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5.2.1.30 Partnered unemployment & sickness benefit - November 1984 to present date

Summary

These rates also applied to JSP, NSA, SA and PA as they were introduced or replaced former payments.

This topic contains the following 2 rates tables:

Table Number Explanation
1 Partnered unemployment benefit & sickness benefit - November 1984 to present date
2 Additional benefit for partner - November 1984 to September 1993

Table 1: Partnered unemployment benefit & sickness benefit - November 1984 to present date

This table shows the rates in dollars per week (pw). From 20 March 2020, rates are in dollars per fortnight (pf).

Date Rate ($ pw)
01/11/1984 76.65
01/05/1985 78.65
01/11/1985 81.65
01/05/1986 85.15
01/11/1986 85.15
15/12/1986 88.55
01/01/1987 88.55
13/06/1987 93.50
13/12/1987 96.75
13/06/1988 100.05
13/12/1988 103.55
13/06/1989 107.70
15/11/1989 111.35
18/04/1990 117.70
20/09/1990 121.60 Note A
20/03/1991 125.75
20/03/1992 127.65 Note B
20/09/1992 127.65
28/01/1993 130.15
20/09/1993 131.85
20/03/1994 132.65
20/09/1994 134.10 Note C
20/03/1995 136.00
20/09/1995 140.10
20/03/1996 142.90
20/09/1996 144.45
20/03/1997 145.05
20/09/1997 145.05
20/03/1998 145.05
20/09/1998 145.55
20/03/1999 146.90
20/09/1999 147.35
20/03/2000 149.55
01/07/2000 155.55
20/09/2000 158.20
20/03/2001 161.40
20/09/2001 164.45
20/03/2002 166.40
20/09/2002 169.05
20/03/2003 171.40
20/09/2003 173.65
20/03/2004 175.55
20/09/2004 178.00
20/03/2005 180.15
20/09/2005 182.50
20/03/2006 185.25
20/09/2006 189.90
20/03/2007 191.40
20/09/2007 193.90
20/03/2008 197.20
20/09/2008 202.70
20/03/2009 204.50
20/09/2009 205.75
20/03/2010 208.85
20/09/2010 212.00
20/03/2011 214.35
20/09/2011 219.70
20/03/2012 221.00
20/09/2012 222.35
20/03/2013 224.35 Note D
20/09/2013 226.15
20/03/2014 230.45
20/09/2014 232.75
20/03/2015 234.40
20/09/2015 236.30
20/03/2016 238.20
20/09/2016 238.70
20/03/2017 241.80
20/09/2017 243.25
20/03/2018 246.40
20/09/2018 248.35
20/03/2019 250.85
20/09/2019 252.35
Date Rate ($ pf)
From 20 March 2020, rates are in dollars per fortnight.
20/03/2020 510.80 Note E
20/09/2020 510.80 Note F
20/03/2021 515.40
01/04/2021 565.40 Note G
20/09/2021 573.30
20/03/2022 585.30
20/09/2022 608.70
20/03/2023 631.20
20/09/2023 686.00 Note H
20/03/2024 698.30

Notes for Table 1

Note Explanation
A Up to 20 September 1990 this was the maximum rate paid to married recipients regardless of age or number of children. From 20 September 1990 this rate is applicable where a married couple were both over 21 years or had a dependent child (1.1.D.70). For recipients under the age of 21 years without children the rate was restricted to an age based rate.
B Recipients granted with effect from 20 March 1992 (job search allowance (JSA), NSA, SA and SpB) and 26 March 1992 (pensions) with an ineligible partner paid at half married rate. Recipients with an ineligible partner imprisoned or in psychiatric confinement because he or she is charged with committing an offence still paid at the equivalent to single rate.
C From September 1994, dependent partners of JSA, NSA, SA and SpB recipients received PA paid directly to them.
D From 20 March 2013 an amount of ES may be payable in addition to this rate (5.1.10.20).
E

On 20 March 2020 NSA ceased and JSP was created.

SA closed to new entrants on 20 March 2020 and ceased on 20 September 2020.
F The rate for partnered recipients was not increased as CPI for the relevant indexation period was negative.
G On 1 April 2021, the MBRs of working age payments increased by $50.00 per fortnight. This was given effect by the Social Services Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Income Support) Act 2021.
H On 20 September 2023, the maximum basic rates of working age and student payments increased by $40.00 per fortnight. Indexation of relevant payments on 20 September 2023 was applied on top of the increase to maximum basic rates. This was given effect by the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Safety Net) Act 2023.

Table 2: Additional benefit for partner - November 1984 to September 1994

This table shows the rates in dollars per week.

Date Rate ($ pw)
01/11/1984 76.65
01/05/1985 78.65
01/11/1985 81.65
01/05/1986 85.15
01/11/1986 85.15
15/12/1986 88.55
01/01/1987 88.55
13/06/1987 93.50
13/12/1987 96.75
13/06/1988 100.05
13/12/1988 103.55
13/06/1989 107.70
15/11/1989 111.35
18/04/1990 117.70
20/09/1990 121.60 Note AA
20/03/1991 125.75
20/03/1992 127.65
20/09/1992 127.65
28/01/1993 130.15
20/09/1993 131.85
20/03/1994 132.65
20/09/1994 134.10 Note BB

Notes for Table 2

Note Explanation
AA From 20 September 1990 the only recipients who could attract this rate were partners who were over 21 years or had children.
BB From September 1994, dependent partners of JSA, NSA, SA and SpB recipients received PA paid directly to them. See Table 1.

Last reviewed: