Commencement date

To decide when Sole Parent Support can start you must first find the entitlement date. This is usually the date that a person no longer has a means of support.

For a list of these dates see:

• Entitlement date

Sole Parent Support is subject to an initial stand-down period of up to a maximum of 2 weeks after the entitlement date.

Generally the commencement date is:

• the day after the initial stand-down ends or
• the application date

whichever is the later.

However, if a client applies for Sole Parent Support within 28 days of their entitlement date the commencement date rules are different. See:

• Twenty-eight day rule

There are some situations when an initial stand-down is not imposed.

When no stand-down applies, the commencement date of the benefit is:

• the entitlement date or
• the application date

whichever is the later.