Using the Family Assistance Guide

Welcome to the Family Assistance Guide . The Guide has been designed as a web publication (HTML). It is not available in a single electronic file or in paper format.

What does the Guide cover?

The Guide is divided into 8 parts as explained in the following table:

Part name What is covered
1 Key terms & principles This part contains definitions of key terms used in this Guide and basic descriptions of the various payments and benefits provided for in the FA (1.1.F.02) legislation.
2 Eligibility This part covers eligibility for all the payments made under FA legislation.
3 Rate calculation This part covers calculation of rates of payment under the FA legislation.
4 Claims & payments This part contains information on claiming payments administered under the FA legislation. Common provisions for FA payments are contained in 4.1. Policy specific to particular payments is described separately.
5 Gathering information This part covers information on the legislative basis for gathering and sharing information about individuals and their FA entitlements.
6 Review & reconciliation This part covers the review process in place for decision on FA made by Centrelink agencies, as well as the reconciliation of some FA payments.
7 Debts This part covers information about FA and other debts (1.1.D.60). It also discusses the various methods by which FA and other debts may be recovered.
8 Transitional arrangements This part covers transitional arrangements for FA payments that have been altered or discontinued.

Use of abbreviations

For ease of reference the following abbreviations are used in the Guide:

Finding information

The following features are provided to assist in finding relevant information:

Links

The Guide has a number of links incorporated at various levels, including the following:

Last reviewed: 5 February 2024

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