{"id":"F2025L01125","name":"Social Security (Special Benefit – Class of Visas) Determination 2025","slug":"social-security-special-benefit-class-of-visas-determination-2025","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":106867,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2025L01125-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"## Part 1 Preliminary\n\n#### 1 Name\n\n This instrument is the Social Security (Special Benefit – Class of Visas) Determination 2025.\n\n#### 2 Commencement\n\n (1) Each provision of this instrument specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.\n\n```html\n

Commencement information

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Provisions

Commencement

Date/Details

1. The whole of this instrument

The day after this instrument is registered.

\n```\n\n> Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this instrument as originally made. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this instrument.\n\n (2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this instrument. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this instrument.\n\n#### 3 Authority\n\n This instrument is made under subparagraph 729(2)(f)(v), subparagraph 729(2)(g)(i), paragraph 739A(1)(e), paragraph 739A(3)(b), paragraph 739A(4)(b) and subsection 739A(6) of the Social Security Act 1991.\n\n#### 4 Definition\n\n In this instrument:\n\nAct means the Social Security Act 1991.\n\n#### 5 Schedules\n\n Each instrument that is specified in a Schedule to this instrument is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this instrument has effect according to its terms.\n\n## Part 2 Classes of visas\n\n#### 6 Classes of visas – subparagraph 729(2)(f)(v)\n\n For the purposes of subparagraph 729(2)(f)(v) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 060 (Bridging F);\n Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending));\n Subclass 309 (Partner (Provisional));\n Subclass 449 (Humanitarian Stay (Temporary));\n Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection);\n Subclass 786 (Temporary (Humanitarian Concern));\n Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise); and\n Subclass 820 (Partner).\n\n#### 7 Classes of visas – subparagraph 729(2)(g)(i)\n\n For the purposes of subparagraph 729(2)(g)(i) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending));\n Subclass 449 (Humanitarian Stay (Temporary));\n Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection);\n Subclass 786 (Temporary (Humanitarian Concern)); and\n Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise).\n\n#### 8 Classes of visas – paragraph 739A(1)(e)\n\n For the purposes of paragraph 739A(1)(e) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 309 (Partner (Provisional)); and\n Subclass 820 (Partner).\n\n#### 9 Classes of visas – paragraph 739A(3)(b)\n\n For the purposes of paragraph 739A(3)(b) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 309 (Partner (Provisional)); and\n Subclass 820 (Partner).\n\n \n\n#### 10 Classes of visas – paragraph 739A(4)(b)\n\n For the purposes of paragraph 739A(4)(b) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 309 (Partner (Provisional)); and\n Subclass 820 (Partner).\n\n#### 11 Classes of visas – subsection 739A(6)\n\n For the purposes of subsection 739A(6) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 060 (Bridging F);\n Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending));\n Subclass 449 (Humanitarian Stay (Temporary));\n Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection);\n Subclass 786 (Temporary (Humanitarian Concern)); and\n Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise).\n\n \n\nSchedule 1—Repeals\n\nSocial Security (Class of Visas – Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period for Special Benefit) Determination 2015 (No. 2)\n\n1 The whole of the instrument\n\nRepeal the instrument\n\nSocial Security (Class of Visas – Qualification for Special Benefit) Determination 2015 (No. 2)\n\n2 The whole of the instrument\n\nRepeal the instrument\n\nSocial Security (Declaration of Visa in a Class of Visas – Special Benefit Activity Test) Determination 2015 (No. 2)\n\n3 The whole of the instrument\n\nRepeal the instrument","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Name","content":"#### 1 Name\n\n This instrument is the Social Security (Special Benefit – Class of Visas) Determination 2025.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"#### 2 Commencement\n\n (1) Each provision of this instrument specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.\n\n```html\n

Commencement information

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Provisions

Commencement

Date/Details

1. The whole of this instrument

The day after this instrument is registered.

\n```\n\n> Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this instrument as originally made. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this instrument.\n\n (2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this instrument. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this instrument.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Authority","content":"#### 3 Authority\n\n This instrument is made under subparagraph 729(2)(f)(v), subparagraph 729(2)(g)(i), paragraph 739A(1)(e), paragraph 739A(3)(b), paragraph 739A(4)(b) and subsection 739A(6) of the Social Security Act 1991.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Definition","content":"#### 4 Definition\n\n In this instrument:\n\nAct means the Social Security Act 1991.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Schedules","content":"#### 5 Schedules\n\n Each instrument that is specified in a Schedule to this instrument is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this instrument has effect according to its terms.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Classes of visas","content":"## Part 1 Preliminary\n\n#### 1 Name\n\n This instrument is the Social Security (Special Benefit – Class of Visas) Determination 2025.\n\n#### 2 Commencement\n\n (1) Each provision of this instrument specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.\n\n```html\n

Commencement information

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Provisions

Commencement

Date/Details

1. The whole of this instrument

The day after this instrument is registered.

\n```\n\n> Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this instrument as originally made. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this instrument.\n\n (2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this instrument. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this instrument.\n\n#### 3 Authority\n\n This instrument is made under subparagraph 729(2)(f)(v), subparagraph 729(2)(g)(i), paragraph 739A(1)(e), paragraph 739A(3)(b), paragraph 739A(4)(b) and subsection 739A(6) of the Social Security Act 1991.\n\n#### 4 Definition\n\n In this instrument:\n\nAct means the Social Security Act 1991.\n\n#### 5 Schedules\n\n Each instrument that is specified in a Schedule to this instrument is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this instrument has effect according to its terms.\n\n## Part 2 Classes of visas\n\n#### 6 Classes of visas – subparagraph 729(2)(f)(v)\n\n For the purposes of subparagraph 729(2)(f)(v) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 060 (Bridging F);\n Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending));\n Subclass 309 (Partner (Provisional));\n Subclass 449 (Humanitarian Stay (Temporary));\n Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection);\n Subclass 786 (Temporary (Humanitarian Concern));\n Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise); and\n Subclass 820 (Partner).\n\n#### 7 Classes of visas – subparagraph 729(2)(g)(i)\n\n For the purposes of subparagraph 729(2)(g)(i) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending));\n Subclass 449 (Humanitarian Stay (Temporary));\n Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection);\n Subclass 786 (Temporary (Humanitarian Concern)); and\n Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise).\n\n#### 8 Classes of visas – paragraph 739A(1)(e)\n\n For the purposes of paragraph 739A(1)(e) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 309 (Partner (Provisional)); and\n Subclass 820 (Partner).\n\n#### 9 Classes of visas – paragraph 739A(3)(b)\n\n For the purposes of paragraph 739A(3)(b) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 309 (Partner (Provisional)); and\n Subclass 820 (Partner).\n\n \n\n#### 10 Classes of visas – paragraph 739A(4)(b)\n\n For the purposes of paragraph 739A(4)(b) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 309 (Partner (Provisional)); and\n Subclass 820 (Partner).\n\n#### 11 Classes of visas – subsection 739A(6)\n\n For the purposes of subsection 739A(6) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 060 (Bridging F);\n Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending));\n Subclass 449 (Humanitarian Stay (Temporary));\n Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection);\n Subclass 786 (Temporary (Humanitarian Concern)); and\n Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise).\n\n \n\nSchedule 1—Repeals\n\nSocial Security (Class of Visas – Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period for Special Benefit) Determination 2015 (No. 2)\n\n1 The whole of the instrument\n\nRepeal the instrument\n\nSocial Security (Class of Visas – Qualification for Special Benefit) Determination 2015 (No. 2)\n\n2 The whole of the instrument\n\nRepeal the instrument\n\nSocial Security (Declaration of Visa in a Class of Visas – Special Benefit Activity Test) Determination 2015 (No. 2)\n\n3 The whole of the instrument\n\nRepeal the instrument","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Classes of visas — subparagraph 729(2)(f)(v)","content":"#### 6 Classes of visas – subparagraph 729(2)(f)(v)\n\n For the purposes of subparagraph 729(2)(f)(v) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 060 (Bridging F);\n Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending));\n Subclass 309 (Partner (Provisional));\n Subclass 449 (Humanitarian Stay (Temporary));\n Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection);\n Subclass 786 (Temporary (Humanitarian Concern));\n Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise); and\n Subclass 820 (Partner).","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Classes of visas — subparagraph 729(2)(g)(i)","content":"#### 7 Classes of visas – subparagraph 729(2)(g)(i)\n\n For the purposes of subparagraph 729(2)(g)(i) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending));\n Subclass 449 (Humanitarian Stay (Temporary));\n Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection);\n Subclass 786 (Temporary (Humanitarian Concern)); and\n Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise).","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Classes of visas — paragraph 739A(1)(e)","content":"#### 8 Classes of visas – paragraph 739A(1)(e)\n\n For the purposes of paragraph 739A(1)(e) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 309 (Partner (Provisional)); and\n Subclass 820 (Partner).","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"section","heading":"Classes of visas — paragraph 739A(3)(b)","content":"#### 9 Classes of visas – paragraph 739A(3)(b)\n\n For the purposes of paragraph 739A(3)(b) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 309 (Partner (Provisional)); and\n Subclass 820 (Partner).","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"section","heading":"Classes of visas — paragraph 739A(4)(b)","content":"#### 10 Classes of visas – paragraph 739A(4)(b)\n\n For the purposes of paragraph 739A(4)(b) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 309 (Partner (Provisional)); and\n Subclass 820 (Partner).","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"section","heading":"Classes of visas — subsection 739A(6)","content":"#### 11 Classes of visas – subsection 739A(6)\n\n For the purposes of subsection 739A(6) of the Act, the classes of visas are:\n\n Subclass 060 (Bridging F);\n Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending));\n Subclass 449 (Humanitarian Stay (Temporary));\n Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection);\n Subclass 786 (Temporary (Humanitarian Concern)); and\n Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise).\n\n \n\nSchedule 1—Repeals\n\nSocial Security (Class of Visas – Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period for Special Benefit) Determination 2015 (No. 2)\n\n1 The whole of the instrument\n\nRepeal the instrument\n\nSocial Security (Class of Visas – Qualification for Special Benefit) Determination 2015 (No. 2)\n\n2 The whole of the instrument\n\nRepeal the instrument\n\nSocial Security (Declaration of Visa in a Class of Visas – Special Benefit Activity Test) Determination 2015 (No. 2)\n\n3 The whole of the instrument\n\nRepeal the instrument","sortOrder":12}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a consolidation instrument that replaces three previous determinations from 2015 without expanding the scope. It performs the same function — specifying visa classes for Special Benefit eligibility — but combines the instruments into one. The visa lists appear substantively similar to the previous instruments, suggesting this is administrative tidying rather than policy expansion."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple overlapping lists of visa subclasses across 6 different provisions (sections 6-11), requiring cross-referencing to determine which visas apply to which legal test","Consolidation of three previous instruments into one, creating a single point of reference but requiring understanding of which repealed instrument previously covered which function","Relies on external knowledge of the Social Security Act 1991 provisions (ss 729 and 739A) to understand the substantive effect of each visa list","Minimal defined terms (only 'Act'), but heavy dependence on Migration Act visa subclass numbering system which is opaque to non-experts"],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument consolidates and clarifies which temporary visa holders can receive Special Benefit — an emergency Centrelink payment for people in severe financial hardship who can’t access other social security. It replaces three 2015 instruments with a single list.\n\nIt primarily affects people on humanitarian/protection, certain bridging, and some partner visas (including those awaiting removal or protection decisions), determining their access to Australia’s last‑resort safety net."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The instrument replaces and repeals three earlier 2015 determinations (Schedule 1) and consolidates which visa subclasses apply to different Special Benefit provisions (see sections 6–11). That changes the statutory instruments governing visa‑based treatment for Special Benefit and requires administrators to switch to the new lists and withdraw the repealed instruments."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple cross‑references to specific provisions of the Social Security Act (authority cited at section 3: subparagraphs 729(2)(f)(v), 729(2)(g)(i), paragraphs 739A(1)(e), 739A(3)(b), 739A(4)(b) and subsection 739A(6)) increases legal interdependence.","Different, overlapping lists of visa subclasses are declared for different statutory paragraphs (see sections 6–11), requiring administrators to apply different eligibility rules to the same person depending on which Act provision is engaged.","Repeal of three prior determinations (Schedule 1) creates transitional/administrative tasks: systems, guidance and case files must be updated to reflect consolidated lists and removed instruments.","Commencement rule (section 2) — instrument operates from the day after registration — gives a short lead time for operational change.","Minimal definitions in the instrument (only ‘Act’ defined at section 4) mean implementers must read this determination together with the Social Security Act and migration law for full effect.","Operational burden falls on the Department/decision‑makers to apply visa‑class mappings when assessing Special Benefit eligibility (authority and lists at sections 3 and 6–11); taxpayers ultimately fund payments.","Precision required in identifying visa subclasses (by subclass number/title in sections 6–11) raises risk of administrative errors or inconsistent application if migration records are unclear."],"plain_english_summary":"This determination names which visa subclasses are treated as qualifying or non‑qualifying for Special Benefit rules under the Social Security Act and repeals three earlier 2015 determinations. It takes effect the day after registration. It matters because it determines which non‑citizens may be assessed for Special Benefit, and therefore who may receive payments and who must meet activity, waiting‑period or qualification requirements."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/social-security-special-benefit-class-of-visas-determination-2025","history":"/api/acts/social-security-special-benefit-class-of-visas-determination-2025/history","analysis":"/api/acts/social-security-special-benefit-class-of-visas-determination-2025/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/social-security-special-benefit-class-of-visas-determination-2025/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/social-security-special-benefit-class-of-visas-determination-2025/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/social-security-special-benefit-class-of-visas-determination-2025/documents"}}