You are here:

• Home > 
• Factors > 
• Exempt Income

Exempt Income:

What is exempt income?

Under the income test, exempt income is income that is not included when working out the rate of payment you receive.

What income is not assessed under the income test?

Examples of exempt income include:

• a rent subsidy paid by the Commonwealth, a state or a territory
• most payments made by Centrelink on behalf of other government departments.
  Please Note: these payments may be income for the Family Tax Benefit Income Test.
• compensation for loss of, or damage to, building, plant and personal effects
• returns from superannuation investments for all customers under Age Pension age
• payment for a dependent child

Please Note: child support payments may impact on the amount of Family Tax Benefit Part A that can be paid.
• Pensioner Education Supplement and Education Entry Payment if you are receiving a pension, allowance or benefit
• Carer Allowance
• the value of any free board and lodging you receive
• a periodic payment from an immediate relative, that is father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister. Please Note: this applies only if you are receiving a pension.
• emergency relief or similar assistance
• any restitution payments you receive because you were the victim of National Socialist persecution
• payment under the Handicapped Persons Assistance Act 1974.

[ return to top ]

How do I find out more information?

The Income and Assets Tests Table provides information regarding the income or assets tests for the payments provided by Centrelink.

For more information on exempt income, contact your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

[ return to top ]