Payments
Payment rates
Payment rates
These payment rates for Sickness Allowance are effective from 20 March 2012 and are a guide only.
| If you are | Maximum fortnightly payment |
|---|---|
| single, no children | $489.70 |
| single, with dependent child (or children) | $529.80 |
| single, aged 60 or over, after 9 continuous months on payment | $529.80 |
| partnered | $442.00 (each) |
Note: Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid.
Income and assets
Your income and assets are used to work out how much you can get paid.
Waiting periods
You are not usually paid for the first 7 days that you are eligible for Sickness Allowance. Other waiting periods can also apply.
Payment adjustments and reviews
Sickness Allowance is usually adjusted on 20 March and 20 September each year in line with the Consumer Price Index - that is, in line with increases in the costs of living.
Your Sickness Allowance is reviewed regularly. We may ask you to provide detailed information about your incapacity to work or have a Job Capacity Assessment.
More information
- A guide to Australian Government payments booklet
- Disability and Carer payment rates factsheet
- Factors that affect allowances and benefits
- Newly arrived resident's waiting period
- Waiting period for Sickness Allowance
- Sickness Allowance section
[ return to top ]