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Income test for pensions

This income test is effective from 1 July 2009. This information applies to the following payments:

  • Age Pension
  • Disability Support Pension
  • Wife Pension
  • Bereavement Allowance
  • Widow 'B' Pension
  • Carer Payment (adult)
  • Carer Payment (child)
  • Parenting Payment - single parent
  • Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment

Please note: You are exempt from this income test if you are permanently blind and you get Age Pension or Disability Support Pension.

As of July 1 2009, changes to the definition of income mean that your assessable income for Centrelink and the Family Assistance Office will also include:

  • reportable superannuation contributions, and
  • total net losses from rental property or investment income.

You may need to provide additional information about your income to Centrelink or the Family Assistance Office.

Income test

If you are To get full payment your earnings per fortnight can be up to* To get part payment your earnings per fortnight need to be less than+#
Single** $142, plus $24.60 per child $1,581.50, plus $24.60 per child
A couple (combined income) $248, plus $24.60 per child $2,642.50, plus $24.60 per child
A couple but separated due to illness (combined income) $248, plus $24.60 per child $3,127, plus $24.60 per child

Note: the rate of payment is calculated under both the income and assets tests. The test that results in the lower rate (or nil rate) will apply.

* Income over these amounts reduces the rate of pension payable by 40 cents in the dollar (single), 20 cents in the dollar each (for couples).

** For Disability Support Pension, these limits apply if you are aged over 21 and/or have a dependent child. For under 21 assets/income limits see your local Centrelink Office.

+ Pharmaceutical Allowance is included.

# These figures may be higher if you also get Rent Assistance with your payment.


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