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