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.

4.10.1.50 Historical employment amount (permissible child earnings) - January 1990 to present date

Employment amount (permissible child earnings)

If a child under 16 years is not in full-time education and earns more than the 'employment amount', they are not considered to be a dependent. This employment amount was introduced from 1 January 1990 and is indexed each January.

The following table shows the employment amounts in dollars per week (pw), from January 1990 to present date.

Date Maximum child income ($ pw)
January 1990 100.00
January 1991 107.70
January 1992 111.35
January 1993 112.70
January 1994 114.85
January 1995 116.80
January 1996 122.05
January 1997 125.85
January 1998 126.25
January 1999 127.15
January 2000 128.55
January 2001 132.65
January 2002 140.60
January 2003 144.55
January 2004 148.45
January 2005 152.15
January 2006 155.95
January 2007 162.20
January 2008 165.60
January 2009 173.05
January 2010 175.65
January 2011 181.10
January 2012 187.60
January 2013 189.85
January 2014 194.40
January 2015 200.25
January 2016 203.25
January 2017 205.30
January 2018 209.20
January 2019 213.60
January 2020 217.00
January 2021 217.00
January 2022 224.60
January 2023 238.30
January 2024 252.60

Act reference: SSAct section 5(2) to (3), (6) to (8A)-'dependent child', section 8(1)-'income'

Last reviewed: