Income Management
BasicsCard
The BasicsCard is a PIN-protected card that allows customers to access their income-managed money through existing EFTPOS facilities at approved stores and businesses. The BasicsCard provides customers on income management with a greater choice and flexibility to purchase priority goods and services from a broad range of merchants.
For more information, download the BasicsCard brochure.
Freecall™ available
The Income Management Line is now Freecall™ 1800 132 594. You can call this number free of charge from a landline or Telstra mobile. Find out more on Freecall numbers.
Income Management is a way to help you manage your money to meet essential household needs and expenses. Through Income Management, you can learn to better manage your finances in the long term.
You need to know
About Income Management
Income Management is a way to help you manage your money to meet essential household needs and expenses. Through Income Management, you can learn to better manage your finances in the long term.
Income Management in Bankstown (NSW), Logan and Rockhampton (QLD), Playford (SA) and Greater Shepparton (VIC)
On 1 July 2012, Income Management was implemented in five new locations—Bankstown, in New South Wales; Logan and Rockhampton, in Queensland; Playford, in South Australia; and Greater Shepparton, in Victoria.
Income Management in the Northern Territory
The Australian Government is working in partnership with the Northern Territory Government to provide support to payment recipients to encourage participation and to increase their financial literacy.
Income Management in Western Australia (metropolitan Perth and the Kimberley region)
The Australian Government is working in partnership with the Western Australian Government to deliver Income Management in selected Western Australian communities. The aim of the initiative is to encourage responsible behaviour by parents to enhance the wellbeing of their children.
Income Management in Queensland (Cape York communities)
The Australian Government, the Queensland Government, and the Cape York Institute are working together in delivering Income Management in the communities of Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale, Mossman Gorge, and associated outstations to influence the development of social responsibility and to provide a safe environment for children and the community.
Income Management in South Australia (Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytiatjara Lands)
On 1 October 2012, Income Management started in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytiatjara (APY) Lands of South Australia to help parents manage their money to meet essential household needs and expenses, and help manage the costs of raising children.
About the BasicsCard
The BasicsCard is a reusable, Personal Identification Number (PIN) protected card. Customers can use their BasicsCard to buy things they need such as food, clothes, health items and hygiene products. The BasicsCard was introduced as a way for customers to use their income managed money to buy priority items at a variety of approved stores and businesses.
Assistance with budgeting— access to financial-management services
We can refer you for financial-management services if you would like help in managing your money, including assistance with family budgeting, saving for something you need, or managing your debt. These services are free and confidential. It is your choice to use these services. Talk to us for more information on how to access these services.
Matched Savings Scheme Payment
The Matched Savings Scheme Payment is a payment that may be available to you if your payments are income-managed. This is a one-off payment of up to $500 for every dollar you save in your personal savings account.
Self-service options for Income Management and BasicsCard
Self service is an easy and secure way to manage your income-managed money without having to wait to speak with a Customer Service Officer.
Exemptions from Income Management
If you believe that your payments should not be income-managed, find out whether an exemption is applicable to the type of Income Management you are on.
Reviews and appeals for income-managed customers
All customers have the right to appeal to the department about any decision that has been made in regard to their payments or entitlements, including decisions relating to Income Management.
If you are not happy with a decision about income management you will need to contact us on Freecall™ 1800 132 594. Read more about the department’s review and appeals process.
If your payments are being income-managed because you have been referred by a child-protection authority or the Queensland Family Responsibilities Commission, you will need to talk to it about the reason you are on Income Management.
If you are still not happy, you can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Tribunal.
Accessing your income managed money when you travel
There are stores and businesses across Australia where you can use your BasicsCard. Talk to us before you travel, so that you can access your income-managed money while you are away. We can provide you with a list of stores and businesses closest to where you will be staying that accept the BasicsCard, or you can search for stores and businesses on line via the Find a business or organisation search tool.
Remember to take your BasicsCard with you when you travel.
If you want to use your income-managed money at a store or a business that does not accept the BasicsCard card, contact us, as we may be able to pay it in another way.
Existing customers
Income Management—referred by a Department of Human Services social worker
Your payments may be income managed because an Australian Government Department of Human Services Social Worker has decided that Income Management can help you and/or your family, based upon your current circumstances.
Income Management—referred by child-protection authority
Your payments may be income-managed because you have been referred to us by a case worker from your local child-protection authority. This is because the social worker believes that Income Management can help you and your family.
Income Management—referred by the Queensland Family Responsibilities Commission
Your payments may be income-managed because you have been referred to the Australian Government Department of Human Services by the Queensland Family Responsibilities Commission. This is because it believes that Income Management can help you and your family.
Income management - referred by the Northern Territory Alcohol and Other Drugs Tribunal
Your payments may be income managed because you have been referred to us by the Northern Territory Alcohol and Other Drugs Tribunal. This is because the tribunal believes that Income Management can help you and your family.
Income Management—for youth recipients and long-term payment recipients
Your payments may be income-managed because you live in the Northern Territory and have been receiving Youth Allowance, Newstart Allowance, Special Benefit, or Parenting Payment for a period of time.
Income Management—voluntary
You may be able to volunteer for Income Management if you need additional assistance with managing your payments.