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.

5.5.2.60 Single person 22 years & over, no dependents, partial capacity to work 0 to 14 hours per week, income $256 & under per fortnight

Summary

This topic shows the basic rate calculation using Benefit Rate Calculator B for a single JSP recipient assessed as having a partial capacity to work of 0 to 14 hours per week. The recipient has income of $160 per fortnight and is in private rental accommodation (not shared).

The following table shows the steps involved in the basic rate calculation. The rates and income test parameters used applied at 20 September 2024 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.

Step Action $
1 Determine recipient's ordinary income (1.1.O.30) 160.00
2 Apply the personal income test to this amount:
  • For income between $150.00 and $256.00, multiply by 0.5
    = ($160.00 − $150.00) × 0.5
    = $10.00 × 0.5
    = $5.00

RESULT: INCOME REDUCTION

 

 

 

5.00

3 Determine the maximum payment rate:
  • Locate the single partial capacity to work (0 to 14 hours) rate
  • Add the applicable rate of ES
  • Add the applicable rate of PhA
  • Add the applicable rate of RA

RESULT: MAXIMUM PAYMENT RATE

833.20

9.50

6.80

211.20

1,060.70

4 Subtract the income reduction from the maximum payment rate:
  • Maximum payment rate
  • Income reduction

RESULT: RATE OF ALLOWANCE

1,060.70

5.00

1,055.70

Note: On 20 September 2024, the higher rate of JSP and the higher rate of ES was extended to single recipients assessed as having a partial capacity to work of 0 to 14 hours per week. Indexation on 20 September 2024 was also applied. This was given effect by the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (More Support in the Safety Net) Act 2024.

Note: This applies to working out the rate of a person’s JSP, for days occurring on or after 20 September 2024. It applies when a person has been assessed by a health or allied health professional as having a partial capacity to work of 0 to 14 hours per week, and from the date the assessment is accepted by the Secretary.

Example: Enzo lodges a JSP claim with evidence of a permanent medical condition. Enzo is referred for an ESAt (1.1.E.104) and is assessed as having a partial capacity to work of 0 to 7 hours per week. The ESAt is accepted by the Centrelink decision maker on 30 September 2024. The single partial capacity to work (0 to 14 hours) rate applies from the assessment acceptance date of 30 September 2024 (subject to any waiting periods).

Act reference: SSAct section 1068 Rate of JSP, section 1068-B1AA Partial capacity to work—less than 15 hours per week

Policy reference: SS Guide 5.1.8.20 Common benefit rates, 3.8.2.10 PhA - qualification & payability, 3.15.2 ES - qualification & payability, 3.8.1 RA - qualification & payability

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