The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

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The Guides to Social Policy Law is maintained by the Department of Social Services (DSS) on behalf of DSS, the Department of Education, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme Guidelines and the ABSTUDY Policy Manual are only available in DOCX and PDF format. The other Guides have been designed as web publications (HTML). They are updated frequently and contain many links within the Guides site to assist the reader. They are not available in a single electronic file or in paper format.

If you have a compliment, suggestion or enquiry about the website or the policy it contains, please visit the DSS - Feedback - Compliments, Complaints and Enquiries webpage.

Please note:

  • If you would like to make a claim or enquire about eligibility for any of the payments or benefits covered on this site, please contact Services Australia.
  • If you would like to apply for or make enquiries about a child support assessment please contact Services Australia.