Backwards and forwards tests

This chapter explains the backwards test and forwards tests for Adult Disability Payment (ADP).

An individual must satisfy the required period condition (ADP regs, reg. 5(1)(b) and 6(1)(b)) for whichever rate of the component they are being considered for. The backwards and forwards tests together make up this required period.

The backwards test is the amount of time the individual must have met the conditions of entitlement for a particular rate of a component of ADP (ADP regs, reg. 10(3), 11 and 12). 

The forwards test looks at the amount of time the individual is likely to meet the conditions of entitlement for a particular rate of a component of ADP (1 ADP regs, reg 10(3), 11 and 12).

There is no backwards test or forwards test for individuals with a terminal illness. For more information, please consult the Special Rules for Terminal Illness chapter.

The relevant date for a new application means:

• from the date of the application submitted by an individual
  Or if later
• from the earliest date when a case manager can look back and determine an individuals’ entitlement for the previous 13 weeks (ADP regs, reg. 13(a).

In cases where the individual already has an award of either/both components, the relevant date can be any day of that award (ADP regs, reg. 13(b)).

The relevant date for a new application after an interval is the date on which the previous award ended (ADP regs, reg. 14(3) 23(3)).