemes (see section 660XCO); or

(e) the person is receiving income that is paid by a community or group from funds provided under a Commonwealth funded employment program (see section 660XCP); or

(f) the person is in gaol (see Part 3.13); or

(g) the person is subject to a compensation preclusion period (see Part 3.14).

Note: For ‘Commonwealth funded employment program’ see subsection 23(1).

“(2) Subject to subsection (3), a mature age partner allowance is not payable to a person if the person’s mature age partner allowance rate would be nil.

“(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a person if the person’s rate would be nil merely because an advance pharmaceutical allowance has been paid to the person under:

(a) Part 2.23 of this Act; or

(b) Division 2 of Part VILA, of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act.

Mature age partner allowance generally not payable before claim

“660XCJ. A mature age partner allowance is not payable to a person before the person’s provisional commencement day (identified under section 660XCK).

Provisional commencement day

General rule

“660XCK.(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a person’s provisional commencement day is the day on which the person claims the mature age partner allowance.

Initial incorrect claim followed by claim for mature age partner allowance

“(2) If:

(a) a person makes a claim (the ‘initial claim’) for:

(i) a social security or service pension or a social security benefit; or

(ii) a pension, allowance, benefit or other payment under another Act, or under a program administered by the Commonwealth, that is similar in character to the mature age partner allowance; and

(b) on the day on which the person makes the initial claim, the person is qualified for a mature age partner allowance; and

(c) the person subsequently makes a claim for a mature age partner allowance; and

(d) the Secretary is satisfied that it is reasonable for this subsection to apply to the person;

the person’s provisional commencement day is the day on which the person made the initial claim.

Early claim

“(3) If:

(a) a person lodges a claim for a mature age partner allowance; and

(b) the person is not, on the day on which the claim is lodged, qualified for a mature age partner allowance; and

(c) the person becomes qualified for a mature age partner allowance sometime during the period of 3 months that starts immediately after the day on which the claim is lodged;

the person’s provisional commencement day is the first day on which the person is qualified for the allowance and is an Australian resident and in Australia.

Provision of person’s tax file number

“660XCL.(1) A mature age partner allowance is not payable to a person if:

(a) the person is required under section 660XDF or 660XIA to give the Secretary a written statement of the person’s tax file number; and

(b) at the end of the period of 28 days after the requirement is made, the person has neither:

(i) given the Secretary a written statement of the person’s tax file number; nor

(ii) given the Secretary a declaration by the person in a form approved by the Secretary and satisfied either subsection (2) or (3).

“(2) The person satisfies this subsection if:

(a) the person’s declaration states that the person:

(i) has a tax file number but does not know what it is; and

(ii) has asked the Commissioner of Taxation to inform the person of the person’s tax file number; and

(b) the person has given the Secretary a document by the person that authorises the Commissioner of Taxation to tell the Secretary:

(i) whether the person has a tax file number; and

(ii) if the person has a tax file number—the tax file number; and

(c) the Commissioner of Taxation has not told the Secretary that the person has no tax file number.

“(3) The person satisfies this subsection if:

(a) the person’s declaration states that an application by the person for a tax file number is pending; and

(b) the person has given the Secretary a document by the person that authorises the Commissioner of Taxation to tell the Secretary:

(i) if a tax file number is issued to the person—the tax file number; or

(ii) if the application is refused—that the application has been refused; or

(iii) if the application is withdrawn—that the application has been withdrawn; and

(c) the Commissioner of Taxation has not told the Secretary that an application by the person for a tax file number has been refused; and

(d) the application for a tax file number has not been withdrawn.

Provision of partner’s tax file number

“660XCM.(1) Subject to subsection (4), a mature age partner allowance is not payable to a person if:

(a) the person is required under section 660XDG or 660XIB to give the Secretary a written statement of the tax file number of the person’s partner; and

(b) at the end of the period of 28 days after the requirement is made, the person has neither:

(i) given the Secretary a written statement of the partner’s tax file number; nor

(ii) given the Secretary a declaration by the partner in a form approved by the Secretary and satisfied either subsection (2) or (3).

“(2) The person satisfies this subsection if:

(a) the partner’s declaration states that the partner:

(i) has a tax file number but does not know what it is; and

(ii) has asked the Commissioner of Taxation to inform the partner of the partner’s tax file number; and

(b) the person has given the Secretary a document by the partner that authorises the Commissioner of Taxation to tell the Secretary:

(i) whether the partner has a tax file number; and

(ii) if the partner has a tax file number—the tax file number; and

(c) the Commissioner of Taxation has not told the Secretary that the partner has no tax file number.

“(3) The person satisfies this subsection if:

(a) the partner’s declaration states that an application by the partner for a tax file number is pending; and

(b) the person has given the Secretary a document by the partner that authorises the Commissioner of Taxation to tell the Secretary:

(i) if a tax file number is issued to the partner—the tax file number; or

(ii) if the application is refused—that the application has been refused; or

(iii) if the application is withdrawn—that the application has been withdrawn; and

(c) the Commissioner of Taxation has not told the Secretary that an application by the partner for a tax file number has been refused; and

(d) the application for a tax file number has not been withdrawn.

“(4) The Secretary may waive the requirement for a statement of the partner’s tax file number if the Secretary is satisfied that:

(a) the person does not know the partner’s tax file number; and

(b) the person can obtain none of the following from the partner:

(i) the partner’s tax file number;

(ii) a statement of the partner’s tax file number;

(iii) a declaration by the partner under subparagraph (1)(c)(ii).

Multiple entitlement exclusion

“660XCN.(1) A mature age partner allowance is not payable to a person if the person is already receiving a service pension.

“(2) If:

(a) a person is receiving a mature age partner allowance; and

(b) another social security pension, a social security benefit or a service pension becomes payable to the person;

the mature age partner allowance is not payable to the person.

Note 1: Another payment type will generally not become payable to the person until the person claims it.

Note 2: For the day on which the mature age partner allowance ceases to be payable see section 660XJB.

“(3) A mature age partner allowance is not payable to a person if the person is receiving:

(a) a pension under Part II or IV of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act at a rate determined under or by reference to subsection 30(1) of that Act; or

(b) a pension under the Seamen’s War Pensions and Allowances Act 1940 at a rate determined under subsection 18(2) of that Act.

Educational schemes exclusion

“660XCO.(1) If:

(a) a payment has been, or may be, made in respect of a person under:

(i) the AUSTUDY Scheme; or

(ii) the ABSTUDY Scheme; or

(iii) the Student Financial Supplement Scheme; and

(b) the payment relates to a period;

mature age partner allowance is not payable to the person on a pension payday that falls within the period.

“(2) If:

(a) a person may enrol in a full-time course of education; and

(b) a payment under a scheme referred to in subsection (1) may be made in respect of the person;

the Secretary may decide that, in spite of subsection (1), mature age partner allowance is payable to the person before the person starts the course.

Commonwealth funded employment program exclusion

“660XCP. If:

(a) a person receives, or may receive, income that is paid by a community or group from funds provided under a Commonwealth funded employment program; and

(b) the income is paid in respect of a period;

mature age partner allowance is not payable to the person on a pension payday that falls within the period.

Note: For ‘Commonwealth funded employment program’ see subsection 23(1).

Division 4Claim for mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance

Need for a claim

“660XDA.(1) A person who wants to be granted mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance must make a proper claim for that allowance.

Note: For ‘proper claim’ see section 660XDB (form), section 660XDC (manner of lodgment) and section 660XDD (residence/presence in Australia).

“(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), if:

(a) a claim for mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is made by or on behalf of a person; and

(b) at the time when the claim is made, the claim cannot be granted because the person is not qualified for the allowance; and

(c) the person does not become qualified for the allowance during the period of 3 months that starts immediately after the day on which the claim is lodged;

the claim is taken not to have been made.

Form of claim

“660XDB. To be a proper claim, a claim must be made in writing and must be in accordance with a form approved by the Secretary.

Lodgment of claim

“660XDC.(1) To be a proper claim, a claim must be lodged:

(a) at an office of the Department; or

(b) at a place approved for the purpose by the Secretary; or

(c) with a person approved for the purpose by the Secretary.

“(2) A place or person approved under subsection (1) must be a place or person in Australia.

Claimant must be an Australian resident and in Australia

“660XDD. A claim by a person is not a proper claim unless the person is:

(a) an Australian resident; and

(b) in Australia;

on the day on which the claim is lodged.

Note: For ‘Australian resident’ see subsections 7(2) and (3).

Claim may be withdrawn

“660XDE.(1) A claimant for mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance, or a person on behalf of a claimant, may withdraw a claim that has not been determined.

“(2) A claim that is withdrawn is taken to have not been made.

“(3) A withdrawal may be made orally or in writing.

Secretary may require claimant to give statement of claimant’s tax file number

“660XDF. If a claimant for mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is in Australia, the Secretary may require the claimant to give the Secretary a written statement of the claimant’s tax file number.

Note 1: For the consequences of a failure to comply with the requirement see sections 660XCD and 660XCL.

Note 2: In some cases the requirement can be satisfied by giving the Secretary a declaration by the claimant about the claimant’s tax file number and an authority by the claimant to the Commissioner of Taxation to give the Secretary certain information about the claimant’s tax file number (see subsections 660XCD(2) and (3) and 660XCL(2) and (3)).

Secretary may require claimant to give statement of partner’s tax file number

Claimant for mature age allowance

“660XDG.(1) If:

(a) a claimant for a mature age allowance is a member of a couple; and

(b) the claimant’s partner is in Australia;

the Secretary may require the claimant to give the Secretary a written statement of the tax file number of the claimant’s partner.

Claimant for mature age partner allowance

“(2) The Secretary may require the claimant of a mature age partner allowance to give the Secretary a written statement of the tax file number of the claimant’s partner if the partner is in Australia.

Note 1: For the consequences of a failure to comply with the requirement see sections 660XCE and 660XCM.

Note 2: In some cases the requirement can be satisfied by giving the Secretary a declaration by the partner about the partner’s tax file number and an authority by the partner to the Commissioner of Taxation to give the Secretary certain information about the partner’s tax file number (see subsections 660XCE(2) and (3) and 660XCM (2) and (3)).

Note 3: The Secretary can waive the requirement in some cases (see subsections 660XCE(4) and 660XCM(4)).

Division 5Determination of claim

Secretary to determine claim

“660XEA. The Secretary must, in accordance with this Act, determine the claim.

Grant of claim

“660XEB. The Secretary is to determine that the claim is to be granted if the Secretary is satisfied that:

(a) the person is qualified for a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance; and

(b) the allowance is payable.

Date of effect of determination

“660XEC.(1) Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (4), a determination under section 660XEB takes effect on the day on which the determination is made or on such later day or earlier day as is specified in the determination.

Notified decisionreview sought within 3 months

“(2) If:

(a) a decision (the ‘previous decision’) is made rejecting a person’s claim for a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance; and

(b) a notice is given to the person advising the person of the making of the previous decision; and

(c) the person applies to the Secretary under section 1240, within 3 months after the notice is given, for review of the previous decision; and

(d) a determination granting the claim is made as a result of the application for review;

the determination takes effect on the day on which the previous decision took effect.

Notified decisionreview sought after 3 months

“(3) If:

(a) a decision (the ‘previous decision’) is made rejecting a person’s claim for mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance; and

(b) a notice is given to the person advising the person of the making of the previous decision; and

(c) the person applies to the Secretary under section 1240, more than 3 months after the notice is given, for review of the previous decision; and

(d) a determination granting the claim is made as a result of the application for review;

the determination takes effect on the day on which the person sought the review.

Decision not notified

“(4) If:

(a) a decision (the ‘previous decision’) is made rejecting a person’s claim for mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance; and

(b) no notice is given to the person advising the person of the making of the previous decision; and

(c) the person applies to the Secretary under section 1240 for review of the previous decision; and

(d) a determination granting the claim is made as a result of the application for review;

the determination takes effect on the day on which the previous decision took effect.

Division 6Rate of mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance

How to work out a person’s mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance

“660XFA. A person’s mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance rate is worked out by using Pension Rate Calculator A at the end of section 1064 (see Part 3.2).

Division 7Payment of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance

Commencement of payment of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance

“660XGA. A mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance becomes payable to a person on the first day on which:

(a) the person is qualified for the allowance; and

(b) no provision of this Act makes the allowance not payable to the person.

Note 1: For qualification for mature age allowance (see section 660XBA) and mature age partner allowance (see section 660XBI).

Note 2: For the circumstances in which a mature age allowance is not payable see section 660XCA.

Note 3: For the circumstances in which a mature age partner allowance is not payable see section 660XCI.

Payment by instalments

“660XGB.(1) Subject to section 660XGC, a full instalment of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is payable to a person on each pension payday on which:

(a) the person is qualified for the allowance; and

(b) the allowance is payable to the person.

“(2) If the person is outside Australia, the instalments referred to in subsection (1) are to be paid to the person on such pension paydays as the Secretary determines for the purposes of this subsection.

Effect on instalments of backdating claim

“660XGC. If:

(a) a person claims a mature age allowance or a mature age partner allowance on a particular day (the ‘claim day’); and

(b) the person’s provisional commencement day is before the claim day; and

(c) there is a pension payday on or after the provisional commencement day and before the claim day;

then:

(d) no instalment of the allowance is payable on that payday; and

(e) a full instalment of the allowance in respect of that payday is payable on the first pension payday on or after the claim day.

Note: For ‘provisional commencement day’ see sections 660XCC and 660XCK.

Calculation of amount of instalment

“660XGD.(1) The amount of an instalment of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is the amount worked out by dividing the amount of the annual rate of the allowance by 26.

“(2) If the amount that is payable to a person on a pension payday is not a multiple of 10 cents, the amount is, subject to subsection (3), to be increased or decreased to the nearest multiple of 10 cents.

“(3) If the amount that is payable to a person on a pension payday is a multiple of 5 cents, the amount is to be increased by 5 cents.

“(4) If:

(a) an amount of pharmaceutical allowance is added to a person’s maximum basic rate in working out the amount of an instalment of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance; and

(b) apart from this subsection, the amount of the instalment would be less than the person’s fortnightly PA rate;

the amount of the instalment is to be increased to the person’s fortnightly PA rate.

“(5) For the purposes of subsection (4), the person’s fortnightly PA rate

is:

where:

‘pharmaceutical allowance rate’ is the yearly amount of pharmaceutical allowance added to the person’s maximum basic rate in working out the amount of the instalment.

“(6) If, apart from this subsection, the amount of an instalment of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance would be less than $1.00, the amount of the instalment is to be increased to $1.00.

Instalments to be paid to person or nominee

“660XGE.(1) Subject to subsection (3), instalments of a person’s mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance are to be paid to that person.

“(2) The Secretary may direct that the whole or part of the instalments of a person’s allowance are to be paid to someone else on behalf of the person.

“(3) If the Secretary makes a direction under subsection (2), the instalments are to be paid in accordance with the direction.

Payment into bank account etc.

“660XGF.(1) An amount that is to be paid to a person under section 660XGE is to be paid in the manner set out in this section.

“(2) Subject to this section, the amount is to be paid to the credit of a bank account, credit union account or building society account nominated and maintained by the person.

“(3) The account may be an account that is maintained by the person either alone or jointly or in common with another person.

“(4) If the person has not nominated an account for the purposes of subsection (2), then, subject to subsections (5) and (7), the amount is not to be paid.

“(5) If:

(a) an amount has not been paid because of subsection (4); and

(b) the person nominates an account for the purposes of subsection (2);

the amount is to be paid under subsection (2).

“(6) The Secretary may direct that the whole or a part of the amount be paid to the person in a different way from that provided for by subsection (2).

“(7) If the Secretary gives a direction under subsection (6), the amount is to be paid in accordance with the direction.

Where allowance payday would fall on public holiday etc.

“660XGG. If the Secretary is satisfied that an amount of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance that would normally be paid on a particular day cannot reasonably be paid on that day (because, for example, it is a public holiday or a bank holiday), the Secretary may direct that the amount be paid on an earlier day.

Payment of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance after death

“660XGH.(1) If:

(a) a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is payable to a person; and

(b) the person dies; and

(c) at the date of the person’s death the person had not received an amount of the allowance payable to him or her; and

(d) another person applies to receive that amount; and

(e) the application is made:

(i) within 6 months after the death; or

(ii) within a further period allowed by the Secretary in special circumstances;

the Secretary may pay the amount to the person who, in the Secretary’s opinion, is best entitled to it.

“(2) If the Secretary pays an amount of the allowance under subsection (1), the Commonwealth has no further liability to any person in respect of that amount of the allowance.

Division 8Protection of mature age allowance and mature

age partner allowance

Mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance to be absolutely inalienable

“660XHA.(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) and section 1359, mature age allowance and mature age partner allowance are absolutely inalienable, whether by way of, or in consequence of, sale, assignment, charge, execution, bankruptcy or otherwise.

Payments to Commissioner of Taxation at recipient’s request

“(2) The Secretary may make deductions from the instalments of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance payable to a person if the recipient asks the Secretary:

(a) to make the deductions; and

(b) to pay the amounts to be deducted to the Commissioner of Taxation.

Note: The Secretary must make deductions from a person’s social security payment if requested by the Commissioner of Taxation (see section 1359).

Deductions from instalments with recipient’s consent

“(3) The Secretary may make deductions from the instalments of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance payable to a person if the recipient consents under section 1234A to the Secretary making the deductions.

Note: Section 1234A enables the Secretary to recover a debt from a person other than the debtor if the person is receiving a social security payment.

Effect of garnishee or attachment order

“660XHB.(1) If:

(a) a person has an account with a financial institution; and

(b) instalments of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance payable to the person (whether on the person’s own behalf or not) are being paid to the credit of that account; and

(c) a court order in the nature of a garnishee order comes into force in respect of the account;

the court order does not apply to the saved amount (if any) in the account.

“(2) The saved amount is worked out as follows:

Method statement

Step 1.

Work out the total amount of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance payable to the person that has been paid to the credit of the account during the 4 week period immediately before the court order came into force.

Step 2.

Subtract from that amount the total amount withdrawn from the account during the same 4 week period: the result is the saved amount.

“(3) This section applies to an account whether it is maintained by a person:

(a) alone; or

(b) jointly with another person; or

(c) in common with another person.

Note: A person affected by a garnishee order may have other saved amounts if the person receives telephone allowance (see section 1061X).

Division 9Recipient obligations

Secretary may require recipient to give statement of recipient’s tax file number

“660XIA. If a recipient of a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is in Australia, the Secretary may require the recipient to give the Secretary a written statement of the recipient’s tax file number.

Note 1: For the consequences of a failure to comply with the requirement see sections 660XCD and 660XCL.

Note 2: In some cases the requirement can be satisfied by giving the Secretary a declaration by the recipient about the recipient’s tax file number and an authority by the recipient to the Commissioner of Taxation to give the Secretary certain information about the recipient’s tax file number (see subsections 660XCD (2) and (3) and 660XCL(2) and (3)).

Secretary may require recipient to give statement of partner’s tax file number

Mature age allowance recipient

“660XIB.(1) If:

(a) a mature age allowance recipient is a member of a couple; and

(b) the recipient’s partner is in Australia;

the Secretary may require the recipient to give the Secretary a written statement of the tax file number of the recipient’s partner.

Mature age partner allowance recipient

“(2) The Secretary may require the recipient of a mature age partner allowance to give the Secretary a written statement of the tax file number of the recipient’s partner if the partner is in Australia.

Note 1: For the consequences of a failure to comply with the requirement see sections 660XCE and 660XCM.

Note 2: In some cases the requirement can be satisfied by giving the Secretary a declaration by the partner about the partner’s tax file number and an authority by the partner to the Commissioner of Taxation to give the Secretary certain information about the partner’s tax file number (see subsections 660XCE(2) and (3) and 660XCM(2) and (3)).

Note 3: The Secretary can waive the requirement in some cases (see subsections 660XCE(4) and 660XCM(4)).

Secretary may require notice of the happening of an event or a change in circumstances

“660XIC.(1) The Secretary may give a person to whom a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is being paid a notice that requires the person to inform the Department if:

(a) a specified event or change of circumstances occurs; or

(b) the person becomes aware that a specified event or change of circumstances is likely to occur.

“(2) An event or change of circumstances is not to be specified in a notice under subsection (1) unless the occurrence of the event or change of circumstances might affect the payment of the allowance.

“(3) Subject to subsection (4), a notice under subsection (1):

(a) must be in writing; and

(b) may be given personally or by post; and

(c) must specify how the person is to give the information to the Department; and

(d) must specify the period within which the person is to give the information to the Department; and

(e) must specify that the notice is a recipient notification notice given under this Act.

“(4) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).

“(5) The period specified under paragraph (3)(d) must end at least 14 days after:

(a) the day on which the event or change of circumstances occurs; or

(b) the day on which the person becomes aware that the event or change of circumstances is likely to occur.

“(6) If a notice requires the person to inform the Department of any proposal by the person to leave Australia, subsection (5) does not apply to that requirement.

“(7) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, refuse or fail to comply with a notice under subsection (1) to the extent that the person is capable of complying with the notice.

Note: Subsections 4B(2) and (3) of the Crimes Act 1914 allow a court to impose an appropriate fine instead of, or in addition to, a term of imprisonment.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months.

“(8) This section extends to:

(a) acts, omissions, matters and things outside Australia whether or not in a foreign country; and

(b) all persons irrespective of their nationality or citizenship.

Secretary may require recipient to give particular information relevant to payment of mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance

“660XID.(1) The Secretary may give a person to whom a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is being paid a notice that requires the person to give the Department a statement about a matter that might affect the payment of the allowance to the person.

“(2) Subject to subsection (3), a notice under subsection (1):

(a) must be in writing; and

(b) may be given personally or by post; and

(c) must specify how the statement is to be given to the Department; and

(d) must specify the period within which the person is to give the statement to the Department; and

(e) must specify that the notice is a recipient statement notice given under this Act.

“(3) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).

“(4) The period specified under paragraph (2)(d) must end at least 14 days after the day on which the notice is given.

“(5) A statement given in response to a notice under subsection (1) must be in writing and in accordance with a form approved by the Secretary.

“(6) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, refuse or fail to comply with a notice under subsection (1) to the extent that the person is capable of complying with the notice.

Note: Subsections 4B(2) and (3) of the Crimes Act 1914 allow a court to impose an appropriate fine instead of, or in addition to, a term of imprisonment.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months.

“(7) This section extends to:

(a) acts, omissions, matters and things outside Australia whether or not in a foreign country; and

(b) all persons irrespective of their nationality or citizenship.

Division 10Continuation, variation and termination

Subdivision AGeneral

Continuing effect of determination

Entitlement determination

“660XJA.(1) A determination that:

(a) a person’s claim for a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is granted; or

(b) a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is payable to a person;

continues in effect until:

(c) the allowance ceases to be payable under section 660XJB, 660XJC, 660XJD or 660XJE; or

(d) a further determination in relation to the allowance under section 660XJL or 660XJM has taken effect.

Note 1: For paragraph (a) see section 660XEB.

Note 2: For paragraph (b) see section 660XJO—this paragraph is relevant where the determination in question reverses an earlier cancellation or suspension.

Note 3: For paragraph (d) see also section 660XJN.

Rate determination

“(2) A determination of the rate of a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance continues in effect until:

(a) the allowance becomes payable at a lower rate under section 660XJF, 660XJG or 660XJH; or

(b) a further determination in relation to the allowance under section 660XJJ or 660XJK has taken effect.

Note: For paragraph (b) see also section 660XJN.

Subdivision BAutomatic termination

Automatic termination—transfer to new payment type

“660XJB. If:

(a) a person is receiving a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance; and

(b) another social security pension or a social security benefit or a service pension becomes payable to the person;

the allowance ceases to be payable to the person immediately before the day on which the other pension or benefit becomes payable to the person.

Automatic termination of mature age partner allowance—transfer of partner to new payment type

“660XJC. If:

(a) a person is receiving a mature age partner allowance; and

(b) a social security pension, a social security benefit or a service pension becomes payable to the person’s partner; and

(c) because the pension or benefit referred to in paragraph (b) becomes payable to the partner, a mature age allowance ceases to be payable to the partner;

the mature age partner allowance ceases to be payable to the person immediately before the day on which the pension or benefit referred to in paragraph (b) becomes payable to the partner.

Automatic termination—recipient complying with section 660XIC notification obligations

“660XJD. If:

(a) a person who is receiving a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is given a notice under section 660XIC; and

(b) the notice requires the person to inform the Department of the occurrence of an event or change in circumstances within a specified period (the ‘notification period’); and

(c) the event or change in circumstances occurs; and

(d) the person informs the Department of the occurrence of the event or change in circumstances within the notification period in accordance with the notice; and

(e) because of the occurrence of the event or change in circumstances:

(i) the person ceases to be qualified for the allowance; or

(ii) the allowance would, but for this section, cease to be payable to the person; and

(f) the allowance is not cancelled before the end of the notification period;

the allowance continues to be payable to the person until the end of the notification period and then ceases to be payable to the person.

Note: If the person informs the Department, within the notification period, of an event or change in circumstances that reduces the rate of the person’s allowance, there is no automatic rate reduction and a determination under section 660XJK must be made in order to bring the rate reduction into effect.

Automatic termination—recipient not complying with section 660XIC notification obligations

“660XJE. If:

(a) a person who is receiving a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is given a notice under section 660XIC; and

(b) the notice requires the person to inform the Department of the occurrence of an event or change in circumstances within a specified period (the ‘notification period’); and

(c) the event or change in circumstances occurs; and

(d) the person does not inform the Department of the occurrence of the event or change in circumstances within the notification period in accordance with the notice; and

(e) because of the occurrence of the event or the change in circumstances:

(i) the person ceases to be qualified for the allowance; or

(ii) the allowance ceases to be payable to the person;

the allowance ceases to be payable to the person immediately after the day on which the event or change in circumstances occurs.

Subdivision CAutomatic rate reduction

Automatic rate reduction of mature age allowance—partner starting to receive pension or benefit

“660XJF. If:

(a) a person is receiving a mature age allowance; and

(b) the person’s partner starts to receive:

(i) a social security pension or benefit; or

(ii) a service pension; and

(c) the person’s mature age allowance rate is reduced because of the partner’s receipt of that pension or benefit;

the allowance becomes payable to the person at the reduced rate on the day on which the partner starts to receive that pension or benefit.

Automatic rate reduction—recipient not complying with section 660XIC notification obligations

“660XJG. If:

(a) a person who is receiving a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is given a notice under section 660XIC; and

(b) the notice requires the person to inform the Department of the occurrence of an event or change in circumstances within a specified period (the ‘notification period’); and

(c) the event or change in circumstances occurs; and

(d) the person does not inform the Department of the occurrence of the event or change in circumstances within the notification period in accordance with the notice; and

(e) because of the occurrence of the event or change in circumstances, the person’s rate of allowance is to be reduced;

the allowance becomes payable to the person at the reduced rate immediately after the day on which the event or change in circumstances occurs.

Automatic rate reduction—failure to inform Department of payment for remunerative work where earnings credit account balance available

“660XJH. If:

(a) a person who is receiving a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is given a notice under section 660XIC; and

(b) the notice requires the person to inform the Department of income for remunerative work undertaken by the person; and

(c) the person fails to notify the Department of income of that kind in accordance with the notice; and

(d) the person has an earnings credit account balance for the purposes of Division 4 of Part 3.10;

the allowance becomes payable to the person at the reduced rate from the first pension payday after the day on which the person’s earnings credit account balance is reduced to nil.

Changes to payments by computer following automatic termination or reduction

“660XJI. If:

(a) a person is receiving a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance on the basis of data in a computer; and

(b) the allowance is automatically terminated or the allowance rate is automatically reduced by the operation of a provision of this Act; and

(c) the automatic termination or reduction is given effect to by the operation of a computer program approved by the Secretary stopping payment or reducing the rate of payment of the allowance;

there is taken to be a decision by the Secretary that the automatic termination or rate reduction provision applies to the person’s allowance.

Note: The decision that is taken to have been made is a decision of an officer for the purposes of review by the Secretary (see sections 1239 and 1240) and the Social Security Appeals Tribunal (see section 1247).

Subdivision DDeterminations

Rate increase determination

“660XJJ. If the Secretary is satisfied that the rate at which a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is being, or has been, paid is less than the rate provided for by this Act, the Secretary is to determine that the rate is to be increased to the rate specified in the determination.

Note: For the date of effect of a determination under this section see section 660XJP.

Rate reduction determination

“660XJK. If the Secretary is satisfied that the rate at which a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is being, or has been, paid is more than the rate provided for by this Act, the Secretary is to determine that the rate is to be reduced to the rate specified in the determination.

Note 1: A determination under this section is not necessary in a case where an automatic rate reduction is produced by section 660XJG or 660XJH (see subsection 660XJA(2)).

Note 2: For the date of effect of a determination under this section see section 660XJQ.

Cancellation or suspension determination

“660XJL. If the Secretary is satisfied that a mature age allowance or mature age partner allowance is being, or has been, paid to a person to whom it is not, or was not, payable under this Act, the Secretary is to determine that the allowance is to be cancelled or suspended.

(c) does not have a dependent child or dependent children

6.

Partnered and partner:

$3,120.00

$120.00

(a) is receiving service pension; and

(b) has rent increased pension; and

(c) has 1 or 2 dependent children

7.

Partnered and partner:

$3,120.00

$120.00

(a) is receiving service pension;and

(b) has rent increased pension; and

(c) has 3 or more dependent children

8.

Member of illness separated couple

$1,560.00

$60.00

9.

Member of respite care couple

$1,560.00

$60.00

10.

Member of temporarily separated couple

$1,560.00

$60.00

11.

Partner (partner in gaol)

$1,560.00

$60.00

Note 1: For ‘member of couple’, ‘partnered’, ‘illness separated couple’, ‘respite care couple’, ‘temporarily separated couple’ and ‘partnered (partner in gaol)’ see section 4.”.

3. Section 1066A (Pension Rate Calculator D—point 1066A-EB2A—Table EBA and Note 1):

Omit the Table and Note 1, substitute:

SCHEDULE 7—continued

TABLE EBA

RENT THRESHOLD RATES

column 1

column 2

column 3

column 4

item

person’s family situation

amount per year

amount per fortnight

1.

Not member of couple and in disability accommodation

$1,560.00

$60.00

2.

Not member of couple and living permanently or indefinitely away from the person’s parental home

$1,560.00

$60.00

3.

Partnered—partner does not have rent increased pension

$2,600.00

$100.00

4.

Partnered and partner:

$2,600.00

$100.00

(a) is receiving social security pension; and

(b) has rent increased pension

5.

Partnered and partner:

$2,600.00

$100.00

(a) is receiving service pension; and

(b) has rent increased pension; and

(c) does not have a dependent child or dependent children

6.

Partnered and partner:

$3,120.00

$120.00

(a) is receiving service pension; and

(b) has rent increased pension; and

(c) has 1 or 2 dependent children

7.

Partnered and partner:

$3,120.00

$120.00

(a) is receiving service pension; and

(b) has rent increased pension; and

(c) has 3 or more dependent children

8.

Member of illness separated couple

$1,560.00

$60.00

9.

Member of respite care couple

$1,560.00

$60.00

10.

Member of temporarily separated couple

$1,560.00

$60.00

11.

Partnered (partner in gaol)

$1,560.00

$60.00

Note 1: For ‘member of couple’, ‘partnered’, ‘illness separated couple’, ‘respite care couple’, ‘temporarily separated couple’ and ‘partnered (partner in gaol)’ see section 4.”.

SCHEDULE 7— continued

4. Section 1066A (Pension Rate Calculator D—point 1066A-EA12—Table EA):

Omit the Table (but not the Notes), substitute:

TABLE EA

RATE OF RENT ASSISTANCE

column 1

column 2

column 3

column 4

item

person’s family situation

Rate A

Rate B

1.

Not member of couple and in disability accommodation

3 × (annual rent – $1,560.00)

4

$1,747.20

2.

Not member of couple and either an independent young person or a homeless person

3 × (annual rent – $1,560.00)

4

$1,747.20

3.

Partnered—partner does not have rent increased pension

3 × (annual rent – $2,600.00)

4

$1,643.20

4.

Partnered and partner:

3 × (annual rent – $2,600.00)

8

$821.60

(a) is receiving a social security pension; and

(b) has rent increased pension

5.

Partnered and partner:

3 × (annual rent – $2,600.00)

8

$821.60

(a) is receiving a service pension; and

(b) has rent increased pension; and

(c) does not have a dependent child or dependent children

6.

Partnered and partner:

3 × (annual rent – $3,120.00)

8

$959.40

(a) is receiving a service pension; and

(b) has rent increased pension; and

(c) has 1 or 2 dependent children

7.

Partnered and partner:

3 × (annual rent – $3,120.00)

8

$1,094.60

(a) is receiving a service pension; and

(b) has rent increased pension; and

(c) has 3 or more dependent children

8.

Member of illness separated couple

3 × (annual rent – $1,560.00)

4

$1,747.20

SCHEDULE 7— continued

TABLE EA—continued

9.

Member of respite care couple

3 × (annual rent – $1,560.00)

4

$1,747.20

10.

Member of temporarily separated couple

3 × (annual rent – $1,560.00)

4

$1,643.20

11.

Partnered (partner in gaol)

3 × (annual rent – $1,560.00)

4

$1,747.20

5. Section 1066A (Pension Rate Calculator D—point 1066A-EA12):

After Note 1A, insert:

“Note 1B: For ‘independent young person’ and ‘homeless person’ see section 5.”.

6. Section 1067 (Benefit Rate Calculator A—point 1067-D9—Pharmaceutical Allowance Amount Table):

Omit the Table (including the Notes), substitute:

PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE AMOUNT TABLE

column 1

column 2

column 3

item

person’s family situation

amount per fortnight

1.

Not member of couple

$5.20

2.

Partnered—person’s rate not increased for partner under Module C

$2.60

3.

Partnered—person’s rate increased for partner under Module C

$5.20

4.

Member of illness separated couple

$5.20

5.

Member of respite care couple

$5.20

6.

Partnered (partner getting service pension)

$2.60

7.

Partnered (partner in gaol)

$5.20

Note 1: For ‘member of couple’, ‘partnered’, ‘illness separated couple’, ‘respite care couple’ and ‘partnered (partner in gaol)’ see section 4.

Note 2: The amounts in column 3 are indexed or adjusted annually in line with CPI increases (see sections 1191 to 1194 and 1206A).”.

7. Section 1067 (Benefit Rate Calculator A—point 1067-F1A—Table FA):

Omit the Table (but not the Notes), substitute:

SCHEDULE 7— continued

TABLE FA

RENT THRESHOLD RATES

column 1

column 2

column 3

item

person’s family situation

amount per fortnight

1.

Not member of couple and either an independent young person or a homeless person

$60.00

2.

Partnered—partner does not have rent increased benefit

$100.00

3.

Partnered—partner has rent increased benefit

$100.00

4.

Partnered—member of illness separated couple where person’s rate is increased for partner under Module C

$120.00

5.

Partnered—member of illness separated couple where person’s rate is not increased for partner under Module C

$60.00

6.

Partnered—member of respite care couple where person’s rate is increased for partner under Module C

$120.00

7.

Partnered—member of respite care couple where person’s rate is not increased for partner under Module C

$60.00

8.

Partnered—member of temporarily separated couple where person’s rate is increased for partner under Module C

$120.00

9.

Partnered—member of temporarily separated couple where person’s rate is not increased for partner under Module C

$60.00

10.

Partnered (partner in gaol)

$60.00

8. Section 1067 (Benefit Rate Calculator A—point 1067-F1A):

After Note 1, insert:

“Note 1A: For ‘independent young person’ and ‘homeless person’ see section 5.”.

9. Section 1067 (Benefit Rate Calculator A—point 1067-F13—Table F):

Omit the Table (but not the Notes), substitute:

SCHEDULE 7—continued

TABLE F

RATE OF RENT ASSISTANCE

column 1

column 2

column 3

column 4

item

person’s family situation

Rate A

Rate B

1.

Not member of couple and either independent young person or homeless person

3 × (fortnightly rent – $60.00)

4

$67.20

2.

Partnered—partner does not have rent increased benefit

3 × (fortnightly rent – $ 100.00)

4

$63.20

3.

Partnered—partner has rent

3 × (fortnightly rent – $ 100.00)

8

$31.60

increased benefit

4.

Partnered—member of illness separated couple where person’s rate is increased for partner under Module C

3 × (fortnightly rent – $120.00)

2

$134.40

5.

Partnered—member of illness separated couple where person’s rate is not increased for partner under Module C

3 × (fortnightly rent – $60.00)

4

$67.20

6.

Partnered—member of respite care couple where person’s rate is increased for partner under Module C

3 × (fortnightly rent-$120.00)

4

$134.40

7.

Partnered—member of respite care couple where person’s rate is not increased for partner under Module C

3 ×(fortnightly rent – $60.00)

4

$67.20

8.

Partnered—member of temporarily separated couple where person’s rate is increased for partner under Module C

3 × (fortnightly rent – $120.00)

2

$126.40

9.

Partnered—member of temporarily separated couple where person’s rate is not increased for partner under Module C

3 × (fortnightly rent – $60.00)

4

$63.20

10.

Partnered (partner in gaol)

3 × (fortnightly rent – $60.00)

4

$67.20

”.

SCHEDULE 7— continued

10. Section 1067 (Benefit Rate Calculator A—point 1067-F13—Note 1):

Omit the Note, substitute:

“Note 1: For ‘partnered’, ‘illness separated couple’, ‘respite care couple’, ‘temporarily separated couple’ and ‘partnered (partner in gaol)’ see section 4.

Note 1A: For ‘independent young person’ and ‘homeless person’ see section 5.”.

11. Section 1068 (Benefit Rate Calculator B—point 1068-D10 —Pharmaceutical Allowance Amount Table):

Omit the Table (including the Notes), substitute:

PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE AMOUNT TABLE

column 1

column 2

column 3

item

person’s family situation

amount per fortnight

1.

Not member of couple

$5.20

2.

Partnered—person’s rate not increased for partner under Module C

$2.60

3.

Partnered—person’s rate increased for partner under Module C

$5.20

4.

Member of illness separated couple

$5.20

5.

Member of respite care couple

$5.20

6.

Partnered (partner getting service pension)

$2.60

7.

Partnered (partner in gaol)

$5.20

Note 1: For ‘member of couple’, ‘partnered’, ‘illness separated couple’, ‘respite care couple’ and ‘partnered (partner in gaol)’ see section 4.

Note 2: The amounts in column 3 are indexed or adjusted annually in line with CPI increases (see sections 1191 to 1194 and 1206A).”.

12. Section 1068 (Benefit Rate Calculator B—point 1068-F1A—Table FA):

Omit the Table (but not the Notes), substitute:

TABLE FA

RENT THRESHOLD RATES

column 1

column 2

column 3

item

person’s family situation

amount per fortnight

1.

Not member of couple

$60.00

2.

Partnered—partner does not have rent increased benefit

$100.00

SCHEDULE 7— continued

TABLE FA—continued

3.

Partnered—partner has rent increased benefit

$100.00

4.

Partnered—member of illness separated couple where person’s rate is increased for partner under Module C

$120.00

5.

Partnered—member of illness separated couple where person’s rate is not increased for partner under Module C

$60.00

6.

Partnered—member of respite care couple where person’s rate is increased for partner under Module C

$120.00

7.

Partnered—member of respite care couple where person’s rate is not increased for partner under Module C

$60.00

8.

Partnered—member of temporarily separated couple where person’s rate is increased for partner under Module C

$120.00

9.

Partnered—member of temporarily separated couple where person’s rate is not increased for partner under Module C

$60.00

10.

Partnered (partner in gaol)

$60.00

”.

13. Section 1068 (Benefit Rate Calculator B—point 1068-F15—Table F):

Omit the Table (but not the Notes), substitute:

TABLE F

RATE OF RENT ASSISTANCE

column 1

column 2

column 3

column 4

item

person’s family situation

Rate A

Rate B

1.

Not member of couple

3 × (fortnightly rent – $60.00)

4

$67.20

2.

Partnered—partner does not have rent increased benefit

3 × (fortnightly rent – $100.00)

4

$63.20

3.

Partnered—partner has rent increased benefit

3 × (fortnightly rent – $100.00)

8

$31.60

4.

Partnered—member of illness separated couple where person’s rate is increased for partner under Module C

3 × (fortnightly rent – $120.00)

2

$134.40

SCHEDULE 7— continued

TABLE F—continued

5.

Partnered—member of illness separated couple where person’s rate is not increased for partner under Module C

3 × (fortnightly rent – $60.00)

4

$67.20

6.

Partnered—member of respite care couple where person’s rate is increased for partner under Module C

3 × (fortnightly rent – $120,00)

4

$134.40

7.

Partnered—member of respite care couple where person’s rate is not increased for partner under Module C

3 × (fortnightly rent – $60.00)

4

$67.20

8.

Partnered—member of temporarily separated couple where person’s rate is increased for partner under Module C

3 × (fortnightly rent – $120.00)

2

$126.40

9.

Partnered—member of temporarily separated couple where person’s rate is not increased for partner under Module C

3 × (fortnightly rent – $60.00)

4

$63.20

10.

Partnered (partner in gaol)

3 × (fortnightly rent – $60.00)

4

$67.20

”.

14. Section 1068 (Benefit Rate Calculator B—point 1068-F15—Note 1):

Omit the Note, substitute:

“Note l: For ‘member of couple’, ‘partnered’, ‘illness separated couple’, ‘respite care couple’ ‘temporarily separated couple’ and ‘partnered (partner in gaol)’ see section 4.”.

15. Section 1190 (Indexed and Adjusted Amounts Table—item 47):

Omit, substitute:

SCHEDULE 7— continued

47.

Rate of pharmaceutical allowance for a person:

Benefit PA ‘partnered’ (item 2) rate

[Benefit Rate Calculator A—point 1067-D9—Table—column 3—item 2]

(a) who is receiving a social security benefit; and

(b) who has a partner; and

[Benefit Rate Calculator B—point 1068-D10—Table—column 3—item 2]

(c) whose rate is not increased for the partner

47A.

Rate of pharmaceutical allowance for a person:

Benefit PA ‘partnered’ (item 3) rate

[Benefit Rate Calculator A—point 1067-D9—Table—column 3—item 3]

(a) who is receiving a social security benefit; and

(b) who has a partner; and

[Benefit Rate Calculator B—point 1068-D10—Table—column 3—item 3]

(c) whose rate is increased for the partner

”.

16. Section 1190 (Indexed and Adjusted Amounts Table—item 48—column 4):

Omit “item 3” (wherever occurring), substitute “items 3 and 4”.

17. Section 1190 (Indexed and Adjusted Amounts Table—item 49—column 4):

Omit “item 3” (wherever occurring), substitute “items 4 and 5”.

18. Section 1190 (Indexed and Adjusted Amounts Table—item 49B—column 4):

Omit “item 4” (wherever occurring), substitute “item 5”.

19. Section 1190 (Indexed and Adjusted Amounts Table):

After item 49B, insert:

SCHEDULE 7— continued

49C.

Rate of pharmaceutical allowance for a person:

Pension PA ‘partnered’ (item 6) rate

[Pension Rate Calculator A—point 1064-C8—Table—column 3—item 6]

(a) who is receiving a social security pension; and

(b) is a member of a couple; and

[Pension Rate Calculator B—point 1065-C8—Table—column 3—item 6]

(c) whose partner is in gaol

[Pension Rate Calculator D—point 1066A-D8—Table—column 3—item 6]

[Pension Rate Calculator E—point 1066B-D8—Table—column 3—item 6]

49D.

Rate of pharmaceutical allowance for a person:

Benefit PA ‘partnered’ (item 7) rate

[Benefit Rate Calculator A—point 1067-D9—Table—column 3—item 7]

(a) who is receiving a social security benefit; and

(b) is a member of a couple; and

[Benefit Rate Calculator B—point 1068-D10—Table—column 3—item 7]

(c) whose partner is in gaol

”.

20. Subsection 1191(1)(CPI Indexation Table—item 32—column 2):

Omit “item 4”, substitute “item 5”.

21. Paragraph 1206A(1)(b):

Omit “item 4”, substitute “item 5”.

22. After paragraph 1206A(2)(b):

Insert:

“and (c) the pension PA ‘partnered’ (item 6) rate;”.

23. After paragraph 1206A(3)(a):

Insert:

“(aa) the benefit ‘partnered’ (item 6) rate; and”.

SCHEDULE 8 Section 86

FURTHER AMENDMENTS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT

1991—NOTICE PROVISIONS

PART 1

1. Subsection 132(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

2. After subsection 132(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

3. Subsection 133(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

4. After subsection 133(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

5. Subsection 727(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

6. After subsection 727(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

7. Subsection 728(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

8. After subsection 728(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

PART 2

9. Subsection 121(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

SCHEDULE 8— continued

10. After subsection 121(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

11. Subsection 122(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

12. After subsection 122(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

13. Subsection 172(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

14. After subsection 172(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

15. Subsection 173(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

16. After subsection 173(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

17. Subsection 222(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

18. After subsection 222(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

19. Subsection 223(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

SCHEDULE 8— continued

20. After subsection 223(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

21. Subsection 284(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

22. After subsection 284(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

23. Subsection 285(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

24. After subsection 285(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

25. Subsection 341(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

26. After subsection 341(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

27. Subsection 342(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

28. After subsection 342(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

SCHEDULE 8— continued

29. Subsection 389(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

30. After subsection 389(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

31. Subsection 390(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

32. After subsection 390(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

33. Subsection 574(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

34. After subsection 574(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

35. Subsection 575(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

36. After subsection 575(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

37. Subsection 657(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

38. After subsection 657(3):

Insert:

SCHEDULE 8— continued

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

39. Subsection 658(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

40. After subsection 658(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

41. Subsection 713(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

42. After subsection 713(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

43. Subsection 714(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

44. After subsection 714(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

45. Subsection 727(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

46. After subsection 727(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

47. Subsection 728(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

SCHEDULE 8— continued

48. After subsection 728(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

49. Subsection 759(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

50. After subsection 759(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

51. Subsection 760(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

52. After subsection 760(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

53. Subsection 808(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

54. After subsection 808(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

55. Subsection 809(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

56. After subsection 809(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

SCHEDULE 8— continued

57. Subsection 873(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

58. After subsection 873(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

59. Subsection 874(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

60. After subsection 874(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

61. Subsection 930(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

62. After subsection 930(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

63. Subsection 931(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

64. After subsection 931(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

65. Subsection 978(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

66. After subsection 978(3):

Insert:

SCHEDULE 8— continued

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

67. Subsection 979(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

68. After subsection 979(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

69. Subsection 1023(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

70. After subsection 1023(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

71. Subsection 1024(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

72. After subsection 1024(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

73. Subsection 1054(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

74. After subsection 1054(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

75. Subsection 1055(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

SCHEDULE 8— continued

76. After subsection 1055(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

77. Subsection 1061Y(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

78. After subsection 1061Y(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

79. Subsection 1061Z(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

80. After subsection 1061Z(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

PART 3

81. Subsection 872(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

82. After subsection 872(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

83. Subsection 873(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

84. After subsection 873(2):

Insert:

SCHEDULE 8—continued

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

PART 4

85. Subsection 1061ZK(3):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (3A), a notice”.

86. After subsection 1061ZK(3):

Insert:

“(3A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) or (e).”.

87. Subsection 1061ZL(2):

Omit “A notice”, substitute “Subject to subsection (2A), a notice”.

88. After subsection 1061ZL(2):

Insert:

“(2A) A notice under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with paragraph (2)(c) or (e).”.

NOTES

Social Security Act 1991

1. No. 46, 1991, as amended. For previous amendments, see Nos. 68, 69, 70, 73, 74, 115, 116, 141, 175, 194 and 208, 1991;Nos. 12, 69, 81, 94, 118, 133, 134, 138, 228, 229, 230 and 241, 1992; and Nos. 20, 24, 25, 36 and 61, 1993.

Data-matching Program (Assistance and Tax) Act 1990

2. No. 20, 1991, as amended. For previous amendments, see Nos. 115, 175 and 194, 1991; and Nos. 81, 138, 205 and 229, 1992.

NOTE ABOUT SECTION HEADING IN THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT 1991

1. On 20 March 1994, the heading to section 16 of the Principal Act is omitted and the following heading is substituted:

“Industrial action definitions”.

[Minister’s second reading speech made in

House of Representatives on 29 September 1993

Senate on 20 October 1993

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