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3.1.7.50 Sample calculations - SWPP

Summary

This topic provides examples of the calculation of the SWPP.

Example 1: SWPP for a single recipient

Jason works from 4 September to 18 November 2023 on a fishing trawler, earning $25,873.00. He claims JSP on 20 November 2023. Jason will serve a SWPP of 3 weeks commencing on 20 November 2023. The SWPP for Jason is calculated as follows, using the relevant AWOTE (1.1.A.375) of $1,769.80:

Step Action
1 AWOTE weeks: $25,873.00 divided by $1,769.80 = 14.62 weeks.
2 Seasonal work weeks: 4/9/2023 to 18/11/2023 = 76 days divided by 7 = 10.86 weeks.
3 Intervening weeks: 18/11/2023 to 20/11/2023 = 1 day divided by 7 = 0.14 weeks (calculated by counting the in-between days only).
4 Self-supported weeks: 10.86 + 0.14 = 11.00 weeks.
5 SWPP: 14.62 AWOTE weeks minus 11.00 self-supported weeks = 3.62 weeks rounded down to the nearest whole week.

Act reference: SSAct section 16A(5) Seasonal work preclusion periods

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.1.A.375 AWOTE, relevant AWOTE, AWOTE weeks, 1.1.W.15 Weeks: seasonal work, intervening & self-supported

Example 2: SWPP for a member of a couple

Peter is a shearer. He gets work, which runs from 11 September to 10 November 2023. At the completion of the work, Peter is paid $48,300.00. His wife, Lisa, was not working during this time. Both Peter and Lisa claim JSP on 20 November 2023. Peter will serve a 3 week SWPP commencing on 20 November 2023. The SWPP for Peter is calculated as follows, using the relevant AWOTE of $1,769.80:

Step Action
1 Lisa's earnings from work during the recipient's relevant periods of seasonal work were zero.
2 Couple's combined earnings: $48,300.00 plus $0.00 = $48,300.00.
3 AWOTE weeks for the couple: $48,300.00 divided by (2 × $1,769.80) = 13.65 AWOTE weeks.
4 Recipient's seasonal work weeks: 11/9/2023 to 10/11/2023 = 61 days divided by 7 = 8.71 weeks.
5 Recipient's intervening weeks: 10/11/2023 to 20/11/2023 = 9 days divided by 7 = 1.29 week. (Calculated by counting the in-between days only).
6 Self-supported weeks: 8.71 (seasonal work weeks) plus 1.29 (intervening week) = 10.00 weeks.
7 SWPP: 13.65 AWOTE weeks minus 10.00 self-supported weeks = 3.65 weeks rounded down to the nearest whole week.

As Lisa was not a seasonal worker, but Peter is, her SWPP is calculated using another method statement.

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