1.2.7.130 Utilities Allowance (UA) - Description

Objective of UA

UA is a supplementary allowance intended to assist certain income support recipients with utilities bills such as gas and electricity.

Background information

UA was introduced in December 2004 as a Government election commitment, with payments commencing in March 2005. UA was paid to age (or veteran) pension age recipients receiving a social security or DVA service pension or income support supplement

Eligibility for UA was extended to MAA, PA and WA recipients in September 2006, and to recipients of DSP, CP, WidB, WP and BVA in March 2008.

From 20 September 2009, as part of major pension reform, the value of UA was incorporated into:

• pension supplement (1.2.10.10) for most pensioners and for other income support recipients who have reached the qualifying age for Age, and
• the transitional rate of pension (5.1.8.40).

Act reference: SSAct section 1061T Qualification for utilities allowance, section 1061VA(1) Quarterly pension supplement

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.8.13 UA - Qualification and Payability

How UA is paid

UA is a quarterly payment that is paid into a recipient's bank account on or after the UA test days of 20 March, 20 June, 20 September and 20 December each year.

Act reference: SSAct section 1061T(2) Qualification for utilities allowance

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.8.13 UA - Qualification & Payability, 7.1.2.20 Portability Table, 7.1.2.10 General Rules of Portability

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Last reviewed: 1 July 2010