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Centrelink Payments

As at

1/01/2012

Double Orphan Pension (DOP)

Base Rate per fortnight

$ 57.20

No income or assets test.

Parenting Payment (PP)

Basic Rates

Single Parent per fortnight *

$ 641.50

* Includes pension supplement.

Partnered Parent per fortnight

$ 439.40

Illness Separated/in care per fortnight

$ 526.60

Assets Test

See Chart A or B.

Income Test

Single Parents (with child under 8)

Full pension Income Threshold pf

$ 174.60

Part pension Income Cut-off pf

$ 1,778.35

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

$ 826.00

Partner Income Threshold

$ 826

Reduction Rate Over Partner Threshold

0.60

Partner Income Cut-off

$ 1,558.33

Combined Income Cut-off

$ 1,651.67

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

$ 1,651.34

Age Pension (AP)

Basic Rates

Single Pension per fortnight

$ 689.00

Couple Pension per fortnight (each)

$ 519.40

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.

Work Bonus

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

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

$ 1,735.00

2 Years Deferred

$ 6,940.00

3 Years Deferred

$ 15,615.00

4 Years Deferred

$ 27,759.90

5 Years Deferred

$ 43,374.90

Couple (each)

1 Year Deferred

$ 1,311.90

2 Years Deferred

$ 5,247.80

3 Years Deferred

$ 11,807.50

4 Years Deferred

$ 20,991.00

5 Years Deferred

$ 32,798.50

Disability Support Pension (DSP)

Basic Rates

Aged 21 and Over

See Age Pension rates.

Single aged under 18

At home Rate per fortnight

$ 334.40

Independent Rate per fortnight

$ 516.70

Single aged 18-20

At home Rate per fortnight

$ 379.00

Independent Rate per fortnight

$ 516.70

Member of a Couple

Aged under 18 Rate per fortnight

$ 516.70

Aged 18-20 Rate per fortnight

$ 516.70

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.

Sickness Allowance (SA)

Basic Rates

See Newstart Allowance.

Pharmaceutical Allowance is paid.

Rent Assistance

See Newstart Allowance.

Income Test

See Chart D.

Assets Test

See Newstart Allowance.

Mobility Allowance (MOB)

Basic Rates

Paid or voluntary work 32 hrs every 4 weeks or more.

Rate per fortnight

$ 86.00

Higher Rates

Working or looking for work 15 hrs per week or more.

Rate per fortnight

$ 120.40

Rent Assistance

Not payable.

Income Test

No income test.

Assets Test

No assets test.

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.

Wife Pension (WP)

Since 1 July 1995, no new grants.

Basic Rates

See Age Pension. Pharmaceutical Allowance is paid.

Rent Assistance

See Chart F.

Income Test

See Chart C.

Assets Test

See Chart A or B.

Widow B Pension (WBP)

Basic Rates

Since 20 March 1997, no new grants.

Basic Rates

See Age Pension. Pharmaceutical Allowance is paid.

Rent Assistance

See Chart F.

Income Test

See Chart C.

Assets Test

See Chart A or B.

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.

Carer Allowance (CA)

Basic Rates

Payment Rate per fortnight

$ 114.00

Extra per child in care under 16 pa

$ 1,000

May be paid in addition to an income support payment.

Rent Assistance

Not payable.

Income Test

No income test.

Assets Test

No income test.

Austudy Payment

Basic Rates

Single per fortnight

$ 402.70

Single with children per fortnight

$ 527.50

Partnered per fortnight

$ 402.70

Partnered with children per fortnight

$ 442.10

Special Rate Single per fortnight

$ 489.10

Special Partnered, no children pf

$ 442.10

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.

ABSTUDY

Refer to Centrelink for extensive range of rates and allowances.

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

Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC)

Rates

Basic Boarding Allowance pa

$ 7,398.00

Additional Boarding Allowance pa

$ 1,415.00

Second Home Allowance pf

$ 215.52

Distance Education Allowance pa

$ 3,699.00

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

$ 46,355

Assets Test

No assets test.

Youth Allowance (YA)

Basic Rates

Single, No Children

Under 18 at home pf

$ 220.40

Under 18 away from home pf

$ 402.70

18 and over away from home pf

$ 402.70

18 and over at home pf

$ 265.00

Single with Children

Single with children pf

$ 527.50

Principal carer granted exemptions pf

$ 641.50

Partnered

Partnered no children pf

$ 402.70

Partnered with children pf

$ 442.10

Special Rates

Long term income support or migrants 21 or over studying English and commencing fulltime study or apprenticeship.

Single at home pf

$ 325.30

Single away from home pf

$ 489.10

Partnered no children pf

$ 442.10

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.

Youth Disability Supplement

Under 21 with partial capacity to work. Added to Youth Allowance but cannot exceed over 21 rate for Newstart Allowance.

Youth Disability Supplement up to pf

$ 114.00

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

$ 46,355

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

$ 619,500

Independent

If independent, see Chart A or B.

Newstart Allowance (NSA)

Basic Rates

Single, No Children per fortnight

$ 486.80

Single, with Children per fortnight

$ 526.60

Single, over 60 or over per fortnight

$ 526.60

Partnered per fortnight each

$ 439.40

Single, Principal Carer per fortnight

$ 641.50

Couple, Illness Separated per fortnight

$ 526.60

Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid.

Rent Assistance

See Chart F.

Income Test

See Chart D.

Assets Test

See Chart A or B.

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

$ 439.40

Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid.

Rent Assistance

See Chart F.

Income Test

See Chart D.

Assets Test

See Chart A or B.

Widow Allowance (WA)

Since 1 July 2005, only granted to women born on or before 1 July 1955.

Basic Rates

See Newstart Allowance rates. Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid.

Rent Assistance

See Chart F.

Income Test

See Chart D.

Assets Test

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

$ 1,103

Couple Income Cut-off Threshold pf

$ 1,013

Assets Test

See relevant allowance or pension type.

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 or B.

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.

Concession Cards, Supplements & Allowances

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.

Health Care Card (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.

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

$ 32.20

Max Single Supplement pf

$ 59.80

Min Partnered Supplement pf (each)

$ 24.30

Max Partnered Supplement pf (each)

$ 45.10

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)

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.

Seniors Supplement

From 20 Sep 2009 replaces Seniors Concession Allowance (SCA) and Telephone (TAL) for CSHC holders.

Single CSHC cardholders per year

$ 837.20

Partnered CSHC cardholders per year

$ 631.80

Paid quarterly - Dec, Mar, Jun and Sep. Non-Taxable.

Seniors Concession Allowance (SCA)

Replaced by Seniors Supplement Quarterly from 20 Sep 2009.

Annual Rate

$ 0.00

Telephone Allowance (TAL)

For CSHC holders, TAL replaced by Seniors Supplement Quarterly from 20 Sep 2009.

Basic Annual Rate

$ 100.80

or Home Internet Annual Rate

$ 151.20

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

$ 557.60

Pharmaceutical Allowance (PhA)

Pharmaceutical Allowance is automatically paid with most payments.

Single Rate per fortnight

$ 6.00

Couple Rate per fortnight each

$ 3.00

Illness Separated per fortnight each

$ 6.00

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

Chart A - Assets Test limits for Allowances and Full Pensions

Some allowances are not paid if assets exceed threshold. Transitional rates also use these thresholds.

Family Situation

Homeowner

Non Homeowner

Single

$ 186,750

$ 321,750

Couple

$ 265,000

$ 400,000

Illness Separated

$ 265,000

$ 400,000

One Partner Eligible

$ 265,000

$ 400,000

Payment Reduction

Reduction for every $1000 > threshold

$ 1.50

Chart B - Assets Test limits for Part Pensions

For part pension assets must be less than.

Family Situation

Homeowner

Non Homeowner

Single

$ 686,000

$ 821,000

Couple

$ 1,018,000

$ 1,153,000

Illness Separated

$ 1,263,500

$ 1,398,500

One Partner Eligible

$ 1,018,000

$ 1,153,000

Transitional

Homeowner

Non Homeowner

Single

$ 631,750

$ 766,750

Couple

$ 983,500

$ 1,118,500

Illness Separated

$ 1,155,000

$ 1,290,000

One Partner Eligible

$ 983,500

$ 1,118,500

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

$ 406,000

$ 541,000

18-20 years

$ 434,750

$ 569,750

Single-Independent

16-20 years

$ 523,250

$ 658,250

Couple

16-20 years

$ 934,000

$ 1,069,000

Payment Reduction

Reduction for every $1000 > threshold

$ 1.50

Chart C - Income Test for Pension

Family Situation

For full pension (pf) up to

For part pension (pf) less than

Single

$ 150.00

$ 1,647.60

Couple (combined)

$ 264.00

$ 2,522.00

Illness Separated (couple combined)

$ 264.00

$ 3,259.20

Transitional

Single

$ 150.00

$ 1,818.00

Couple (combined)

$ 264.00

$ 2,958.00

Illness Separated (couple combined)

$ 264.00

$ 3,600.00

Transitional Rules only apply for existing pensions that started prior to 20 Sep 2009.

Reduction Rates

Single

Couple

Pension payment is reduced for each $ over threshold at the following rates:

Normal Rules

0.50

0.25

Transitional Rules

0.40

0.20

Dependent Children

Additional income for each child

$ 24.60

Pharmaceutical Allowance included in Part Pension Income Cut-off limits.

Chart D(a) - Personal Income Test for Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY

Student or Apprentice

Full Allowance Income Threshold pf

$ 236.00

Reduction Rate over Threshold

0.50

Higher Reduction Threshold pf

$ 316.00

Higher Reduction Rate over Threshold

0.60

Job Seeker

Full Allowance Income Threshold pf

$ 62.00

Reduction Rate over Threshold

0.50

Higher Reduction Threshold pf

$ 250.00

Higher Reduction Rate over Threshold

0.60

Chart D - Income Test for NSA, WA, PA, SA, MAA

Family Situation

For full allowance (pf) up to

For part allowance (pf) less than

Single, no children

$ 62.00

$ 904.67

Single, age >=60

$ 62.00

$ 981.00

Single, dep. children

$ 62.00

$ 971.00

Partnered, each

$ 62.00

$ 825.67

Single, carer of child

$ 62.00

$ 1,162.50

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/Non-Taxable

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)

Non-Taxable

ABSTUDY Supplementary Benefits

Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme Allowances

Baby Bonus

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

$ 119.40

No Payment if fortnight Rent under

$ 106.20

Max Payment if fortnight Rent over

$ 265.40

Single, no children, sharer

Maximum Payment per fortnight

$ 79.60

No Payment if fortnight Rent under

$ 106.20

Max Payment if fortnight Rent over

$ 212.33

Couple, no children

Maximum Payment per fortnight

$ 112.60

No Payment if fortnight Rent under

$ 172.80

Max Payment if fortnight Rent over

$ 322.93

Couple Illness Separated, no children

Maximum Payment per fortnight

$ 119.40

No Payment if fortnight Rent under

$ 106.20

Max Payment if fortnight Rent over

$ 265.40

Couple Temporary Separated, no children

Maximum Payment per fortnight

$ 112.60

No Payment if fortnight Rent under

$ 106.20

Max Payment if fortnight Rent over

$ 256.33

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 $

44,600.00

Pensioner Couple Threshold $

74,400.00

Allowee Couple Threshold $ (each)

37,200.00