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.

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.
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
payment for a dependent child

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. 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
any withdrawals from, or returns paid, on a First Home Saver Account.
Reimbursement of expenses

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: