Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Income Management Reform) 2023

# Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Income Management Reform) 2023 ## What it does This law changes how "income management" works — a system where the government can restrict how welfare recipients spend their money by quarantining a portion of payments. The bill expands who can voluntarily join income management and creates new groups of people who can be required into the scheme (like young unemployed people and long-term welfare recipients in the Northern Territory). At the same time, it closes the scheme to most new entrants going forward. ## Why it matters If you're on welfare, this could mean less control over your own money if you fit certain criteria. But it also gives some people the option to voluntarily sign up if they think it'll help them manage their finances or meet obligations. ## Key details - **Voluntary participation expanded**: Anyone can now choose to enter income management if they want to - **Mandatory for some groups**: Young people who aren't working or studying, and long-term welfare recipients, can be required into the scheme if they live in the Northern Territory - **Closing to new entrants**: Most new welfare recipients won't be able to enter income management in future (with exceptions for those who opt in voluntarily)

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament