Dept of Human Services Payments |
Effective as at | 20/03/2013 |
ABSTUDY |
Refer to Centrelink for extensive range of rates and allowances.
Age Pension (AP) |
Basic Rates
Single Pension per fortnight | $ 733.70 |
Couple Pension per fortnight (each) | $ 553.10 |
Pension Supplement is additional. Prior to 20 Sep 2009 Pharmaceutical Allowance was included.
Rent Assistance
See Chart F.
Income Test
See Chart C. No test for permanently blind.
Assets Test
Homeowners see Chart A. Non-homeowners see Chart B. No test for permanently blind.
Age Eligibility
Male
Born before 1 Jul 1952 | 65.0 |
Born 1 Jul 1952 - 31 Dec 1953 | 65.5 |
Born 1 Jan 1954 - 30 Jun 1955 | 66.0 |
Born 1 Jul 1955 - 31 Dec 1956 | 66.5 |
Born 1 Jan 1957 onwards | 67.0 |
Female
Born before 1 Jul 1935 | 60.0 |
Born 1 Jul 1935 - 31 Dec 1936 | 60.5 |
Born 1 Jan 1937 - 30 Jun 1938 | 61.0 |
Born 1 Jul 1938 - 31 Dec 1939 | 61.5 |
Born 1 Jan 1940 - 30 Jun 1941 | 62.0 |
Born 1 Jul 1941 - 31 Dec 1942 | 62.5 |
Born 1 Jan 1943 - 30 Jun 1944 | 63.0 |
Born 1 Jul 1944 - 31 Dec 1945 | 63.5 |
Born 1 Jan 1946 - 30 Jun 1947 | 64.0 |
Born 1 Jul 1947 - 31 Dec 1948 | 64.5 |
Born 1 Jan 1949 - 30 Jun 1952 | 65.0 |
Born 1 Jul 1952 - 31 Dec 1953 | 65.5 |
Born 1 Jan 1954 - 30 Jun 1955 | 66.0 |
Born 1 Jul 1955 - 31 Dec 1956 | 66.5 |
Born 1 Jan 1957 onwards | 67.0 |
Age Pension Bonus Scheme |
Basic Rates
Tax free amount paid if Age Pension is deferred. Closed to new entrants who did not qualify for Age Pension before 20 September 2009.
Single
1 Year Deferred | $ 1,845.20 |
2 Years Deferred | $ 7,380.90 |
3 Years Deferred | $ 16,607.00 |
4 Years Deferred | $ 29,523.50 |
5 Years Deferred | $ 46,130.50 |
Couple (each)
1 Year Deferred | $ 1,395.30 |
2 Years Deferred | $ 5,581.10 |
3 Years Deferred | $ 12,557.50 |
4 Years Deferred | $ 22,324.50 |
5 Years Deferred | $ 34,882.00 |
Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment
Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment is a payment to the surviving partner of a deceased member of the Pension Bonus Scheme who did not make a claim for the bonus before his or her death. Rates as above.
Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) |
Rates
Basic Boarding Allowance pa | $ 7,487.00 |
Additional Boarding Allowance pa | $ 1,432.00 |
Second Home Allowance pf | $ 218.09 |
Distance Education Allowance pa | $ 3,743.00 |
Pensioner Education Supplement pf | $ 62.40 |
Rent Assistance
Not payable.
Income Test
No income test on Basic Boarding Allowance, Distance Education Allowance, Second Home Allowance or AIC Pensioner Education Supplement.
Parental Income Threshold | $ 47,815 |
Assets Test
No assets test.
Austudy Payment |
Minimum Age Eligible | 25.00 |
Basic Rates
Single per fortnight | $ 407.50 |
Single with children per fortnight | $ 533.80 |
Partnered per fortnight | $ 407.50 |
Partnered with children per fortnight | $ 447.40 |
Special Rate Single per fortnight | $ 495.00 |
Special Partnered, no children pf | $ 447.40 |
Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid.
Rent Assistance
Payable from 1 Jan 2008. See Chart F.
Income Test
See Chart D(a).
Assets Test
See Chart A or B.
Income Bank
Student Income Bank Balance | $ 10,100 |
Baby Bonus (BB) |
Basic Rate -Total Amount per child | $ 5,000 |
Paid in 13 fortnightly payments. No assets test.
Income Test
Applicable from 1 Jan 2009.
Max joint income 6 mths from birth | $ 75,000 |
Bereavement Allowance (BA) |
Paid to person whose partner has died. Has no qualifying child for Parenting Payment.
Number of weeks allowance is paid | 14.00 |
Basic Rates
Single pension rate. See Age Pension.
Rent Assistance
See Chart F.
Income Test
See Chart C.
Assets Test
See Chart A or B.
Carer Adjustment Payment |
The Carer Adjustment Payment is intended to assist families to adjust following a catastrophic event where a child aged under 7 years is diagnosed with a severe disability or severe medical condition. The event must have caused an adjustment in the care arrangements that cause the family financial hardship that can be assisted by a one-off ex-gratia grant.
Maximum Payment | $ 10,000 |
Carer Allowance (CA) |
Basic Rates
Payment Rate per fortnight | $ 115.40 |
May be paid in addition to an income support payment.
If caring for person under 16, eligible for Health Care Card (for child) and Child Disability Assistance Payment.
Supplement
Carer Supplement per child up to pa | $ 600 |
Rent Assistance
Not payable.
Income Test
No income test.
Assets Test
No income test.
Carer Payment |
Basic Rates
See Age Pension. Pharmaceutical Allowance is paid.
Rent Assistance
See Chart F.
Income Test
Carer: See Chart C.
Assets Test
Carer: See Chart A or B.
CDEP Participant Supplement |
Community Development Employment Project assistance.
Basic Rates
Participant Supplement per fortnight | $ 20.80 |
Pharmaceutical Allowance, see relevant allowance or pension.
Rent Assistance
See Chart F.
Income Test
Single Income Cut-off Threshold pf | $ 1,126 |
Couple Income Cut-off Threshold pf | $ 1,033 |
Assets Test
See relevant allowance or pension type.
Child Care Benefit (CCB) |
Maximum Number of Hours per Week | 50.00 |
School Child is % of Non-School Rate | 85.00 % |
Multiple child loading for 2 children | $ 17.53 |
Multiple child loading for 3 children | $ 50.95 |
Approved Care
Rate for Non-School Child per hour | $ 3.90 |
Rate may vary depending on number of children, income etc.
Rate when Family Income over Cut-off | $ 0.652 |
Approved Care - Family Income Test
Lower Income Threshold | $ 41,026 |
Upper Income Threshold | $ 95,530 |
Income Cut-off - 1 child | $ 142,426 |
Income Cut-off - 2 children | $ 147,594 |
Income Cut-off - 3 children | $ 166,656 |
Income Cut-off - per extra child | $ 31,495 |
Registered Care
Rate for Non-School Child per hour | $ 0.652 |
No income or assets test.
Child Care Tax Rebate (CCTR) |
Claims before 1 Jul 2006 were made via ATO.
Out of pocket child care expenses | 50.00 % |
Limit of Tax Rebate | $ 7,500 |
No income or assets test.
Child Disability Assistance Payment |
Child Disability Assistance Payment of up to $1000 to help you with the costs of caring for a child with a disability.
Child Disability Assistance Payment | $ 1,000 |
Clean Energy Household Assistance |
Clean Energy Supplement
Pensioners/income support recipients from March 2013.
Seniors Supplement recipients (in arrears) from June 2013.
Family Tax Benefit recipients from July 2013.
Youth/Student, DSP Under 21 recipients from Jan 2014.
Clean Energy Advance payments in meantime.
Pensions
Single (or illness separated) $ pf | 13.50 |
Couple $ pf | 10.20 |
Seniors Supplement recipients
Single (or illness separated) $ pf | 13.50 |
Member of a Couple $ pf | 10.20 |
(Allowance Rates (NSA, WA, PA, SA)
Single-no children $ pf | 8.40 |
Single—with dependent child(ren) $ pf | 9.10 |
Single, over 60, > 9 mth payments $ pf | 9.10 |
Partnered (each) $ pf | 7.60 |
Single, NSA principal carer $ pf | 11.60 |
Single, over age pension age $ pf | 13.50 |
Partnered, over age pension age $ pf | 10.20 |
Parenting Payments
Parenting Payment Single $ pf | 11.60 |
Parenting Payment Partnered $ pf | 7.60 |
Low Income Supplement
Low Income Supplement $ pa | 300.00 |
Essential Medical Equipment Payment
Essential Medical Equipment $ pa | 140.00 |
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card |
Self funded retirees of age pension age not qualified for Age Pension.
Income Test
Single Taxable Income Limit pa | $ 50,000 |
Couple Taxable Income Limit pa both | $ 80,000 |
Ill Sep Taxable Income Limit pa each | $ 50,000 |
Ill Sep Taxable Income Limit pa both | $ 100,000 |
Extra Income Limit per child pa | $ 639.60 |
Assets Test
Not Applicable.
Continence Aids Payment Scheme |
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) helps eligible people who have permanent and severe incontinence to meet some of the costs of incontinence products.
Continence Aids Payment pa | $ 521.00 |
Crisis Payment |
Basic Rates
A one-off payment, equal to one week's payment (without add ons) of the person's pension, benefit or allowance.
Disability Support Pension (DSP) |
Basic Rates
Aged 21 and Over
Same as Age Pension rates.
Single Pension per fortnight | $ 733.70 |
Couple Pension per fortnight (each) | $ 553.10 |
Single aged under 18
At home Rate per fortnight | $ 338.40 |
Independent Rate per fortnight | $ 522.90 |
Single aged 18-20
At home Rate per fortnight | $ 383.60 |
Independent Rate per fortnight | $ 522.90 |
Member of a Couple
Aged under 18 Rate per fortnight | $ 522.90 |
Aged 18-20 Rate per fortnight | $ 522.90 |
Above rates include Youth Disability Supplement. Pharmaceutical Allowance is paid.
Rent Assistance
See Chart F.
Income Test
See Chart C. No income test for permanently blind.
Assets Test
See Chart A or B. No assets test on basic rate for permanently blind.
Double Orphan Pension (DOP) |
Base Rate per fortnight | $ 57.90 |
No income or assets test.
Education Entry |
Education Entry Payment is available to people receiving specific income-support payments, to help with the cost of study. Automatically assessed and paid.
Education Entry Payment | $ 208.00 |
Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A |
Rates for each child
Base Rates
Aged under 18 years per fortnight (pf) | $ 54.32 |
Aged 18-24 years (pf) | $ 0.00 |
Aged 18-19 secondary student (pf) | $ 54.32 |
Aged 18-21 years (pf) | $ 0.00 |
Maximum Rates
Aged under 13 years (pf) | $ 169.68 |
Aged 13-15 years (pf) | $ 220.64 |
Aged 16-17 years (pf) | $ 54.32 |
Aged 18-24 years (pf) | $ 0.00 |
In approved care Aged 0-24 years (pf) | $ 0.00 |
Aged 16-19 secondary student (pf) | $ 220.64 |
Aged 16-17 non secondary student (pf) | $ 54.32 |
Aged 18-21 non secondary student (pf) | $ 72.80 |
In approved care Aged 0-21 years (pf) | $ 54.32 |
FTB Part A Supplement
Supplement for financial year per child | $ 726.35 |
Income Test
Income Free Area Threshold 1 | $ 47,815.00 |
Higher Income Free Area Threshold 2 | $ 94,316.00 |
Extra Threshold 2 each child after first | $ 3,796.00 |
Reduction Rate over Threshold 1 | 0.20 |
Reduction Rate over Threshold 2 | 0.30 |
Dependant Income Limit | $ 13,775.00 |
Income Test - Child Maintenance Income
Single parent maintenance Threshold | $ 1,445.40 |
Couple, each receiving maintenance | $ 2,890.80 |
For each additional child | $ 481.80 |
Reduction Rate over Threshold | 0.50 |
Assets Test
No assets test.
Family Tax Benefit Part A (contd) |
Large Family Supplement
Third and each subsequent child pf | $ 11.76 |
Income test as for FTB Part A. No assets test.
Multiple Birth Allowance
Basic rate for Triplets per fortnight | $ 140.84 |
Basic rate for Quadruplets or more pf | $ 187.60 |
Income test as for FTB Part A. No assets test.
Rent Assistance
Single, 1-2 children
Maximum Payment per fortnight | $ 144.06 |
No Payment if fortnight Rent under | $ 143.64 |
Max Payment if fortnight Rent over | $ 335.72 |
Single, 3 or more
Maximum Payment per fortnight | $ 162.96 |
No Payment if fortnight Rent under | $ 143.64 |
Max Payment if fortnight Rent over | $ 360.92 |
Couple, 1-2 children
Maximum Payment per fortnight | $ 144.06 |
No Payment if fortnight Rent under | $ 212.66 |
Max Payment if fortnight Rent over | $ 404.74 |
Couple, 3 or more children
Maximum Payment per fortnight | $ 162.96 |
No Payment if fortnight Rent under | $ 212.66 |
Max Payment if fortnight Rent over | $ 429.94 |
Income test as for FTB Part A. No assets test.
Schoolkids Bonus
From 1 Jan 2013 Schoolkids Bonus replaces Education Tax Refund. Transitional payment in June 2012.
Payment per Primary School student | $ 410.00 |
Payment per Secondary School student | $ 820.00 |
Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part B |
Basic Rates - Age of Youngest Child
Child under 5 years per fortnight | $ 144.34 |
Child 5-15 (or 16-18 if full student) pf | $ 100.66 |
Income Test - Lower Income Earner
Lower Income Earner Threshold | $ 5,037 |
Reduction Rate per $ over Threshold | 0.20 |
Youngest child under 5 Income Cut-off | $ 25,623 |
Youngest child 5-18 Income Cut-off | $ 19,929 |
FTB Part B Supplement
Supplement for fin year per family | $ 354.05 |
Extra Income Test after 1 Jul 2008
Higher Income Earner Cut-off | $ 150,000 |
Assets Test
No assets test.
Health Care Card (HCC) |
Automatic HCC
Automatically issued to people who are not qualified for a Pensioner Concession Card and are receiving one of the following: NSA, PA, SA, SpB, WA, YA, MOB, CA.
PP (partnered) and those receiving max FTB Part A.
Low Income HCC
Available on application to people with income below:
Income Test
Average weekly gross income for 8 weeks prior to application for low income Health Care Card.
Single (no children) per wk | $ 497.00 |
Couple (no children) combined per wk | $ 862.00 |
Single (one child) per wk | $ 862.00 |
Extra Income Limit per child pa | $ 34.00 |
Assets Test
Not Applicable.
Health Care Card (HCC) via FTB |
Card issued every 6 months for those receiving max rate of FTB Part A.
Income Test
Income test as for FTB Part A.
Assets Test
No assets test.
Jobs Education and Training Child Care |
Jobs Education and Training Child Care Fee Assistance (JETCCFA) pays some of the gap fee - the difference between the total child care and the amount covered by CCB for eligible parents.
Maternity Immunisation Allowance MIA |
MIA will cease from 1 July 2012 as a result of new immunisation arrangements coming into effect.
Basic Rate - Full Amount | $ 0.00 |
Half paid before child turns 2. Remaining half when child 4 to 5 years old. No income or assets test.
Mobility Allowance (MOB) |
Basic Rates
Paid or voluntary work 32 hrs every 4 weeks or more.
Rate per fortnight | $ 87.00 |
Higher Rates
Working or looking for work 15 hrs per week or more.
Rate per fortnight | $ 121.80 |
Rent Assistance
Not payable.
Income Test
No income test.
Assets Test
No assets test.
Newstart Allowance (NSA) |
From 1 July 2012, minimum eligible age is 22.
Basic Rates
Single, No Children per fortnight | $ 497.00 |
Single, with Children per fortnight | $ 537.80 |
Single, over 60 or over per fortnight | $ 537.80 |
Partnered per fortnight each | $ 448.70 |
Single, Principal Carer per fortnight | $ 683.50 |
Couple, Illness Separated per fortnight | $ 537.80 |
Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid.
Rent Assistance
See Chart F.
Income Test
See Chart D.
Assets Test
See Chart A.
Parenting Payment (PP) |
Basic Rates
Single Parent per fortnight * | $ 683.50 |
* Includes pension supplement.
Partnered Parent per fortnight | $ 448.70 |
Illness Separated/in care per fortnight | $ 537.80 |
Assets Test
See Chart A.
Income Test
Single Parents (with child under 8)
Full pension Income Threshold pf | $ 176.60 |
Part pension Income Cut-off pf | $ 1,914.35 |
Additional income per child | $ 24.60 |
Reduction Rate each $ over threshold | 0.40 |
Partner is not a Pensioner (with child under 6)
Income Threshold 1 per fortnight | $ 62.00 |
Income Threshold 2 per fortnight | $ 250.00 |
Reduction Rate between Thresholds | 0.50 |
Reduction Rate Over Threshold 2 | 0.60 |
Income Cut-off | $ 842.00 |
Partner Income Threshold | $ 853.84 |
Reduction Rate Over Partner Threshold | 0.60 |
Partner Income Cut-off | $ 1,602.50 |
Combined Income Cut-off | $ 1,695.84 |
Partner is a Pensioner (with child under 6)
Income Threshold 1 per fortnight | $ 124.00 |
Income Threshold 2 per fortnight | $ 500.00 |
Reduction Rate between Thresholds | 0.25 |
Reduction Rate Over Threshold 2 | 0.30 |
Combined Income Cut-off | $ 1,707.68 |
Partner Allowance (PA) |
For people with limited work experience who were finding it hard to get work, and had a partner getting an income support payment.
New grants of Partner Allowance stopped on 20 Sep 2003.
Basic Rates
Maximum Rate per fortnight | $ 448.70 |
Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid.
Rent Assistance
See Chart F.
Income Test
See Chart D.
Assets Test
See Chart A.
Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) |
Automatically issued to people receiving one of the following: AP, DVA pension/widows, DSP, WP, CP, PP (single), BA, WBP).
NSA, YA, PP (partnered) park working capacity or single carer.
Over 60 receiving NSA, PA, WA, PP, SA, Spb.
Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) |
Basic Rates
At least 50% study load per fortnight | $ 62.40 |
At least 25% study load per fortnight | $ 31.20 |
Income and Assets Test
No income or assets test
Pension Supplement |
From 20 Sep 2009 combines the value of Telephone Allowance, Utilities Allowance, the GST Supplement and Pharmaceutical Allowance and an additional amount. Payment is fortnightly with other payments/pensions.
Min Single Supplement pf | $ 32.80 |
Max Single Supplement pf | $ 61.20 |
Min Partnered Supplement pf (each) | $ 24.70 |
Max Partnered Supplement pf (each) | $ 46.10 |
Pharmaceutical Allowance (PhA) |
Pharmaceutical Allowance is automatically paid with most payments.
Single Rate per fortnight | $ 6.20 |
Couple Rate per fortnight each | $ 3.10 |
Illness Separated per fortnight each | $ 6.20 |
Remote Area Allowance (RAA) |
Basic Rates
Single Rate per fortnight | $ 18.20 |
Couple Rate per fortnight each | $ 15.60 |
For each dependent per fortnight | $ 7.30 |
Rent Assistance via FTB |
Rent Assistance for familes is usually paid with Family Tax Benefit. Rent assistance payable is 75c for each dollar over minimum rent up to the maximum rent.
Single, 1 to 2 children
Maximum Payment per fortnight | $ 144.06 |
No Payment if fortnight Rent under | $ 143.64 |
Max Payment if fortnight Rent over | $ 335.72 |
Single, 3 or more children
Maximum Payment per fortnight | $ 162.96 |
No Payment if fortnight Rent under | $ 143.64 |
Max Payment if fortnight Rent over | $ 360.92 |
Couple, 1 to 2 children
Maximum Payment per fortnight | $ 144.06 |
No Payment if fortnight Rent under | $ 212.66 |
Max Payment if fortnight Rent over | $ 404.74 |
Couple, 3 or more children
Maximum Payment per fortnight | $ 162.96 |
No Payment if fortnight Rent under | $ 212.66 |
Max Payment if fortnight Rent over | $ 429.94 |
Seniors Concession Allowance (SCA) |
Replaced by Seniors Supplement Quarterly from 20 Sep 2009.
Annual Rate | $ 0.00 |
Seniors Supplement |
From 20 Sep 2009 replaces Seniors Concession Allowance (SCA) and Telephone (TAL) for CSHC holders.
Single CSHC cardholders per year | $ 852.80 |
Partnered CSHC cardholders per year | $ 642.20 |
Paid quarterly - Dec, Mar, Jun and Sep. Non-Taxable.
Sickness Allowance (SA) |
Basic Rates
Same as Newstart Allowance.
Single, No Children per fortnight | $ 497.00 |
Single, with Children per fortnight | $ 537.80 |
Single, over 60 or over per fortnight | $ 537.80 |
Partnered per fortnight each | $ 448.70 |
Pharmaceutical Allowance may also be paid.
Rent Assistance
See Chart F.
Income Test
See Chart D.
Assets Test
See Chart A.
Single Income Family Supplement |
Available from 1 July 2013.
Max Single Income Family Supplement | $ 0 |
Income Test
Primary Income Earner Minimum | $ 0 |
Primary Income Earner Maximum | $ 0 |
Secondary Income Earner Maximum | $ 0 |
Special Benefit (SpB) |
Basic Rates
See Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance.
Rent Assistance
See Newstart Allowance, Sickness Allowance or Youth Allowance.
Income Test
No income free area, benefit reduced by one dollar for each dollar of income.
Assets Test
See Chart A.
Telephone Allowance (TAL) |
For CSHC holders, TAL replaced by Seniors Supplement Quarterly from 20 Sep 2009.
Basic Annual Rate | $ 102.40 |
or Home Internet Annual Rate | $ 153.60 |
Paid quarterly - Dec, Mar, Jun and Sep.
Utilities Allowance (UA) |
Twice a year payment to people of age pension age in receipt of income support, or receiving MAA, PA or WA.
Annual Rate | $ 573.20 |
Widow Allowance (WA) |
Since 1 July 2005, only granted to women born on or before 1 July 1955.
Basic Rates
Same as Newstart Allowance rates. Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid.
Single, No Children per fortnight | $ 497.00 |
Single, with Children per fortnight | $ 537.80 |
Single, over 60 or over per fortnight | $ 537.80 |
Rent Assistance
See Chart F.
Income Test
See Chart D.
Assets Test
See Chart A.
Widow B Pension (WBP) |
Basic Rates
Since 20 March 1997, no new grants.
Basic Rates
Same as Age Pension. Pension Supplement is also paid.
Single Pension per fortnight | $ 733.70 |
Pension Supplement pf | $ 61.20 |
Rent Assistance
See Chart F.
Income Test
See Chart C.
Assets Test
See Chart A or B.
Wife Pension (WP) |
Since 1 July 1995, no new grants.
Basic Rates
Same as Age Pension. Pension Supplement is also paid.
Wife Pension per fortnight (pf) | $ 553.10 |
Pension Supplement pf | $ 46.10 |
Illness Separated
Single Pension per fortnight | $ 733.70 |
Pension Supplement pf | $ 61.20 |
Rent Assistance
See Chart F.
Income Test
See Chart C.
Assets Test
See Chart A or B.
Work Bonus |
The Work Bonus is an incentive for pensioners of age-pension age to remain in the workforce.
Eligibility
All pensioners over age-pension age (other than recipients of Parenting Payment Single) are eligible for the Work Bonus.
Work Bonus Threshold
As from 1 July 2010 a Work Bonus allows half of any fortnightly employment income to be ignored from the income test up to an income threshold.
Work Bonus income threshold pf | $ 250 |
As from 1 July 2011 a Work Bonus excludes all income up to threshold from income test and allows for unused thresholds up to Work Bonus Balance.
Work Bonus Balance threshold | $ 6,500 |
Youth Allowance (YA) |
From 1 July 2012, maximum eligible age is 21.
Basic Rates
Single, No Children
Under 18 at home pf | $ 223.00 |
Under 18 away from home pf | $ 407.50 |
18 and over away from home pf | $ 407.50 |
18 and over at home pf | $ 268.20 |
Single with Children
Single with children pf | $ 533.80 |
Principal carer granted exemptions pf | $ 683.50 |
Partnered
Partnered no children pf | $ 407.50 |
Partnered with children pf | $ 447.40 |
Special Rates
Long term income support or migrants 21 or over studying English and commencing fulltime study or apprenticeship.
Single at home pf | $ 329.20 |
Single away from home pf | $ 495.00 |
Partnered no children pf | $ 447.40 |
Work for the Dole participants may be eligible for:
Additional Work for Dole Rate pf | $ 20.80 |
Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid.
Youth Allowance (contd) |
Fares Assistance
Reimbursement of the cost of the cheapest practicable form of public transport, regardless of the transport used.
Rent Assistance
See Chart F.
Parental Income Test
If not independent, rate is reduced by $1 for every $4 over threshold. After parental test, personal income test applies.
Parental Income Threshold | $ 47,815 |
Additional Threshold (prior to 1 Jul 2010)
For first child under 16 | $ 0 |
For each additional child under 16 | $ 0 |
For each additional child 16 and over (aged 16-24 in full-time study or apprenticeship, 16-20 seeking employment, or under AIC scheme) | $ 0 |
For a tertiary student away from home (if there are such children in family) | $ 0 |
Personal Income Test
See Chart D(a).
Assets Test
If not independent
No payment if family assets exceed | $ 627,000 |
Independent
If independent, see Chart A.
Youth Disability Supplement |
Youth Disability Supplement provides additional financial support to young people (under 21) with a physical, intellectual or psychiatric disability who receive certain income-support payments.
Youth Disability Supplement up to pf | $ 115.40 |
Chart A - Assets Test, Full Payment |
Some allowances are not paid if assets exceed threshold. Transitional rates also use these thresholds.
Family Situation | Homeowner | Non Homeowner |
Single | $ 192,500 | $ 332,000 |
Couple | $ 273,000 | $ 412,500 |
Illness Separated | $ 273,000 | $ 412,500 |
One Partner Eligible | $ 273,000 | $ 412,500 |
Payment Reduction
Reduction for every $1000 > threshold | $ 1.50 |
Special Disability Trust
Established for succession planning by immediate family members for the future care and accommodation needs of a person with a severe disability. Exempt from the deprivation provisions.
Gifting Concession | $ 500,000 |
Exempt from the assets test up to:
Concessional Asset Value Limit | $ 596,500 |
Extra Allowable Amount for Retirement Village
The Extra Allowable Amount is the difference between the non-homeowner and homeowner assets test limits.
Extra Allowable Amount | $ 139,500 |
If Entry Contribution is equal to or less than the Extra Allowable Amount, assessed as a non-homeowner. Entry Contribution will count as an asset. May qualify for Rent Assistance.
Funeral Investments
Funeral bonds or funeral funds. Maximum of 2 funeral investments. Exempted from the assets test.
Funeral Investment Threshold | $ 11,500 |
Chart B - Assets Test, Part Payment |
For part pension assets must be less than.
Family Situation | Homeowner | Non Homeowner |
Single | $ 731,500 | $ 871,000 |
Couple | $ 1,086,000 | $ 1,225,500 |
Illness Separated | $ 1,351,000 | $ 1,490,500 |
One Partner Eligible | $ 1,086,000 | $ 1,225,500 |
Transitional | Homeowner | Non Homeowner |
Single | $ 655,750 | $ 795,250 |
Couple | $ 1,020,500 | $ 1,160,000 |
Illness Separated | $ 1,199,500 | $ 1,339,000 |
One Partner Eligible | $ 1,020,500 | $ 1,160,000 |
Transitional Rules only apply for existing pensions that started prior to 20 Sep 2009.
Disability Support Pensioners aged under 21 with no dependents have different thresholds as shown below.
Disability Support | Homeowner | Non Homeowner |
Single-Dependent
16-17 years | $ 422,250 | $ 561,750 |
18-20 years | $ 452,500 | $ 592,000 |
Single-Independent
16-20 years | $ 545,250 | $ 684,750 |
Couple
16-20 years | $ 974,500 | $ 1,114,000 |
Payment Reduction
Reduction for every $1000 > threshold | $ 1.50 |
Chart C - Income Test for Pensions |
(a) Income test for pensions
Family Situation | For full pension (pf) up to | For part pension (pf) less than |
Single | $ 152.00 | $ 1,768.80 |
Couple (combined) | $ 268.00 | $ 2,705.60 |
Illness Separated (couple combined) | $ 268.00 | $ 3,501.60 |
(b) Income test for DSP under 21, no children
Family Situation | For full pension (pf) up to | For part pension (pf) less than |
16-17 years (home) | $ 152.00 | $ 841.20 |
18-20 years (home) | $ 152.00 | $ 931.60 |
16-20 years (indep) | $ 152.00 | $ 1,210.20 |
Couple (combined) | $ 268.00 | $ 2,372.00 |
(c) Income test for pensions - Transitional Rules
Family Situation | For full pension (pf) up to | For part pension (pf) less than |
Single | $ 152.00 | $ 1,889.00 |
Couple (combined) | $ 268.00 | $ 3,070.00 |
Illness Separated (couple combined) | $ 268.00 | $ 3,742.00 |
Transitional Rules only apply for existing pensions that started prior to 20 Sep 2009.
Additional income for each child | $ 24.60 |
(d) DSP under 21, no children - Saved Status
Family Situation | For full pension (pf) up to | For part pension (pf) less than |
16-17 years (home) | $ 152.00 | $ 1,013.50 |
18-20 years (home) | $ 152.00 | $ 1,126.50 |
16-20 years (indep) | $ 152.00 | $ 1,474.75 |
Couple (combined) | $ 268.00 | $ 2,898.00 |
Reduction Rates
Pension payment is reduced for each $ over threshold at the following rates:
| Single | Couple |
Normal Rules | 0.50 | 0.25 |
Transitional Rules | 0.40 | 0.20 |
Chart - Deeming |
Deeming assumes financial investments earn a certain rate of income, no matter what income actually earned.
Deeming Rate at or below Threshold % | 3.00 |
Deeming Rate above Threshold % | 4.50 |
Single Threshold $ | 45,400.00 |
Pensioner Couple Threshold $ | 75,600.00 |
Allowee Couple Threshold $ (each) | 37,800.00 |
Primary Production Attribution Thresholds
Assets Threshold | $ 1,085,500 |
Income Threshold | $ 47,815 |
Chart D(a) - Personal Income Test |
Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY
Student or Apprentice
Full Allowance Income Threshold pf | $ 405.00 |
Reduction Rate over Threshold | 0.50 |
Higher Reduction Threshold pf | $ 486.00 |
Higher Reduction Rate over Threshold | 0.60 |
Job Seeker
Full Allowance Income Threshold pf | $ 143.00 |
Reduction Rate over Threshold | 0.50 |
Higher Reduction Threshold pf | $ 250.00 |
Higher Reduction Rate over Threshold | 0.60 |
Chart D - Income Test |
NSA, WA, PA, SA and MAA.
Family Situation | For full allowance (pf) up to | For part allowance (pf) less than |
Single, no children | $ 62.00 | $ 935.67 |
Single, age >=60 | $ 62.00 | $ 1,015.17 |
Single, dep. children | $ 62.00 | $ 1,004.84 |
Partnered, each | $ 62.00 | $ 853.84 |
Single, carer of child | $ 62.00 | $ 1,799.75 |
Fortnightly income between $62 and $250 reduces fortnightly allowance by 50 cents in the dollar.
Fortnightly income above $250 reduces fortnightly allowance by 60 cents in the dollar.
Partner fortnightly income which exceeds the cut-out point reduces fortnightly allowance by 60 cents in the dollar. The cut-out point varies for individuals depending on their circumstances.
Chart E - Taxable |
Age Pension
Austudy Payment
ABSTUDY Living Allowance
Bereavement Allowance
Carer Payment (if Age Pension age)
Disability Support Pension (if Age Pension age)
Education Entry Payment
Newstart Allowance
Parenting Payment
Partner Allowance
Sickness Allowance
Special Benefit
Widow Allowance
Widow Pension
Wife Pension (if Age Pension age)
Youth Allowance
DVA Age Pension
DVA Service Pension (if Age Pension age)
DVA Income Support Supplement (if not blind/ permanent incapacity)
Chart E (continued) - Non-Taxable |
ABSTUDY Supplementary Benefits
Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme Allowances
Baby Bonus
Carer Adjustment Payment
Carer Allowance
Carer Payment (if under Age Pension age)
Child Care Benefit
Crisis Payment
Disability Support Pension (under Age Pension age)
Disability Wage Supplement (under Age Pension age)
Double Orphan Pension
Employment Entry Allowance
Family Tax Assistance Part A
Family Tax Assistance Part B
Fares Allowance
Large Family Supplement
Living Away From Home Allowance
Maternity Immunisation Allowance
Mobility Allowance
Pension Bonus Scheme
Pension Loans Scheme
Pensioner Education Supplement
Pharmaceutical Allowance
Rehabilitation Allowance
Remote Area Allowance (offsets Zone Tax Rebate)
Rent Assistance
Seniors Supplement
Student Financial Supplement Scheme (no longer available)
Telephone Allowance
Utilities Allowance
Wife Pension (if under Age Pension age)
Youth Disability Allowance
Youth Allowance (if under 16 and a student)
DVA Service Pension (if under Age Pension age)
DVA War Widow Pension
DVA Income Support Supplement (blind/ permanent incapacity)
Chart F - Rent Assistance |
Rent Assistance for families is usually paid with Family Tax Benefit. Rent assistance payable is 75c for each dollar over minimum rent up to the maximum rent.
Single, no children
Maximum Payment per fortnight | $ 123.00 |
No Payment if fortnight Rent under | $ 109.20 |
Max Payment if fortnight Rent over | $ 273.20 |
Single, no children, sharer
Maximum Payment per fortnight | $ 82.00 |
No Payment if fortnight Rent under | $ 109.20 |
Max Payment if fortnight Rent over | $ 218.53 |
Couple, no children
Maximum Payment per fortnight | $ 115.60 |
No Payment if fortnight Rent under | $ 177.60 |
Max Payment if fortnight Rent over | $ 331.73 |
Couple Illness Separated, no children
Maximum Payment per fortnight | $ 123.00 |
No Payment if fortnight Rent under | $ 109.20 |
Max Payment if fortnight Rent over | $ 273.20 |
Couple Temporary Separated, no children
Maximum Payment per fortnight | $ 115.60 |
No Payment if fortnight Rent under | $ 109.20 |
Max Payment if fortnight Rent over | $ 263.33 |