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.54 Maximum payment rate

Definition

The maximum payment rate is the sum of the maximum basic rate of pension, benefit, allowance or payment plus other supplementary payments, all of which are usually subject to means testing, before the application of any income test, assets test or parental income test on that sum.

The maximum payment rate includes any means testable supplementary payment/s such as:

pension supplement
energy supplement
rent assistance, and/or
pharmaceutical allowance

included in the relevant rate calculator. Each pension, benefit or allowance is calculated using one of the rate calculators in SSAct Chapter 3. Refer to the relevant rate calculator for specific details for each payment type.

Last reviewed: 20 September 2022

The Australian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our respects to the Elders both past and present.