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.

5.5.2.40 Single person aged under 22 years, no dependents, income $250 & under per fortnight

Summary

This topic shows the basic rate calculation using the YA Calculator. The recipient is a job seeker under 22 years, living away from home in shared housing, independent, in receipt of the maximum single sharer rate of Commonwealth RA and has income per fortnight of:

  • $180.00 from employment, and
  • $10.00 from investments.

The following table shows the steps involved in the basic rate calculation. The rates and income test parameters used apply from 1 January 2025 and are shown in dollars per fortnight. Current rates can be found in the A guide to Australian Government payments booklet on the Services Australia website.

StepAction$
1

Determine recipient's ordinary income (1.1.O.30):

  • Assessable employment income
  • Add any other income
    = $180.00 + $10.00
    = $190.00

RESULT: RECIPIENT'S ORDINARY INCOME

 

180.00
10.00

 

190.00

2

Apply the personal income test to this amount:

  • For income between $150.00 and $250.00, multiply by 0.5
    = ($190.00 − $150.00) × 0.5
    = $40.00 × 0.5
    = $20.00

RESULT: INCOME REDUCTION

 

 

 

 

20.00

3

Determine the maximum payment rate:

  • Locate the maximum single rate
  • Add the maximum rate of RA for a single sharer
  • Add the applicable rate of ES
    = $663.30 + $140.80 + $7.00
    = $811.10

RESULT: MAXIMUM PAYMENT RATE

 

663.30
140.80
7.00

   

811.10

4

Subtract the income reduction from the maximum payment rate:

  • Maximum payment rate
  • Less income reduction
    = $811.10 - $20.00
    = $791.10

RESULT: RATE OF ALLOWANCE

 

811.10
20.00

   

791.10

Note: If the recipient is eligible for any other rate add-ons, for example, PhA, APWS, these amounts will be added to the maximum payment rate determined at step 3.

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.15.2 ES - qualification & payability

Last reviewed: