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.

8.4.1.50 Rounding

General rule

The general rule is social security payment instalments including part of a cent are rounded to the nearest cent. If the calculation of the instalment results in an amount ending in 0.5 of a cent or more it is rounded up. An instalment amount greater than nil, but less than $1.00 is rounded up to $1.00.

Examples:

$42.271 is rounded to $42.27
$84.996 is rounded to $85.00
$137.785 is rounded to $137.79
$0.47 is increased to $1.00
$0.002 is increased to $1.00

Act reference: SS(Admin)Act section 54 Rounding off instalments of social security payments

SSAct section 23(1)-'social security payment'

Pharmaceutical allowance

Where PhA is payable the minimum fortnightly instalment is the fortnightly instalment of PhA.

Explanation: An instalment is the amount determined by adding any additional components to the basic rate and then applying the income and assets tests.

Act reference: SS(Admin)Act section 43 Payment by instalments

Last reviewed: 6 November 2023

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