Carer Specialist Assessment Team (CSAT) referrals for Carer Payment (CP) (child) 009-04070060

In some cases, it may be necessary to refer a CP (child) assessment to CSAT social workers for additional consideration and a recommendation. The Service Officer will identify specific triggers indicating the need to refer to CSAT social workers, the CSAT social worker will investigate any additional evidence relating to the assessment of care load requirements.

Any referral to the CSAT social workers must be made prior to the decision to reject or cancel CP (child) and should be referred by the Service Officer who is processing the assessment. If the carer is to be rejected or cancelled due to other reasons, such as income or assets, the case is not to be referred to the CSAT. The normal processing protocols would occur.

Carer Specialised Assessments involve social workers collecting more details about the care provided to help the delegate in making a determination for grant or continuation of CP.

When a trigger is identified as part of the CP (child) assessment, it must be referred to the CSAT by the Service Officer. The CSAT social workers will undertake an assessment and provide a recommendation in a CSAT report. Delegation for decision making will reside with the Service Officer.

If the carer is claiming or receiving both CP (child) and Carer Allowance (CA) (child) and the CSAT assessment amends the qualifying rating, this will apply to both the CP (child) and the CA (child) assessment.

Service Officers document the record to note that the claim or review is not to be reassessed until the CSAT social work assessment has been completed.