Part 1—Preliminary
1 Name
This instrument is the Social Security (Asset-test Exempt Income Stream Guidelines) Determination 2025.
2 Commencement
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.
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin-left:5.35pt; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td colspan="3" style="width:344.85pt; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Commencement information</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:73.3pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Column 1</span></p></td><td style="width:181.75pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Column 2</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Column 3</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:73.3pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Provisions</span></p></td><td style="width:181.75pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Commencement</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Date/Details</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:73.3pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>1.</span><span> </span><span>The whole of this instrument</span></p></td><td style="width:181.75pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="line-height:normal"><span>The day after this instrument is registered.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
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.
(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.
3 Authority
This instrument is made under subsections 9A(6), 9B(5) and 9BA(12) of the Social Security Act 1991.
4 Definitions
Note: A number of expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:
(a) asset-test exempt income stream;
(b) commencement day;
(c) defined benefit income stream;
(d) family law affected income stream;
(e) income stream;
(f) Secretary.
In this instrument:
2005 Principles means the Social Security (Partially Asset‑test Exempt Income Stream — Exemption) (FaHCSIA) Principles 2005.
2007 Determination means the Social Security (Guidelines for Determining whether Income Stream is Asset-test Exempt) (FaCSIA) Determination 2007 (No. 1).
2011 Determination means the Social Security (Guidelines for determining whether income stream is asset-test exempt) (DSS) Determination 2011.
2022 Determination means the Social Security (Guidelines for Determining Whether Income Stream is Asset-test Exempt) Determination 2022.
Act means the Social Security Act 1991.
benefit fund has the meaning given by subsection 16B(1) of the Life Insurance Act 1995.
defined benefit pension has the meaning given by regulation 9.04E of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994.
dependant means a dependant mentioned in subregulation 6.21(2A) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994.
immediate annuity means an annuity that is presently payable.
life company has the meaning given in the Dictionary to the Life Insurance Act 1995.
lifetime income stream, in relation to a person, means an income stream in which payments are made, at least annually, throughout the life of the person and, if there is a reversionary beneficiary, throughout the life of the reversionary beneficiary.
private sector fund has the same meaning as in subsection 10(1) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993.
public sector fund has the same meaning as in subsection 10(1) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993.
public sector superannuation scheme has the same meaning as in subsection 10(1) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993.
regulated superannuation fund has the meaning given by subsection 10(1) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993.
self managed superannuation fund has the meaning given by sections 17A and 17B of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993.
statutory fund has the meaning given by section 29 of the Life Insurance Act 1995.
sub-fund means a sub-fund within a regulated superannuation fund that is taken to be a regulated superannuation fund for the purposes of section 69A of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993.
successor fund has the meaning given by subregulation 1.03(1) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994.
superannuation fund has the same meaning as in subsection 10(1) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993.
superannuation pension means a pension payable from a superannuation fund.
third party has the meaning given by section 90AB of the Family Law Act 1975.
5 Schedules
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.
Part 2—Guidelines
6 Lifetime income stream arising under a public sector fund or public sector superannuation scheme
The Secretary may determine that a lifetime income stream arising under a public sector fund or a public sector superannuation scheme is an asset-test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) it is a lifetime income stream that is a defined benefit income stream; and
(b) it is paid from a public sector fund or a public sector superannuation scheme that was established before 20 September 1998; and
(c) regardless of its commencement day, it would have been treated as a superannuation pension and had its value disregarded in calculating the person’s assets under section 1118 of the Act as in force immediately before 20 September 1998.
7 Lifetime income stream arising under a private sector fund
(1) The Secretary may determine that a lifetime income stream arising under a private sector fund is an asset-test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) it is a lifetime income stream that is a defined benefit income stream; and
(b) it is paid from a private sector fund that was established before 20 September 1998; and
(c) regardless of its commencement day, it would have been treated as a superannuation pension and had its value disregarded in calculating the person’s assets under section 1118 of the Act as in force immediately before 20 September 1998.
(2) The private sector fund mentioned in paragraph 1(b) must have a direct connection with the previous employment of the recipient of the lifetime income stream or, in the case of a reversionary beneficiary, the person who would be the recipient had they not died.
(3) For subsection (2), a private sector fund has a direct connection with a person’s previous employment if the lifetime income stream from the private sector fund became payable to, or in respect of, the person because of that employment.
8 Income stream resulting from commutation or rollover because of regulation 6.21 of Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994
The Secretary may determine that an income stream is an asset-test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) it would have been covered by subsection 9A(1) or 9B(1) of the Act if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(b) it is purchased by the primary beneficiary on or after 1 July 2007; and
(c) it results from another asset‑test exempt income stream (the original income stream) being commuted or rolled over to comply with subregulation 6.21(2A) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994; and
(d) the original income stream was covered by section 9A or 9B of the Act or would have been covered by those sections if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(e) the original income stream:
(i) was purchased before 20 September 2004; or
(ii) was covered by the 2005 Principles during the period starting on 20 September 2004 and ending at the end of 19 September 2007; or
(iii) was covered by the 2007 Determination during the period starting on 20 September 2007 and ending at the end of 28 November 2011; or
(iv) was covered by the 2011 Determination during the period starting on 29 November 2011 and ending at the end of 28 March 2022; or
(v) was covered by the 2022 Determination during the period starting on 29 March 2022 and ending at the end of the day immediately prior to the commencement of this Determination; or
(vi) is covered by this Determination.
9 Income stream resulting from original asset‑test exempt income stream purchased before 20 September 2004
(1) The Secretary may determine that an income stream is an asset‑test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) the income stream (the present income stream) would have been covered by subsection 9A(1) or 9B(1) of the Act if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(b) it is purchased by the primary beneficiary on or after 20 September 2007 from funds arising from the commutation of another asset‑test exempt income stream (the original income stream); and
(c) the original income stream was purchased before 20 September 2004; and
(d) the original income stream is a kind of income stream to which one of the following subsections applies.
(2) This subsection applies to an original income stream if:
(a) it is covered by subsection 9A(1) or (1A) or section 9B of the Act; and
(b) it was purchased by the primary beneficiary for the benefit of the primary beneficiary and a reversionary beneficiary; and
(c) payments made under the income stream are calculated on the basis of the life expectancy of the reversionary beneficiary; and
(d) the reversionary beneficiary predeceases the primary beneficiary.
(3) This subsection applies to an original income stream if:
(a) it is covered by subsection 9A(1) or (1A) or section 9B of the Act; and
(b) it is not an income stream to which section 12 or 13 applies; and
(c) it is purchased by the primary beneficiary for the benefit of the primary beneficiary and a reversionary beneficiary who, at the time of the purchase, are members of a couple together; and
(d) the primary beneficiary and reversionary beneficiary are no longer members of a couple together.
Note: Example: On 1 March 2002, J purchased an income stream (the original income stream) covered by subsection 9A(1) of the Act for the benefit of J, the primary beneficiary, and H, the reversionary beneficiary. At the time of the purchase, J and H were members of a couple together. On 1 June 2025, J and H ceased to be members of a couple together. On 15 June 2025, J commutes the original income stream and purchases another income stream (the new income stream). The new income stream is covered by this Determination and retains the 100% exemption from the social security assets test.
(4) This subsection applies to an original income stream if:
(a) it is a defined benefit pension covered by section 9A or 9B of the Act that is provided by a regulated superannuation fund; and
(b) it is an income stream in relation to which the Secretary is not satisfied as required by paragraph 9A(1)(b) or 9B(1A)(b) of the Act.
Note: Example: On 1 March 2002, P purchased an income stream (the original income stream) that is a defined benefit pension covered by section 9A of the Act that is provided by a regulated superannuation fund. Paragraph 9A(1)(b) of the Act applies to the original income stream. On 1 July 2025, the Secretary is not satisfied that the requirements of paragraph 9A(1)(b) of the Act are met in relation to the original income stream. On 15 July 2025, P commutes the original income stream to purchase another income stream (the new income stream) that is covered by section 9A of the Act. The new income stream is covered by this Determination and retains the 100% exemption from the social security assets test.
Note: Paragraphs 9A(1)(b) and 9B(1A)(b) of the Act require the Secretary to be satisfied, in relation to an income stream, that there is in force a current actuarial certificate stating that in the actuary’s opinion there is a high probability that the provider of the income stream will be able to pay the income stream as required under the income stream’s contract or governing rules.
(5) This subsection applies to an original income stream if:
(a) it is an immediate annuity under a statutory fund established by a life company, or under a benefit fund; and
(b) it:
(i) is an income stream in relation to which the Secretary is not satisfied as required by paragraph 9A(1)(b) or 9B(1A)(b) of the Act; or
(ii) fails to satisfy relevant standards published by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority about minimum surrender values and paid up values.
Note: Paragraphs 9A(1)(b) and 9B(1A)(b) of the Act require the Secretary to be satisfied, in relation to an income stream, that there is in force a current actuarial certificate stating that in the actuary’s opinion there is a high probability that the provider of the income stream will be able to pay the income stream as required under the income stream’s contract or governing rules.
10 Income stream resulting from commutation of asset‑test exempt income stream purchased on or after 20 September 2004 and before 20 September 2007
(1) The Secretary may determine that an income stream is an asset‑test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) the income stream (the present income stream) would have been covered by subsection 9A(1) or 9B(1) of the Act if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(b) it is purchased by the primary beneficiary on or after 20 September 2007 from the commutation of an income stream that was:
(i) covered by section 9A or 9B of the Act; and
(ii) purchased on or after 20 September 2004 and before 20 September 2007; and
(iii) commuted from another income stream (the original income stream); and
(c) the original income stream was purchased before 20 September 2004; and
(d) the original income stream is a kind of income stream to which one of the following subsections applies.
(2) This subsection applies to an original income stream if:
(a) it is covered by subsection 9A(1) or (1A) or section 9B of the Act; and
(b) it was purchased by the primary beneficiary for the benefit of the primary beneficiary and a reversionary beneficiary; and
(c) payments made under the income stream are calculated on the basis of the life expectancy of the reversionary beneficiary; and
(d) the reversionary beneficiary predeceases the primary beneficiary.
(3) This subsection applies to an original income stream if:
(a) it is covered by subsection 9A(1) or (1A) or section 9B of the Act; and
(b) it is not an income stream to which section 12 or 13 applies; and
(c) it is purchased by the primary beneficiary for the benefit of the primary beneficiary and a reversionary beneficiary who, at the time of the purchase, are members of a couple together; and
(d) the primary beneficiary and reversionary beneficiary are no longer members of a couple together.
Note: Example: On 1 March 2002, J purchased an income stream (the original income stream) covered by subsection 9A(1) of the Act for the benefit of J, the primary beneficiary, and H, the reversionary beneficiary. As it was purchased before 20 September 2004, the income stream has a 100% exemption from the social security assets test. At the time of the purchase, J and H were members of a couple together.
Note: On 1 June 2025, J and H ceased to be members of a couple together. On 15 June 2025, J commutes the new income stream and purchases another income stream (the further income stream) that would be covered by subsection 9A(1) of the Act if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) of the Act did not apply. The further income stream is covered by this Determination and retains the 100% exemption from the social security assets test.
(4) This subsection applies to an original income stream if:
(a) it is a defined benefit pension covered by subsection 9A(1) or 9B(1A) of the Act that is provided by a regulated superannuation fund; and
(b) it is an income stream in relation to which the Secretary is not satisfied as required by paragraph 9A(1)(b) or 9B(1A)(b) of the Act, as applicable.
Note: Example: On 1 March 2002, P purchased an income stream (the original income stream) that is a defined benefit pension covered by section 9A of the Act and provided by a regulated superannuation fund. Paragraph 9A(1)(b) of the Act applies to the original income stream. As it was purchased before 20 September 2004, the income stream has a 100% exemption from the social security assets test.
Note: On 1 September 2025, the Secretary is not satisfied that the requirements of paragraph 9A(1)(b) of the Act are met in relation to the new income stream. On 15 September 2025, P commutes the new income stream to purchase another income stream (the further income stream) that is covered by section 9A of the Act. The further income stream is covered by this Determination and retains the 100% exemption from the social security assets test.
Note: Paragraphs 9A(1)(b) and 9B(1A)(b) of the Act require the Secretary to be satisfied, in relation to an income stream, that there is in force a current actuarial certificate stating that in the actuary’s opinion there is a high probability that the provider of the income stream will be able to pay the income stream as required under the income stream’s contract or governing rules.
(5) This subsection applies to an original income stream if:
(a) it is an immediate annuity under a statutory fund established by a life company, or under a benefit fund; and
(b) it:
(i) is an income stream in relation to which the Secretary is not satisfied as required by paragraph 9A(1)(b) or 9B(1A)(b) of the Act, as applicable; or
(ii) fails to satisfy relevant standards published by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority about minimum surrender values and paid up values.
Note: Paragraphs 9A(1)(b) and 9B(1A)(b) of the Act require the Secretary to be satisfied, in relation to an income stream, that there is in force a current actuarial certificate stating that in the actuary’s opinion there is a high probability that the provider of the income stream will be able to pay the income stream as required under the income stream’s contract or governing rules.
11 Income stream resulting from transfer to successor fund
The Secretary may determine that an income stream is an asset‑test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) it would have been covered by subsection 9A(1) or 9B(1) of the Act if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(b) it results from the transfer, on or after 20 September 2007, of another income stream (the original income stream) to a successor fund; and
(c) the original income stream was covered by section 9A or 9B of the Act or would have been covered by those sections if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(d) the original income stream was provided by a regulated superannuation fund; and
(e) the original income stream:
(i) was purchased before 20 September 2004; or
(ii) was covered by the 2005 Principles during the period starting on 20 September 2004 and ending at the end of 19 September 2007; or
(iii) was covered by the 2007 Determination during the period starting on 20 September 2007 and ending at the end of 28 November 2011; or
(iv) was covered by the 2011 Determination during the period starting on 29 November 2011 and ending at the end of 28 March 2022; or
(v) was covered by the 2022 Determination during the period starting on 29 March 2022 and ending at the end of the day immediately prior to the commencement of this Determination; or
(vi) is covered by this Determination.
12 Income stream resulting from payment split
The Secretary may determine that an income stream is an asset‑test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) it would have been covered by subsection 9A(1) or 9B(1) of the Act if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(b) it is purchased or acquired by the primary beneficiary or the primary beneficiary’s partner or former partner on or after 20 September 2007; and
(c) it results from another asset‑test exempt income stream (the original income stream) being commuted to give effect to an entitlement of the partner or former partner of the primary beneficiary in respect of the original income stream under a payment split under Part VIIIB or Part VIIIC of the Family Law Act 1975; and
(d) the original income stream was covered by section 9A or 9B of the Act or would have been covered by those sections if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(e) the original income stream:
(i) was purchased before 20 September 2004; or
(ii) was covered by the 2005 Principles during the period starting on 20 September 2004 and ending at the end of 19 September 2007; or
(iii) was covered by the 2007 Determination during the period starting on 20 September 2007 and ending at the end of 28 November 2011; or
(iv) was covered by the 2011 Determination during the period starting on 29 November 2011 and ending at the end of 28 March 2022; or
(v) was covered by the 2022 Determination during the period starting on 29 March 2022 and ending at the end of the day immediately prior to the commencement of this Determination; or
(vi) is covered by this Determination.
Note: Example: On 1 March 2002, P who was partnered to J at that date, purchased an income stream (the original income stream) covered by section 9A of the Act. On 1 February 2025, P and J separate. P’s original income stream is commuted to give effect to an entitlement of J in respect of the original income stream under a payment split under Part VIIIB or Part VIIIC of the Family Law Act 1975. On 15 February 2025, J uses the entitlement resulting from the payment split to purchase an income stream (the new income stream) covered by section 9A of the Act. The new income stream is covered by this Determination and retains the 100% exemption from the social security assets test.
13 Income stream resulting from Family Court order or injunction
The Secretary may determine that an income stream is an asset‑test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) it would have been covered by subsection 9A(1) or 9B(1) of the Act if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(b) it is purchased or acquired by the primary beneficiary or the primary beneficiary’s partner or former partner on or after 20 September 2007; and
(c) it results from another asset‑test exempt income stream (the original income stream) being commuted to give effect to:
(i) an order made under section 79, 90SM, 90SS or 114 of the Family Law Act 1975; or
(ii) an injunction granted under section 90SS or 114 of that Act that is binding on a third party under Part VIIIAA of that Act; or
(iii) any other order or injunction under that Act that relates specifically to the original income stream; and
(d) the original income stream was covered by section 9A or 9B of the Act or would have been covered by those sections if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(e) the original income stream:
(i) was purchased before 20 September 2004; or
(ii) was covered by the 2005 Principles during the period starting on 20 September 2004 and ending at the end of 19 September 2007; or
(iii) was covered by the 2007 Determination during the period starting on 20 September 2007 and ending at the end of 28 November 2011; or
(iv) was covered by the 2011 Determination during the period starting on 29 November 2011 and ending at the end of 28 March 2022; or
(v) was covered by the 2022 Determination during the period starting on 29 March 2022 and ending at the end of the day immediately prior to the commencement of this Determination; or
(vi) is covered by this Determination.
Note: Example: On 1 March 2002, J purchased an income stream (the original income stream) covered by subsection 9A(1) of the Act for the benefit of J, the primary beneficiary, and H, the reversionary beneficiary. As it was purchased before 20 September 2004, the income stream has a 100% exemption from the social security assets test. At the time of the purchase, J and H are partnered. On 1 February 2025, J and H separate. On 15 February 2025, J commutes the original income stream in response to a Family Court order and purchases another income stream (the new income stream) covered by subsection 9A(1) of the Act. The new income stream is covered by this Determination and retains the 100% exemption from the social security assets test.
14 Income stream resulting from payment of superannuation contributions surcharge debt
The Secretary may determine that an income stream is an asset‑test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) it would have been covered by subsection 9A(1) or 9B(1) of the Act if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(b) it is purchased by the primary beneficiary on or after 20 September 2007; and
(c) it results from another asset‑test exempt income stream (the original income stream) being commuted to pay a superannuation contributions surcharge debt; and
(d) the original income stream was covered by section 9A or 9B of the Act or would have been covered by those sections if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(e) the original income stream:
(i) was purchased before 20 September 2004; or
(ii) was covered by the 2005 Principles during the period starting on 20 September 2004 and ending at the end of 19 September 2007; or
(iii) was covered by the 2007 Determination during the period starting on 20 September 2007 and ending at the end of 28 November 2011; or
(iv) was covered by the 2011 Determination during the period starting on 29 November 2011 and ending at the end of 28 March 2022; or
(v) was covered by the 2022 Determination during the period starting on 29 March 2022 and ending at the end of the day immediately prior to the commencement of this Determination; or
(vi) is covered by this Determination.
15 Income stream resulting from payment of excess contributions tax
The Secretary may determine that an income stream is an asset‑test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) it would have been covered by subsection 9A(1) or 9B(1) of the Act if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(b) it is purchased by the primary beneficiary on or after 20 September 2007; and
(c) it results from another asset‑test exempt income stream (the original income stream) being commuted to pay an amount to give effect to a release authority, given in relation to the primary beneficiary, under:
(i) former section 292-415 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997; or
(ii) section 292-80C of the Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997; and
(d) the original income stream was covered by section 9A or 9B of the Act or would have been covered by those sections if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(e) the original income stream:
(i) was purchased before 20 September 2004; or
(ii) was covered by the 2005 Principles during the period starting on 20 September 2004 and ending at the end of 19 September 2007; or
(iii) was covered by the 2007 Determination during the period starting on 20 September 2007 and ending at the end of 28 November 2011; or
(iv) was covered by the 2011 Determination during the period starting on 29 November 2011 and ending at the end of 28 March 2022; or
(v) was covered by the 2022 Determination during the period starting on 29 March 2022 and ending at the end of the day immediately prior to the commencement of this Determination; or
(vi) is covered by this Determination.
16 Income stream resulting from payment of hardship amount
The Secretary may determine that an income stream is an asset‑test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) it would have been covered by subsection 9A(1) or 9B(1) of the Act if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(b) it is purchased by the primary beneficiary on or after 20 September 2007; and
(c) it results from another asset‑test exempt income stream (the original income stream) being commuted to pay a hardship amount; and
(d) the original income stream was covered by section 9A or 9B of the Act or would have been covered by those sections if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(e) the original income stream:
(i) was purchased before 20 September 2004; or
(ii) was covered by the 2005 Principles during the period starting on 20 September 2004 and ending at the end of 19 September 2007; or
(iii) was covered by the 2007 Determination during the period starting on 20 September 2007 and ending at the end of 28 November 2011; or
(iv) was covered by the 2011 Determination during the period starting on 29 November 2011 and ending at the end of 28 March 2022; or
(v) was covered by the 2022 Determination during the period starting on 29 March 2022 and ending at the end of the day immediately prior to the commencement of this Determination; or
(vi) is covered by this Determination.
Note: Example: On 1 March 2002, J purchased an income stream (the original income stream) covered by subsection 9A(1) of the Act for the benefit of J, the primary beneficiary, and H, the reversionary beneficiary. As it was purchased before 20 September 2004, the income stream has a 100% exemption from the social security assets test. On 3 March 2025, J commutes part of the new income stream to pay a hardship amount, and J purchases another income stream (the further income stream) from the remaining capital backing the new income stream. The further income stream is covered by this Determination and retains the 100% exemption from the social security assets test.
17 Income stream resulting from closure of a self managed superannuation fund
The Secretary may determine that an income stream is an asset‑test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) it would have been covered by subsection 9A(1) or 9B(1) of the Act or those sections if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(b) it is purchased by the primary beneficiary; and
(c) it is not sourced from a self managed superannuation fund; and
(d) it results from another asset‑test exempt income stream (the original income stream) being commuted as a result of the closure of a self managed superannuation fund because:
(i) a member of the fund supporting the original income stream died; or
(ii) the administrative responsibilities of the fund supporting the original income stream became too onerous due to the age or incapacity of a trustee; and
(e) the original income stream was:
(i) covered by section 9A or 9B of the Act or would have been covered by those sections if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(ii) sourced from a self managed superannuation fund; and
(f) the original income stream:
(i) was covered by the 2005 Principles during the period starting on 20 September 2004 and ending at the end of 19 September 2007; or
(ii) was covered by the 2007 Determination during the period starting on 20 September 2007 and ending at the end of 28 November 2011; or
(iv) was covered by the 2011 Determination during the period starting on 29 November 2011 and ending at the end of 28 March 2022; or
(v) was covered by the 2022 Determination during the period starting on 29 March 2022 and ending at the end of the day immediately prior to the commencement of this Determination; or
(vi) is covered by this Determination.
Note: Example: F and W are trustees of their self managed superannuation fund. They both have lifetime asset‑test exempt income streams that were purchased on 1 July 2003 when F was 65 and W was 64. F dies on 26 January 2025. W subsequently decides that she does not have the expertise or inclination to continue as a fund trustee. W commutes her asset‑test exempt income stream and uses the proceeds to purchase from a retail income stream provider, an income stream that meets the provisions of section 9A of the Act. The new income stream is covered by this Determination and retains the 100% exemption from the social security assets test.
18 Income stream resulting from family law affected income stream
(1) The Secretary may determine that a family law affected income stream that does not meet the requirements of subsection 9A(2) or 9B(2) of the Act is an asset-test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) either:
(i) the income stream meets all the requirements of paragraphs 9A(2)(a) to (l) or 9B(2)(a) to (l) of the Act other than those that are not met because of the operation of an order under Part VIIIAA, or a payment split under Part VIIIB or Part VIIIC, of the Family Law Act 1975 relating to the income stream; or
(ii) as a result of the operation of 1 or more orders under Part VIIIAA, or 1 or more payment splits under Part VIIIB or Part VIIIC, of the Family Law Act 1975, the income stream is derived from an income stream that was an asset-test exempt income stream to which subsection 9A(1A) or 9B(1B) of the Act applied at the time of the order or payment split, or of the last of them; and
(b) the original family law affected income stream from which the income stream is derived as a result of the operation of 1 or more orders under Part VIIIAA, or 1 or more payment splits under Part VIIIB or Part VIIIC, of the Family Law Act 1975, was purchased before 20 September 2004; and
(c) either:
(i) for an income stream that is an immediate annuity under a statutory fund established by a life company, or under a benefit fund — the income stream satisfies standards published by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, about minimum surrender values and paid up values, that apply to the annuity; or
(ii) in any other case — the income stream meets the requirements of subsection (2); and
(d) the Secretary is satisfied that any amount of the original family law affected income stream that is rolled over, transferred, commuted or paid as a lump sum is not more than the amount required to satisfy the non-member partner’s entitlement under an order under Part VIIIAA, or under a payment split under Part VIIIB or Part VIIIC, of the Family Law Act 1975 relating to the original family law affected income stream; and
(e) for an income stream to which subparagraph (a)(i) applies — the Secretary is satisfied that the income stream has met all the requirements mentioned in that subparagraph from the day the income stream began being paid.
(2) An income stream meets the requirements of this subsection if:
(a) the Secretary is satisfied that there is in force a current actuarial certificate that states that in the actuary’s opinion there is a high probability that the provider of the income stream will be able to pay the income stream as required under the contract or governing rules under which the income stream is provided; or
(b) for a period beginning when an actuarial certificate mentioned in paragraph (a) ceases to be in force and ending not more than 26 weeks later, an actuarial certificate of that kind is not in force.
(3) In considering the matter mentioned in paragraph (2)(a), the Secretary must have regard to any guidelines determined under subsection 9A(1B) or 9B(1D) of the Act that apply to the income stream.
19 Income stream that is defined benefit income stream
The Secretary may determine that an income stream is an asset-test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if the Secretary is satisfied that:
(a) it is a defined benefit income stream, and has been so from the day the income stream began being paid; and
(b) if the income stream is also an original family law affected income stream — any amount of the income stream that is rolled over, transferred, commuted or paid as a lump sum is not more than the amount required to satisfy the non-member partner’s entitlement under a payment split under Part VIIIB or Part VIIIC of the Family Law Act 1975 relating to the original family law affected income stream.
20 Income stream resulting from the closure of a regulated superannuation fund or sub-fund
The Secretary may determine that an income stream is an asset‑test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) it would have been covered by subsection 9A(1) or 9B(1) of the Act if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(b) it is purchased on or after 20 September 2007; and
(c) it results from another asset‑test exempt income stream (the original income stream) being commuted as a result of the closure of a regulated superannuation fund or sub-fund; and
(d) it does not result from another asset‑test exempt income stream (the original income stream) being commuted as a result of the closure of a self managed superannuation fund; and
(e) the original income stream was covered by section 9A or 9B of the Act or would have been covered by those sections if paragraph 9A(1)(aa) or subparagraph 9B(1)(a)(i) of the Act did not apply; and
(f) the original income stream:
(i) was purchased before 20 September 2004; or
(ii) was covered by the 2005 Principles during the period starting on 20 September 2004 and ending at the end of 19 September 2007; or
(iii) was covered by the 2007 Determination during the period starting on 20 September 2007 and ending at the end of 28 November 2011; or
(iv) was covered by the 2011 Determination during the period starting on 29 November 2011 and ending at the end of 28 March 2022; or
(v) was covered by the 2022 Determination during the period starting on 29 March 2022 and ending at the end of the day immediately prior to the commencement of this Determination; or
(vi) is covered by this Determination.
21 Income stream that is a legacy product
The Secretary may determine that an income stream is an asset-test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act if:
(a) the income stream was an asset-test exempt income stream under section 9A, 9B or 9BA of the Act immediately before the commencement of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Legacy Retirement Product Commutations and Reserves) Regulations 2024; and
(b) the income stream complies with the requirements of subsection 9A(2), 9B(2) or 9BA(2) of the Act, except for paragraphs 9A(2)(h), 9B(2)(h) or 9BA(2)(f); and
(c) the only reason the income stream does not comply with the requirements in paragraphs 9A(2)(h), 9B(2)(h) or 9BA(2)(f) of the Act is because the contract or governing rules allow for the income stream to be commuted in accordance with:
(i) regulation 1.08AA of the Retirement Savings Accounts Regulations 1997; or
(ii) regulation 1.05AA of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994; or
(iii) regulation 1.06C of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994.
Schedule 1—Repeals
Asset-test Exempt Income Stream (Lifetime Income Stream Guidelines) (Social Security) Determination 2015
1 The whole of the instrument
Repeal the instrument
Social Security (Guidelines for Determining Whether Income Stream is Asset-test Exempt) Determination 2022
2 The whole of the instrument
Repeal the instrument