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.

3.4.3.20 Payability of WA

Note: WA ceased on 1 January 2022. The following information is for historical purposes only.

Summary

Even though an applicant is qualified, WA is NOT payable to the person in the circumstances listed in the following table. If more detail about the circumstance is required, the second column indicates where you will find this.

Circumstances More detail
WA is NOT payable
The person does not pass the income or assets test. 4.2.2 Benefits income test & limits

4.2.3 Pensions & benefits assets tests
The person is serving an SWPP (1.1.S.455). This topic

3.1.7 Seasonal work preclusion period
WA is not payable before the start day. 8.3 Start days
All the general payability provisions. 3.1.6 General payability provisions

Multiple entitlement exclusion

WA is not payable to a person who is already receiving:

  • a social security pension, allowance or benefit
  • a DVA service pension
  • benefits under a prescribed educational scheme (1.1.P.370), OR
  • benefits under a Commonwealth funded employment program.

Act reference: SSAct pre-1 January 2022 section 408CF Multiple entitlement exclusion

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.1.6 General payability provisions

Employment income nil rate period - an incentive to take up work

A WA recipient who loses payment because of ordinary income (1.1.O.30), made up entirely or partly of employment income (1.1.E.102), may qualify for an employment income nil rate period. To assess qualification for an employment income nil rate period (3.1.12).

During the employment income nil rate period a WA recipient can:

  • be paid certain supplementary benefits
  • retain their HCC or PCC, and
  • have their payment resumed if they report a fall in income sufficient for WA to be payable again.

Explanation: This policy provides incentives for WA recipients to take up work, particularly casual or short-term work.

Act reference: SSAct section 23(4A) Despite subsection (4) …, section 23(4AA) For the purposes of subsection (4A) …, section 1061ZEA Further extended qualification rule: loss of payment because of employment income, section 1061ZMA Further extended qualification rule: loss of payment because of employment income

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.1.12 Employment income nil rate period, 3.9.1.10 Qualification for HCC - automatic issue, 3.9.2.30 PCC extension rules

Last reviewed: