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.

3.4.7.90 PBS - how to determine a part year bonus period

Determining the period the work test was satisfied for a part bonus period

The delegate should first establish the part bonus period according to the date specified on the member's claim form, then work backwards from this date and establish when the member stopped passing the work test on a pro-rata basis. If the date when they stopped passing the work test is within 13 weeks of the claim, then payment is made for the period when the work test was met. The hours required each week to meet the work test, can be calculated using the following formula:

  • 960 divided by 365, multiplied by 7

The EXACT date must be established, as payment is made on the basis of all the days for which the work test is met.

Two-thirds of gainful work performed in Australia

In order to satisfy the work test, two-thirds of the pro-rated gainful work must be undertaken in Australia. The Secretary's discretion to treat work performed overseas as work undertaken in Australia may be exercised (3.4.7.60).

Example: This example uses a 1998 calendar for illustrative purposes only - this particular situation would not be possible before March 2002. Kim accrued 3 full year bonus periods on 6 March 1998. Kim continues to work as follows:

  • 10 weeks worked at 24 hours each week - until 15 May 1998, and
  • 3 weeks worked at 18.5 hours per week - until 5 June, and
  • 2 weeks worked at 10 hours per week - until 19 June, and
  • 5 hours each Monday after this.

Working backwards from 9 September when Kim claimed Age and the pension bonus, it is determined that he stopped passing the work test on 9 July 1998. He therefore is paid for 3 years and 125 days, as his claim for bonus was made within 13 weeks of the date the work test was last met. In fact, Kim had until 7 October to claim Age and the bonus, and still receive the final part year period.

The following table demonstrates how Kim's part year bonus period was worked out. It may be easier to print this table rather than view it online.

Week Ending Weeks Completed Hours Worked Hours Required Pass/Fail
13 Mar 1 24 18.4 Pass
20 Mar 2 48 36.8 Pass
27 Mar 3 72 55.2 Pass
3 Apr 4 96 73.6 Pass
10 Apr 5 120 92.1 Pass
17 Apr 6 144 110.5 Pass
24 Apr 7 168 128.9 Pass
1 May 8 192 147.3 Pass
8 May 9 216 165.7 Pass
15 May 10 240 184.1 Pass
22 May 11 258.5 202.5 Pass
29 May 12 277 220.9 Pass
5 Jun 13 295.5 239.3 Pass
12 Jun 14 305.5 257.8 Pass
19 Jun 15 315.5 276.2 Pass
26 Jun 16 320.5 294.6 Pass
3 Jul 17 325.5 313 Pass
10 Jul 18 330.5 331.4 Fail
17 Jul 19 335.5 349.8 Fail
24 Jul 20 340.5 368.2 Fail
31 Jul 21 345.5 386.6 Fail
7 Aug 22 350.0 405 Fail
14 Aug 23 355.5 423.5 Fail
21 Aug 24 360.5 441.9 Fail
28 Aug 25 365.5 460.3 Fail
4 Sep 26 370.5 478.7 Fail
11 Sep 27 375.5 497.1 Fail

Act reference: SSAct section 92V(2) For the purposes of this section, the pro-rated number of hours applicable …

Last reviewed: