That ICPA (Aust) investigate the existing precedence of Centrelink Jobseeker payment being available to single principal carer with exemption from mutual obligation requirements because they are a home or distance educator of child/ren in their care, and its possible application, adaption and or leverage for the creation of an applicable Distance Education Tutor Allowance for geographically isolated families.
Australian Government Social Security Guide, version 1.307, released 8 May 2023, at 5.1.8.20 Common benefit rates” describes a payment for a “Single principal carer with an exemption from mutual obligation requirements EITHER: because of caring for large family or foster child/ren, OR who is a home or distance educator of child/children in their care.” This is currently $949.30 per fortnight.
It is payable to Jobseeker Payment (JSP) recipients who have an exemption from mutual obligation requirements under paragraphs 40P(2)(a) or (b) of the SS(Admin)Act.
Source: https://guides.dss.gov.au/social-security-guide/5/1/8/20
Act reference: SSAct section 1068 Rate of JSP, section 1068-B5 Maximum basic rate for certain JSP recipients.
SS(Admin)Act section 40P Caring responsibilities
Policy reference: SS Guide 5.1.4.10 PP - current rates, 3.7.1.80 Determining the rate of SpB
It appears that to be eligible as it currently stands, one needs to be eligible for Jobseeker payment and be a single parent plus looking after a large family (4 or more under 16 years) OR teaching via home-schooling or distance education.
This Centrelink payment is an acknowledgement by the Federal Government that being a home or distance educator of a child is equivalent to full time work and has a value.
