Operational Blueprint Document (lex 86290): Determining A Person’s Priority Needs For Income Management 103-01040010 (valid From 18 March 2025). 1 Document Released In Part. LEX 86290 Sections Of…

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This operational blueprint from Services Australia establishes procedures for determining priority needs under Income Management, a support program for customers requiring assistance managing welfare payments. The document outlines how Income Management funds must be allocated to meet essential needs of customers and dependents, including food, housing, utilities, clothing, medical care, and school meals. Services Australia staff must review priority needs when customer circumstances change, upon work item alerts, customer requests, or child protection authority referrals. The policy establishes four guiding principles: customers should have significant input in fund allocation decisions; unmet priority needs must be addressed when funds are available; reasonable access to remaining funds cannot be withheld; and best interests of children must be considered. The framework ensures systematic assessment of needs while maintaining customer agency and preventing unreasonable fund restrictions. Sections of the document were withheld under section 47E(d) of the Freedom of Information Act.