Social Security (Pension Bonus Scheme—Non-accruing Members) Declaration 2018

Administered by Department of Social Services

Legislation au F2018L00445 In force Legislative Instrument

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Social Security (Pension Bonus Scheme—Non-accruing Members) Declaration 2018

made under subsection 92Q(1) of the Social Security Act 1991.

Compilation No. 1  

Compilation date:   25 December 2020

Includes amendments up to: Social Security (Pension Bonus Scheme Non-accruing Members) Amendment Declaration 2020 F2020L01719

 

About this compilation

 

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Social Security (Pension Bonus Scheme—Non-accruing Members) Declaration 2018 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 25/12/2020 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Legislation Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Selfrepealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

 

 

 

 

 

1  Name of Declaration

  This instrument is the Social Security (Pension Bonus Scheme—Non-accruing Members) Declaration 2018.

2  Commencement

  This Declaration commences on 1 April 2018.

3  Authority

  This Declaration is made under subsection 92Q(1) of the Social Security Act 1991.

Definitions

Note: A number of expressions used in this Declaration are defined in the Act, including the following:

(a) in gaol;

(b) major disaster;

(c) partner;

(d) psychiatric confinement.

  In this Declaration:

Act means the Social Security Act 1991.

gainful work has the same meaning as in Part 2.2A of the Act (see section 92B of the Act).

passing the work test has the same meaning as in Part 2.2A of the Act (see section 92B of the Act).             

5  Schedules

Each instrument that is specified in a Schedule to this instrument is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this instrument has effect according to its terms.

6  Kinds of non-accruing members

For the purposes of subsection 92Q(1) of the Act, each of the following kinds of member of the pension bonus scheme is declared to be a nonaccruing member throughout the period ascertained in accordance with section 7 of this Declaration:

(a)            a member who is a CDEP Scheme participant;

(b)            a member who is in gaol;

(c)            a member who is undergoing psychiatric confinement, because the member has been charged with committing an offence;

(d)            a member who, at any time before 1 July 2014, was a person who was not a participant in the workforce and was a person whose partner:

(i)            was a participant in the workforce; and

(ii)            was not a registered member of the pension bonus scheme or the corresponding scheme under Part IIIAB of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act; and

(iii)            had intended to become a registered member of the pension bonus scheme or the corresponding scheme under Part IIIAB of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act;

(e)            a member who is on paid or unpaid leave of any kind, or combination of kinds, from gainful work and who is unable to pass the work test for a bonus period during which any part of the leave is taken;

(f)            a member whose partner is on paid or unpaid leave of any kind, or combination of kinds, from gainful work and whose partner is unable to pass the work test for a bonus period during which any part of the leave is taken;

(g)            a member who is:

(i)      the surviving member of a couple; and

(ii)      undergoing a period of bereavement; and

(iii)      unable to pass the work test for a bonus period during which the period of bereavement occurs;

(h)            a member who is unable to pass the work test for a bonus period because the amount of gainful work available to him or her in the bonus period is reduced by a major disaster;

(i)            a member whose partner is a member of either the pension bonus scheme or the corresponding scheme under Part IIIAB of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act, and:

 (i) if the partner is a member of the pension bonus scheme—the partner is unable to pass the work test for a bonus period because the amount of gainful work available to the partner in the bonus period is reduced by a major disaster; or

(ii) if the partner is a member of the corresponding scheme under Part IIIAB of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act—the partner is unable to pass the work test (within the meaning of that Part) for a bonus period (within the meaning of that Part) because the amount of gainful work available to the partner in the bonus period is reduced by a major disaster.

Note for paragraphs (h) and (i): For the application of this Declaration in relation to Cyclone Larry, a major disaster that occurred in 2006, see section 8.

 

7  Period for which member is non-accruing member

(1)    A member of the pension bonus scheme to whom a paragraph of section 6 applies is a non-accruing member throughout the period during which the member is a member of the kind mentioned in the paragraph.

(2)    A non-accruing period can begin prior to the registration of this Declaration.

(2A) If the member is of a kind mentioned in paragraph 6(h) or (i), the period during which the amount of gainful work is reduced by a major disaster may include a period during which preparations are made to manage an impending disaster.

Example: The period during which an evacuation of an area occurs shortly before a cyclone is predicted to reach the area.

Note: Paragraphs 6(h) and (i) deal with when a member or their partner is unable to pass the work test because of a reduction in the amount of gainful work that is available due to a major disaster.

(3)    However, for a member to whom a paragraph of section 6 mentioned in the following table applies, subsection (1) is subject to the time limit shown.

Item

Paragraph of section 6

Time limit

1

(e), (f)

26 weeks

2

(g), (h), (i)

13 weeks

8  Special provisions in relation to Cyclone Larry

(1)    This section applies to a member of the pension bonus scheme:

(a)            who was unable to pass the work test for a bonus period because the amount of gainful work available to him or her in the bonus period had been reduced by the effects of Cyclone Larry; or

(b)            whose partner was a member of either the pension bonus scheme or the corresponding scheme under Part IIIAB of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act, and:

(i)       if the partner was a member of the pension bonus scheme—the partner was unable to pass the work test for a bonus period because the amount of gainful work available to the partner in the bonus period had been reduced by the effects of Cyclone Larry; or

(ii)       if the partner was a member of the corresponding scheme under Part IIIAB of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act—the partner was unable to pass the work test (within the meaning of that Part) for a bonus period (within the meaning of that Part) because the amount of gainful work available to the partner had been reduced by the effects of Cyclone Larry.

(2)    For the purposes of subsection 92Q(1) of the Act, the member is declared to be a nonaccruing member throughout the period during which the member was a member of the kind mentioned in subsection (1) of this section:

(a)            From the date, not before 1 March 2006, that:

(i)      for a member mentioned in paragraph (1) (a) — the member was unable to pass the work test due to the effects of Cyclone Larry; or

(ii)      for a member mentioned in paragraph (1) (b) — the member’s partner was unable to pass the work test due to the effects of Cyclone Larry; and

(b)            up to a maximum of 13 weeks.

Note   1 March 2006 is the date from which people are taken to be affected by preparation for Cyclone Larry

9  Special provisions in relation to the impact of coronavirus known as COVID‑19

(1)   For the purposes of subsection 92Q(1) of the Act, a member of the pension bonus scheme covered by subsection (2) is declared to be a nonaccruing member throughout the period ascertained in accordance with subsection (3).

(2)    A member of the pension bonus scheme is covered by this subsection if:

(a)            the member is unable to pass the work test for a bonus period due to the impact of the coronavirus known as COVID19; or

(b)            the member’s partner is a member of the pension bonus scheme or the corresponding scheme under Part IIIAB of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act; and

(i)            if the partner is a member of the pension bonus scheme—the partner is unable to pass the work test for a bonus period due to the impact of the coronavirus known as COVID19; or

(ii)            if the partner is a member of the corresponding scheme under Part IIIAB of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act—the partner is unable to pass the work test (within the meaning of that Part) for a bonus period (within the meaning of that Part) due to the impact of the coronavirus known as COVID19.

(3)    For the purposes of subsection (1), the period is so much of the period beginning on 30 March 2020 and ending on 31 March 2021 during which the member is covered by subsection (2).

 


 

Schedule 1—Repeals

Social Security (Pension Bonus Scheme — Non-accruing Members) Declaration 2007

1  The whole of the instrument

Repeal the instrument

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe the amendment to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, the amendment is incorporated into the compiled law and the abbreviation “(md)” added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the abbreviation “(md not incorp)” is added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history. 

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

 

o = order(s)

ad = added or inserted

Ord = Ordinance

am = amended

orig = original

amdt = amendment

par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)

c = clause(s)

    /subsubparagraph(s)

C[x] = Compilation No. x

pres = present

Ch = Chapter(s)

prev = previous

def = definition(s)

(prev…) = previously

Dict = Dictionary

Pt = Part(s)

disallowed = disallowed by Parliament

r = regulation(s)/rule(s)

Div = Division(s)

 

exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have

reloc = relocated

    effect

renum = renumbered

F = Federal Register of Legislation

rep = repealed

gaz = gazette

rs = repealed and substituted

LA = Legislation Act 2003

s = section(s)/subsection(s)

LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003

Sch = Schedule(s)

(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given

Sdiv = Subdivision(s)

    effect

SLI = Select Legislative Instrument

(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment

SR = Statutory Rules

    cannot be given effect

SubCh = SubChapter(s)

mod = modified/modification

SubPt = Subpart(s)

No. = Number(s)

underlining = whole or part not

 

    commenced or to be commenced

 

Endnote 3—Legislation history

 

Name

Registration

Commencement

Application, saving and transitional provisions

Social Security (Pension Bonus Scheme – Non-accruing Members) Amendment Declaration 2020

F2020L01719

26 December 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Provision affected

How affected

s 4

Rs F2020L01719

s 6

Am F2020L01719

s 7

Ad F2020L01719

s 8

Rs F2020L01719

s 9

Ad F2020L01719

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overview

The Social Security (Pension Bonus Scheme—Non-accruing Members) Declaration 2018, enacted under the Social Security Act 1991, was introduced to address specific circumstances where members of the pension bonus scheme may not be accruing pension benefits. This legislative instrument was made by the Parliament of Australia and aims to ensure that members facing particular hardships or life events do not lose out on pension benefits. The Declaration specifies various categories of members who are considered non-accruing members, such as those in gaol, undergoing psychiatric confinement, or unable to pass the work test due to major disasters or the impact of COVID-19. These members are declared to be non-accruing members for specific periods, ensuring they receive the appropriate pension benefits despite their circumstances.

Scope and Application

The Social Security (Pension Bonus Scheme—Non-accruing Members) Declaration 2018, made under subsection 92Q(1) of the Social Security Act 1991, delineates specific categories of members of the pension bonus scheme who are designated as non-accruing members. These categories include CDEP Scheme participants, individuals in gaol, those undergoing psychiatric confinement due to charges of committing an offence, and others facing particular circumstances such as leave from work, bereavement, or major disasters like Cyclone Larry and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Declaration also specifies the duration for which these members are considered non-accruing, which can vary depending on the circumstances, with certain provisions allowing for extensions in periods of major disaster preparations or specific pandemic-related impacts. The Declaration applies nationally, impacting members across Australia, and it includes transitional provisions to ensure its smooth integration with existing laws. Notably, the instrument can be further extended or modified through subordinate instruments, aligning with changes in socio-economic conditions or legislative updates.

Key Provisions

The Social Security (Pension Bonus Scheme—Non-accruing Members) Declaration 2018 (the "Declaration") is a legislative instrument made under subsection 92Q(1) of the Social Security Act 1991 (the "Act"). This Declaration commenced on 1 April 2018 and declares certain kinds of members of the pension bonus scheme to be non-accruing members for the purposes of the Act. The kinds of members declared as non-accruing members include CDEP Scheme participants, members in gaol, members undergoing psychiatric confinement due to being charged with an offence, members who were previously not in the workforce but whose partners were and intended to join the pension bonus scheme, members on paid or unpaid leave unable to pass the work test, members whose partners are on leave and unable to pass the work test, surviving members undergoing a period of bereavement and unable to pass the work test, members unable to pass the work test due to a reduction in gainful work caused by a major disaster, and members whose partners are similarly affected by a major disaster. The Declaration imposes obligations on the relevant members by declaring them non-accruing members under the Act. This means these members will not accrue pension benefits for periods specified in the Declaration. For instance, members on leave or those affected by a major disaster are deemed non-accruing for specific durations. The Declaration also outlines special provisions for members affected by the effects of Cyclone Larry, declaring them non-accruing from the date they were affected up to a maximum of 13 weeks, and similarly for members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Declaration includes provisions for potential offences and penalties, although the specific details of these consequences are not outlined in the text provided. Generally, under the Act, breaches of the terms of such declarations could result in civil or criminal penalties, which may include fines or other sanctions as prescribed by the relevant legislation. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach and would be determined according to the provisions of the Social Security Act 1991 and any other applicable laws. The Declaration itself does not specify the penalties but references the overarching Act for such details.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.