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.

5.1.7.20 PhA - current rates

Indexation (1.1.I.100)

PhA rates are indexed to changes in the CPI. The effective date of indexation is 1 January each year using the annual CPI increase to the previous September.

Current rates

This table shows the current rate of PhA per fortnight (pf).

Family circumstance Rate ($ pf)
Single 6.80
Partnered (each eligible member of a couple) 3.40
Partnered - illness separated couple (1.1.I.04), respite care couple (1.1.R.240), or partner imprisoned (1.1.P.85) 6.80

Broken periods of payment

If PhA payment is being made for periods of less than one week, the allowance is one-fourteenth of the fortnightly rate for each day in the entitlement period.

Timing of payments

Payments are made fortnightly in arrears.

PhA payability

A number of changes to PhA payability came into effect from 20 September 2009 as a result of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform Package.

SSAct Chapter 3 details the general provisions relating to payability and rates. Refer also to 3.8.2.

Act reference: SSAct section 1189 Analysis of Part, section 1190 Indexed and adjusted amounts, section 1191 CPI Indexation Table, section 1192 Indexation of amounts, section 1193 Indexation factor, section 1194 Rounding off indexed amounts, Chapter 3 General provisions relating to payability and rates

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.2.7.20 Pharmaceutical allowance (PhA) - description, 3.8.2 PhA - qualification & payability, 5.4.3 PhA advance payment, 3.12.1 Pension supplement - qualification & payability

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