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3.1.7.50 Sample calculations - SWPP

Summary

This topic provides examples of the calculation of the SWPP.

Example 1: SWPP for a single recipient

Jason works from 3 March to 18 May 2026 on a fishing trawler, earning $28,400.00. He claims JSP on 20 May 2026. Jason will serve a SWPP of 3 weeks commencing on 20 May 2026. The SWPP for Jason is calculated as follows, using the relevant AWOTE (1.1.A.375) of $2,011.40:

StepAction
1AWOTE weeks: $28,400.00 divided by $2,011.40 = 14.12 weeks.
2Seasonal work weeks: 3/3/2026 to 18/5/2026 = 76 days divided by 7 = 10.86 weeks.
3Intervening weeks: 18/5/2026 to 20/5/2026 = 1 day divided by 7 = 0.14 weeks (calculated by counting the in-between days only).
4Self-supported weeks: 10.86 + 0.14 = 11.00 weeks.
5SWPP: 14.12 AWOTE weeks minus 11.00 self-supported weeks = 3.12 weeks rounded down to the nearest whole week.

Act reference: SSAct section 16A(5) Seasonal work preclusion periods

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.1.A.375 AWOTE, relevant AWOTE, AWOTE weeks, 1.1.W.15 Weeks: seasonal work, intervening & self-supported

Example 2: SWPP for a member of a couple

Peter is a shearer. He gets work, which runs from 10 March to 10 May 2026. At the completion of the work, Peter is paid $52,542.00. His wife, Lisa, was not working during this time. Both Peter and Lisa claim JSP on 20 May 2026. Peter will serve a 3 week SWPP commencing on 20 May 2026. The SWPP for Peter is calculated as follows, using the relevant AWOTE of $2,011.40:

StepAction
1Lisa's earnings from work during Peter's relevant periods of seasonal work were zero.
2Couple's combined earnings: $52,542.00 plus $0.00 = $52,542.00.
3AWOTE weeks for the couple: $52,542.00 divided by (2 × $2,011.40) = 13.06 AWOTE weeks.
4Peter's seasonal work weeks: 10/3/2026 to 10/5/2026 = 61 days divided by 7 = 8.71 weeks.
5Peter's intervening weeks: 10/5/2026 to 20/5/2026 = 9 days divided by 7 = 1.29 week. (Calculated by counting the in-between days only).
6Self-supported weeks: 8.71 (seasonal work weeks) plus 1.29 (intervening week) = 10.00 weeks.
7SWPP: 13.06 AWOTE weeks minus 10.00 self-supported weeks = 3.06 weeks rounded down to the nearest whole week.

The above SWPP is applied to both Peter and Lisa as part of their claim for JSP.

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