Where a member of a couple enters aged care, only half the income of the couple that is in excess of the income free area is assessed to determine the fees of the member entering aged care.

Where a person who is a member of a couple is in aged care, the partnered income free area of $176 combined per fortnight applies.

For example, if a couple have a combined income of $376, the excess income of the couple is $200 per fortnight ($376 less $176).  If one member of the couple enters aged care, he or she would be assessed as having excess income of $100 per fortnight.