The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

4.3 Ordinary income

Introduction

This chapter contains information on the types of ordinary income that affect a recipient's payments. Information on income that is exempt from assessment is also included.

Ordinary income means gross income, without any reduction, other than a deduction from business income under SSAct Division 1A.

The treatment of compensation falling within the definition of SSAct section 17(2) is found in 4.13.

Other specific types of income are covered in the chapters shown in the following table.

Type of income	Chapter
Income for family assistance payments	FA Guide 3.2
Business structures, trusts and primary producers	4.7
Superannuation and income streams	4.8 and 4.9
Deeming provisions	4.4

Act reference: SSAct section 8(1)-'income amount', section 1072 General meaning of ordinary income

Policy reference: SS Guide 4.7 Business Structures, Primary Production & pre-01/01/2002 Assessment of Trusts & Private Companies

Last reviewed: 21 March 2022

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