The case of Lind and SDSS (2014) AATA 680 demonstrates the difficulty an applicant faces when trying to establish the existence of ‘special circumstances’ to obtain relief from a preclusion period preventing access to social welfare benefits. While the policy direction of Part 3.14 of the Social Security Act 1991 (Cth) may be a sensible one, i.e. to prevent double dipping, the legislation goes … Continue reading Lump Sum Preclusion Periods & Social Security