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.

1.1.M.21 Maintenance income free area (FTB)

Definition

The MIFA is the amount of maintenance income (1.1.M.10) that is disregarded for the purposes of the maintenance income test for FTB Part A worked out using Method 1. For the current annual MIFA amounts see 3.1.1.20.

The MIFA varies, depending on:

  • whether the individual is single or has a partner (1.1.P.30)
  • whether the individual and/or their partner is entitled to apply for child maintenance, and
  • the number of FTB children for whom the individual and/or their partner is entitled to apply for child maintenance.

Note: In some situations eligible individuals may be able to utilise unused MIFA from past years to offset late child support payments (3.1.7.05).

Act reference: FAAct Schedule 1 clause 22 How to calculate an individual's maintenance income free area, Schedule 1 clause 23 Only maintenance actually received taken into account in applying clause 22

Policy reference: FA Guide 3.1.1.20 Current FTB rates & income test amounts, 3.1.7 Maintenance income test, 3.1.7.05 Maintenance income credit

Last reviewed: