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People who are identified as needing SpB for a short time, can be paid for up to 13 weeks from the date of decision. Payment of SpB must then be reviewed before the delegate determines whether payment can continue. If payment continues, it must be reviewed every 13 weeks. SpB can also be cancelled at any time.
The estate of a deceased single SpB recipient is NOT entitled to one further instalment after the death of the recipient. Payment should however be made up to the date of death.
If the recipient was a member of a couple (1.1.M.120), the partner (1.1.P.70) may qualify for some bereavement assistance.
If the recipient is a member of a couple and their partner dies, the recipient may qualify for bereavement payment if they are a long term social security recipient (section 23(1)-'long-term social security recipient') and immediately before their partner died, the partner was:
The death of a partner may necessitate a change in the person's SpB rate, based on their income and assets as a single person.
Act reference: SSAct section 768A Qualification for payments under this subdivision, section 23(1)-'long-term social security recipient'
Policy reference: SS Guide 3.1.5 Bereavement Payment Provisions
SpB is reviewed every 13 weeks. This is especially important in short-term cases as SpB legislation allows the delegate to impose restrictions on periods of payment.
Act reference: SSAct section 729A(3) Maximum period…
Policy reference: SS Guide 6.2.6 Special Payments Reviews
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Last reviewed: 2 March 2009
