Assurance of Support (AoS) for Parent Visas: Complete Guide (2026)

This guide explains everything you need to know about the AoS requirement for Parent Visas in 2026, including the Centrelink assessment process, bond amounts, the often-misunderstood "Special Benefit" risk, and the release timeline.

What is an Assurance of Support?

An Assurance of Support (AoS) is a legally binding agreement governed by the Social Security Act 1991, where an "assurer" (typically the sponsor) commits to financially support the visa holder and repay the Commonwealth for any recoverable social security payments they may receive during the AoS period.

In practical terms, the AoS exists to protect Australian taxpayers. The government wants assurance that your parents won't become dependent on Centrelink payments during their first years in Australia.

The Legal Nature of the Debt

By signing an AoS, the assurer is not merely promising to help-they are granting the Commonwealth a specific power of debt recovery. If the assuree (your parent) receives a recoverable payment (such as Special Benefit), the amount becomes a debt due to the Commonwealth by the assurer.

Key Components of the AoS

Which Visas Require an Assurance of Support?

Special Exemption: Former Retiree Visa Holders

Parents who held a Subclass 405 (Investor Retirement) or Subclass 410 (Retirement) visa on 8 May 2018-and haven't held another substantive visa since-may be exempt from the AoS requirement entirely.

How Much is the AoS Bond?

The bond amount depends on the visa type and who provides the assurance:

Individual Assurers: Contributory Parent Visas (143, 864, 173, 884)

Individual Assurers: Non-Contributory Parent Visas (103, 804)

Corporate Assurers (Different Rates)

If a corporation or organisation provides the AoS, higher flat-rate bonds apply:

CBA Bank Fees (Budget for These)

The bond is lodged as a term deposit with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). Be aware of associated fees:

Who Can Provide an Assurance of Support?

Sponsor vs Assurer: A Critical Distinction

The Sponsor (defined under the Migration Act 1958) is typically the child who undertakes to assist with accommodation and settlement. The Assurer (defined under the Social Security Act 1991) is the financial guarantor who takes on the AoS commitment.

They do not have to be the same person. This separation is vital for families where the sponsor may not meet the income threshold.

Eligibility Criteria for Individual Assurers

Joint Assurers (Combining Incomes)

If one person cannot meet the income test alone, up to 3 people can jointly provide an AoS. Their incomes are combined.

Example: A son earning $55,000/year doesn't meet the threshold. His sister earns $45,000/year. Together, they can provide a joint AoS with a combined income of $100,000-but both are fully liable for any debt.

Corporate Assurers

A corporation or unincorporated body (such as a charity) can also provide an AoS, but:

• Must provide the AoS alone (cannot enter joint assurance with individuals)
• Must typically have operated in Australia for at least 2 years
• Not limited to 2 assurees (can assure larger numbers)
• Higher bond amounts apply ($20,000 for contributory visas)
• No income test, but must demonstrate consistent trading activity

The Income Test: What Do You Need to Earn?

Services Australia assesses your taxable income (not assets or wealth) from the current financial year and previous financial year. You must meet the threshold in both years.

How the Threshold is Calculated

The formula is based on social security rates:

Required Income = (Adults × JobSeeker Payment rate) + (Children × Family Tax Benefit Part A rate)

Where "Adults" includes: the assurer(s), their partner, AND the parent applicants.

Indicative Thresholds (2025-2026)

What Counts as Income?

• Taxable income from your ATO Notice of Assessment (past 2 years)
• Current income if significantly different from previous years
• Combined income if married/partnered
• Excluded: One-off windfalls, certain lump sums, income not assessable for tax

What If You Don't Meet the Income Threshold?

1. Add joint assurers: Find family members or friends willing to share responsibility (remember: joint and several liability)
2. Wait until income increases: If you expect a salary rise, delay lodgement
3. Consider an organisation: If affiliated with a community group willing to assist
4. Explore the 870 visa: The Subclass 870 doesn't require an AoS (but has other trade-offs)

The Centrelink AoS Process: Step by Step

Here's how the AoS application works-this process typically occurs after your Parent Visa application is nearing decision.

Phase 1: The Trigger (Home Affairs)

The AoS process cannot be initiated at will. It is triggered only when the Department of Home Affairs case officer determines the visa application is ready for finalization.

• Request Letter: Home Affairs issues a "Request for Assurance of Support" letter
• Timeline: You are typically given 28 days to initiate the AoS with Centrelink
• Critical: The reference number in this letter is required for the AoS application

Phase 2: The Assessment (Services Australia)

Complete the Assurance of Support application (Form SU594) and lodge it with Services Australia (online via myGov or paper).

Processing Time: 14-45 days depending on backlog and complexity.

Phase 3: The Lodgement (Commonwealth Bank)

After approval, you must physically visit a CBA branch:

1. Present the Centrelink Bank Guarantee Request form
2. Deposit the required bond amount into a new Term Deposit account
3. The bank generates a Bank Guarantee document
4. Obtain a physical or digital receipt-keep this safe

Phase 4: Confirmation and Visa Grant (Home Affairs)

• Services Australia formally advises Home Affairs that the AoS is complete
• Upload evidence of Bond Guarantee lodgement to ImmiAccount
• The visa can then be granted

Timeline Summary

When Does the AoS Period Start?

The AoS period commences on:

• Onshore applicants: The date the permanent visa is granted
• Offshore applicants: The date the visa holder first enters Australia (not the grant date)

Example: Your parents' 143 visa is granted on 1 January 2026 while they're overseas. They arrive in Australia on 1 June 2026. The 10-year AoS period runs from 1 June 2026 to 1 June 2036-not from January.

What Happens If Your Parents Claim Centrelink Payments?

During the AoS period, if your parents claim certain recoverable social security payments, the amount will be:

1. Raised as a debt against you (the assurer)
2. Deducted from your bond at the end of the AoS period
3. If debt exceeds bond: You remain personally liable for the remainder

The Primary Risk: Special Benefit

For Parent Visa holders, Special Benefit is the critical danger zone. Here's why:

• Parents are legally barred from the Age Pension for 10 years (the "qualifying residence period")
• If they face financial hardship with no other support, Special Benefit is the payment of last resort
• Even if a family breakdown occurs (e.g., parent leaves sponsor's home due to conflict), Centrelink may pay Special Benefit to prevent destitution
• The assurer is liable for this debt regardless of the relationship status

Recoverable vs Non-Recoverable Payments

Real-World Scenario: The Family Breakdown Case

Your parents arrive in 2026. In 2030, due to family conflict, one parent moves out of your home and has no income. They apply to Centrelink for help.

• Centrelink assesses if the assurer is "willing and able" to support them
• If the assurer refuses (due to the conflict), Centrelink may grant Special Benefit
• The moment Special Benefit is paid, a debt is raised against the assurer
• The family breakdown is not a defense against the debt

Debt calculation:

• Parent receives Special Benefit for 3 years at ~$20,000/year = $60,000
• Your $10,000 bond is wiped out
• You still owe $50,000, which Services Australia can enforce through tax garnishment

Getting Your Bond Back: The Release Process

After the AoS period ends, you can apply to have your bond released. This is not automatic-you must apply.

Step 1: Confirm the Period Has Ended

The 10-year (or 4-year) period must have fully elapsed. Becoming an Australian citizen does NOT trigger early release.

Step 2: Complete Form SU631

Download and complete the Assurance of Support Bank Guarantee Release (Form SU631) from the Services Australia website.

If an assuree has passed away, include a certified copy of the Death Certificate.

Step 3: Centrelink Reviews the Account

Services Australia conducts an internal audit to confirm whether any recoverable payments were made during the entire period. This can take 14-28 days.

Step 4: Bond Released (Minus Any Deductions)

• If no recoverable payments: full bond + accrued interest
• If payments were made: remaining balance after deductions
• You take the release letter to CBA to access your funds

Can You Get an Early Release?

Early release is only possible in very limited circumstances:

Document Readiness Checklist

When the Home Affairs request arrives, the 28-day clock starts. Have these ready in advance:

• Assurer's Tax File Number (TFN) and Centrelink CRN (if applicable)
• ATO Notices of Assessment for last 2 financial years
• Letter from current employer confirming tenure and salary
• Payslips for the last 3 months
• Identity documents (passport, citizenship certificate)
• Bond funds accessible (~$14,000 for two parents)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

How First Migration Can Help

The Assurance of Support process involves coordination between three separate agencies-Home Affairs, Services Australia, and Commonwealth Bank. Timing is critical, and many families encounter unexpected delays or income test failures.

At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents specialise in Parent Visa applications and can:

• Assess your family's AoS eligibility before you lodge
• Calculate income thresholds based on your family composition
• Coordinate the AoS timeline with your visa application
• Advise on joint assurer arrangements and liability implications
• Troubleshoot Centrelink delays or issues

Ready to bring your parents to Australia? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can evaluate your situation and guide you through the full process.