5.5.1.20 Pensioner couple, no children
Method used prior to 20 September 2009
This example shows the basic rate calculation using Pension Rate Calculator A. The pensioner couple have a combined rate of ordinary income (1.1.O.30) of $6,448.00 a year. For pension assessment purposes, income is split equally between each member of a couple.
The following table shows the steps involved in the basic rate calculation. The rates used applied at 20 September 2000. Current rates can be found in the A guide to Australian Government payments booklet on the Services Australia website.
Step | Action | Partner 1 $ | Partner 2 $ |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Determine the maximum payment rate: RESULT: MAXIMUM BASIC RATE |
8,551.40 72.80 8,624.20 |
8,551.40 72.80 8,624.20 |
2 |
Determine the income reduction using Module E:
RESULT: ORDINARY INCOME EXCESS |
3,224.00 2,444.00 780.00 |
3,224.00 2,444.00 780.00 |
3 |
Determine 40% of the ordinary income excess (refer to Explanation below) RESULT: TOTAL INCOME DEDUCTION |
312.00 |
312.00 |
4 |
Subtract the total income deduction from the maximum payment rate:
RESULT: INCOME REDUCED RATE |
8,624.20 312.00 8,312.20 |
8,624.20 312.00 8,312.20 |
5 |
Divide the income reduced rate by 26 RESULT: FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENT RATE PER PERSON |
319.70 |
319.70 |
*The figures in Module B are modified by the factors in Module BA - Amount of Pension Supplement.
Explanation of Step 3: The pension income test prior to 20 September 2009 allowed for a 40 cents reduction for each dollar over the income free area, i.e. a 40% reduction rate. For a pensioner couple, each dollar of income is split equally between both members of the couple (as in step 2). This means that each dollar is split into 50 cents for each member of the couple, and the actual reduction for each member is 50 cents × 40% = 20 cents.
The total reduction for the couple is then 20 cents + 20 cents = 40 cents in total.
Act reference: SSAct section 9(1)-'pensioner couple', section 1064(1) Rate of age and disability support pensions and CP (people who are not blind)
SS(Admin)Act section 54 Rounding off instalments of social security payments