DATE OF ISSUE: 20 SEPTEMBER 1996
1995/1996 Budget Initiative : Increase in the Guardian Allowance
Purpose
1.The purpose of this departmental instruction is to inform you of a 'one off' increase in the rate of Guardian Allowance.
Background
2.As part of the 1995/96 Budget process, the Government announced that the rate of the Guardian Allowance would be increased by $104.00 per year ($4.00 per fortnight). The increase in the Guardian Allowance will further assist sole parent families to meet the additional costs associated with caring for children alone. The one-off increase takes effect from 19 September 96 and will apply from pension pay-day 26 September 1996.
The new rate of Guardian Allowance payable is $923.00 a year ( $35.50 a fortnight ).
Legislative Requirements
3.Amendments to the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) for the increase in the Guardian Allowance were introduced in the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendments (1995 - 96) Act (No 2) 1995. Royal Assent was received on 11 December 1995.
September Quarterly Processing and Advices
4. The one-off increase will be included in the September Quarterly processing.
The one-off increase will be included in the September quarterly processing, however no advices will be sent as it impacts on only a small number of pensioners. The increased rates will be published in Vetaffairs, the local papers and Age Pension News.
Client Impact
5.Approximately 195 families will receive the increase in the Guardian Allowance.
Contact Officer
6.The Contact Officer for this departmental instruction is Premala Walsh, Operations and Mainframe Support, National Office. Tel: (06) 289 4737.
Murray Harrison
Branch Head
Income Support