3.1.5.115 Death of PP Child

Summary

The PP death of child bereavement provisions ONLY apply if the deceased child was the only qualifying child for PP (1.1.P.340). The provisions are: payment will continue for 14 weeks from the date of the child's death for all cases.

The effect of the child bereavement provisions is to disregard, for a 14 week period the loss of qualification that would otherwise occur due to the child's death. The PP recipient is entitled to periodic payments during the bereavement period, as PP child bereavement entitlement is not paid by lump sum. The rate payable is calculated as if the child had not died.

The following table explains the other provisions unique to PP:

Note: Recipients who started receiving PP after July 2006 normally lose qualification for PP when their youngest child turns 8 if single, or 6 if partnered.

Act reference: SSAct section 512 Death of PP child-continuation of qualification for 14 weeks, section 5(2) Dependent child-under 16, see up to and including section 5(8A)

Policy reference: FA Guide 2.1.1.110 Death of an FTB or Regular Care Child

Childbirth - child died before PP granted

A woman has 4 weeks after giving birth to a child to make a claim for a social security payment. The start date for the social security payment is the first day on which the woman is qualified for the payment. A woman claiming PP can still be paid during the bereavement period EVEN IF the child died before PP was granted.

Example: An only child was born on 11 April 1998 and died on 20 April 1998. PP would have been payable from 11 April 1998 until the end of the bereavement period, provided the claim was lodged within 4 weeks of the date of birth.

Act reference: SS(Admin)Act schedule 2 clause 10 Claim soon after childbirth

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Last reviewed: 2 August 2010