This chapter contains information on the process of calculating an individual's rate of service pension and income support supplement (ISS), including details of the adjustments that may be applied to a person's assessed rate of pension. It also outlines the deductions that can be made from the amount of pension payable.
See Also
Income and Assets Test Principles
Chapter 3.3 Service Pension and Income Support Supplement Payability [2]
Chapter 9.2 Residential Situation [3]
Chapter 9.3 Marital Status [4]
Chapter 9.5 Deeming Provisions [6]
Chapter 9.6 Deprivation of Income and Assets [7]
Chapter 9.7 Statutory Increases [8]
Chapter 10.1 Ordinary Income [9]
Chapter 10.2 Assets [10]
Chapter 10.3 Business Structures and Trusts [11]
Chapter 10.4 Superannuation Funds [12]
Chapter 10.5 Income Streams [13]
Chapter 10.6 Maintenance Income [14]
Chapter 11.1 Income Support Effective Dates and Pension Periods [15]
A person's rate of service pension [17] or ISS [17] is based on a number of factors, including:
(Note: service pension assesses ordinary income, whilst ISS assesses adjusted income)
and whether the pensioner:
The rate of service pension may also be affected by whether the pensioner is a war widow/widower-pensioner [17].
More ? [18]
Unless a person is permanently blind, the amount of service pension or ISS payable to a person depends on their income and assets. If the person is a member of a couple [17], their pension is calculated using 50% of the combined income and assets of the couple, regardless of which member of the couple actually receives the income or owns the assets.
More ? [19]
From 20 September 2009, the income test taper rate increased from 40 cents to 50 cents per fortnight (from 20 cents to 25 cents each for couples). The additional income free area for dependent children was also removed and no longer forms part of the calculation of a person's income free area.
The entitlements of existing pensioners whose pension would be reduced because of the income test changes, will be paid under the transitional rules. The transitional rules will ensure that these pensioners stay on the 40 cents taper and have access to the additional child income free area (if applicable) until such time as the standard rules provide a higher rate of pension.
When pensioners move from the transitional rules to the standard assessment rules, they cannot return to the transitional rules even when their circumstances change and they would again be better off under the transitional rules. The only exception is temporary assessment as a respite care couple.
More ? [20]
The rate of service pension and ISS is calculated on an annual basis, converted to a daily amount, and then paid in fortnightly instalments. The amount payable on a pension payday [17] is the total amount payable for the days in the pension period [17] during which the pension was payable.
Once the pension rate has been assessed, a number of minor adjustments may be made to the rate. The amount payable may also be reduced because of advance payments or overpayments.
More ? [21]
There is a specific order of reduction set out in the VEA [17]. This is so the taxable component of service pension or ISS is reduced by the income or assets test (or the maintenance income [17] test in the case of saved children [17]) prior to any of the non-taxable allowances. The order of reduction of payments depends on the:
A service pension is an income support payment broadly equivalent to the social security age and disability support pensions. It may be paid once a veteran or partner has reached the nominated age or is incapacitated for work.
ISS is an income support payment that may be paid to eligible war widows and widowers under the VEA and persons receiving wholly dependent partners' compensation under the MRCA, and who satisfy the means tests. It is an indexed rate, increased twice-yearly in March and September in line with changes to the cost of living and/or average wages. Income Support Supplement (ISS) legislation commenced on 20 March 1995. It is a payment created to replace the ceiling rate income support age, carer, wife and disability support pensions, paid to war widows/widowers by Centrelink.
According to section 5H of the VEA [33] income is:
An asset means any property, including property outside Australia.
A person's 'partner' is someone who is a member of a couple with that person.
Section 5F(1) of the VEA defines dependent child as having the same meaning as in the Social Security Act 1991. For income support purposes, dependent child is defined as:
Child under 16 years
A child under 16 years cannot be considered a dependent child if:
Child 16 years or older
A young person who has turned 16 years but is under 22 years can still be a dependent child of the pensioner if:
A child over 16 years cannot be considered a dependent child if:
Income includes earning from casual, part-time or full-time earnings.
Note: the meaning of a dependent child for DVA income support pension purposes is not the same as the meaning for Family Tax Benefit purposes.
A remote area is defined as one of the following:
-Macquarie Island,
-Norfolk Island,
-The Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands,
-The Australian Antarctic Territory,
-The Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands,
-The Territory of Christmas Island, and
-Lord Howe Island,
A person may be regarded as permanently blind in both eyes where:
The Commission Guideline CM5829: Determining 'permanently blind', 'no useful sight' and 'blinded in both eyes' [37]may be instructive in making a blinded/blindness determination.
War widow/widower — pensioner means a person who is receiving a war widow's/widower's pension [17] from the Australian Government.
According to Section 5E(2) [38]of the VEA [38]a person is a member of a couple, if they are:
The term “partnered” is also commonly used.
Commencing from the Thursday falling on 11 July 1991, DVA pension payday falls on each succeeding alternate Thursday. Refer to the fact sheet IS144 [39]Pension Paydays, Allowance Payment Dates & Pension Periods [39]for a listing of these days.
According to subsection 5Q(1) (b), of the VEA a pension period is a period of two weeks that starts two days before a payday (i.e. Tuesday) and ends two days before the next payday (i.e. close of business Monday).
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986.
According to subsection 5K(1) of the VEA [38], maintenance income in relation to a person, means:
but does not include disability expenses maintenance.
From 1 January 1998 responsibility for administration of most income support child related payments was transferred to Centrelink [17]. However, saving provisions allow any person in receipt of service pension [17] or income support supplement [17] on 31 December 1997 who would be or is financially disadvantaged by the transfer to continue having their child related payments paid by DVA [17]. Saved children are assessed under the rules contained in the VEA as at 31 December 1997.
This section explains the assessment process and how pension rates are determined.
Last amended: 21 September 2009
SCH6-A1(2) [43] of VEA
Last amended: 5 March 2013
VEA → [45]
The following table shows the steps involved in the overall service pension rate calculation process for a person who is:
Step | Action |
1 | Determine the person's maximum basic rate of service pension. VEA → [46]
|
1A | Work out the amount of pension supplement VEA → [47]
|
1B | Determine the amount of energy supplement [17] |
2 | Determine the amount per year (if any) of rent assistance. More → [48]
|
4 | Add the amounts from steps 1, 1A, 1B and 2 to give the maximum payment rate. |
5 | Calculate any reduction for ordinary income [17]. More → [49]
|
6 | Deduct income reduction from the maximum payment rate to give the income reduced rate. |
7 | Calculate any reduction for assets. More → [50]
|
8 | Deduct assets reduction from the maximum payment rate to give the assets reduced rate. |
9 | Compare the income reduced rate and the assets reduced rate: the lower of the two rates is the provisional payment rate. (If the two rates are equal, the income reduced rate is used). |
10 | Determine the amount per year (if any) of remote area allowance [17]. More → [51]
|
11 | Add any amount obtained in step 10 to the provisional payment rate. The result is the person's rate of service pension. |
Note: current rates are found in the Reference Library.
More → [52]
The above rate calculation process is the standard process for service pensioners.
VEA → [53]
Transitional arrangements protect pensioners who were in payment immediately before 20 September 2009 and whose pension would be reduced under the standard rules [17]. The process for the calculation of pension in these cases is:
The provisional payment rate calculated under the transitional arrangements applies until such time as the standard rules provide a higher rate of pension.
This is for historical reference only.
VEA → [55]
Where a person has saved children [17], the steps set out above for service pension calculation are modified, as follows:
Since 1 January 1998, it has not been possible for any new dependent child to be a saved child [17], unless the claim was lodged on or before 31 December 1997.
Prior to 1 October 1995, if a pensioner's partner was not in receipt of a pension or benefit, the non-partnered maximum basic rate was used to calculate their pension. After that date, the pension of a person with a non-pensioner partner was calculated using the partnered rate.
VEA → [60]
A savings provision protected those partnered pensioners whose pensions were, immediately before 1 October 1995, calculated using the non-partnered maximum basic rate. The effect on the calculation of pension in these cases is:
When the saved rate of pension equals the rate that would apply if the pensioner were assessed at the partnered rate, the savings provision cease to apply and the assessment reverts to a normal partnered assessment.
Circumstances in which the partner would not be receiving a pension are:
The table below lists service pension rate calculation processes used for other pensioners, and provides a link to the relevant calculators in the VEA.
To calculate the rate of service pension for a person who is... | click on the corresponding icon below. |
| VEA → [61]
|
Both:
| VEA → [62]
|
| VEA → [63]
|
Saving provisions applicable to the amendments relating to amounts in respect of children
Schedule 5, Clause 10 [82] of VEA
Saving provisions applicable to certain people who cease to be service pensioners on 1 January 1998
Schedule 5, Clause 11 [83] of VEA
A person may be regarded as permanently blind in both eyes where:
The Commission Guideline CM5829: Determining 'permanently blind', 'no useful sight' and 'blinded in both eyes' [37]may be instructive in making a blinded/blindness determination.
War widow/widower — pensioner means a person who is receiving a war widow's/widower's pension [17] from the Australian Government.
The energy supplement is a fortnightly or quarterly payment designed to help recipients meet the cost of electricity and gas bills.
The ordinary income of a person for a period means, as described in section 46 of VEA [38], the gross ordinary income from all sources for that period without any reduction, other than a reduction of business income.
Remote area allowance is a supplementary payment added to the rate of income support pension where the pensioner's usual place of residence is situated in a remote area, and where the pensioner is physically present in the remote area.
Rules introduced as part of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reforms that came into effect on 20 September 2009. For income and assets test purposes the changes include:
From 1 January 1998 responsibility for administration of most income support child related payments was transferred to Centrelink [17]. However, saving provisions allow any person in receipt of service pension [17] or income support supplement [17] on 31 December 1997 who would be or is financially disadvantaged by the transfer to continue having their child related payments paid by DVA [17]. Saved children are assessed under the rules contained in the VEA as at 31 December 1997.
Dependent child add-on is an amount which is included in a person's service pension or ISS [17] where that person has saved children [17].
Section 5F(1) of the VEA defines dependent child as having the same meaning as in the Social Security Act 1991. For income support purposes, dependent child is defined as:
Child under 16 years
A child under 16 years cannot be considered a dependent child if:
Child 16 years or older
A young person who has turned 16 years but is under 22 years can still be a dependent child of the pensioner if:
A child over 16 years cannot be considered a dependent child if:
Income includes earning from casual, part-time or full-time earnings.
Note: the meaning of a dependent child for DVA income support pension purposes is not the same as the meaning for Family Tax Benefit purposes.
Guardian allowance is included in the calculation of a person's service pension or ISS [17] where that person has a saved child and where that person is either not a member of a couple [17] or is a illness separated couple [17] or respite care couple. [17]
Rent Assistance is an allowance which may be paid to a service pensioner, income support supplement (ISS) or veteran payment recipient to assist in meeting the cost of rental accommodation.
To receive rent assistance a pensioner must be paying rent (other than Government rent) for accommodation in Australia, and the amount paid must exceed a certain threshold.
Disability compensation payment (known before 2022 as disability pension), for the purposes of service pension, income support supplement and veteran payment, means:
Please note that the Disability Compensation Payment is legally a pension by way of compensation under the VEA so that concessional benefits under state, territory and local government legislation to pensioners/pensions under the VEA are not denied.
From 1 January 1998 responsibility for administration of most income support child related payments was transferred to Centrelink [17]. However, saving provisions allow any person in receipt of service pension [17] or income support supplement [17] on 31 December 1997 who would be or is financially disadvantaged by the transfer to continue having their child related payments paid by DVA [17]. Saved children are assessed under the rules contained in the VEA as at 31 December 1997.
Indexation is the action of adjusting pension and allowance rates, limits and thresholds to maintain their value against increases in the cost of living and average earnings.
ISS is an income support payment that may be paid to eligible war widows and widowers under the VEA and persons receiving wholly dependent partners' compensation under the MRCA, and who satisfy the means tests. It is an indexed rate, increased twice-yearly in March and September in line with changes to the cost of living and/or average wages. Income Support Supplement (ISS) legislation commenced on 20 March 1995. It is a payment created to replace the ceiling rate income support age, carer, wife and disability support pensions, paid to war widows/widowers by Centrelink.
VEA ? [94]
A war widow/widower-pensioner [17] may be paid age or invalidity service pension [17] if they are also a veteran [17] with qualifying service [17]. In these cases the rate of service pension is:
To determine the rate of service pension applicable to a non-blinded war widow/widower-pensioner, the rate of pension which would apply if the person was not a war widow/widower-pensioner is calculated and then compared to the ceiling rate (plus any rent assistance and remote area allowance payable). The rate of pension is the lower of these two amounts.
If the war widow/widower-pensioner is blind, the rate of service pension is not subject to the income and assets tests. The ceiling rate (plus any rent assistance and remote area allowance if applicable) automatically applies. The partner of a blind pensioner is not exempt from the income and assets tests.
War widow/widower — pensioner means a person who is receiving a war widow's/widower's pension [17] from the Australian Government.
A service pension is an income support payment broadly equivalent to the social security age and disability support pensions. It may be paid once a veteran or partner has reached the nominated age or is incapacitated for work.
For the purposes of Part VI of the VEA [99], a reference to a veteran is taken to be a reference to:
For the purposes of Part VII of the VEA [99], according to subsection 5C(1), veteran means a person (including a deceased person):
Qualifying service is one of the criteria used to determine eligibility for certain benefits under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986. Refer to section 7A of the VEA [99] for the full defintion.
According to section 5H of the VEA [33] income is:
One element of the means test for income support pensions whereby the rate of pension payable to a pensioner reduces progressively as their assets increase above a certain threshold known as the assets value limit (AVL). [100]
Last amended: 09 September 2021
VEA → [102]
In determining the rate of income support supplement [17] applicable to non-blinded war widow/widower-pensioners [17], two separate tests are applied:
For the adjusted income test, the total adjusted income [17] is compared to the ordinary/adjusted income free area [17]. The adjusted income free area for a person who is not a member of a couple [17] differs from that for a person who is a member of a couple [17]. It may also be increased if there are dependent children [17] and the pensioner is on transitional rates.
For the assets test, the value of the person's assets is compared to the assets value limit [17] which varies according to whether the person is a member of a couple and whether the person is a homeowner [17]. The resulting rates are compared to the ceiling rate [17] plus any rent assistance payable. Whichever is the lowest (the income reduced rate if all 3 are the same) is added to any remote area allowance [17] payable. The result is the rate of income support supplement.
More → [103]
VEA → [104]
The rate of ISS [17] for blinded [17] ISS recipients is the ceiling rate [17], free of the income and assets tests. However, any rent assistance payable can be reduced by the disability income rent test [17]. Any rent assistance or remote area allowance payable is added to the ceiling rate.
Income support payments received by the partner [17] of a blind pensioner are not exempt from the income and assets tests.
Whether an ISS recipient has a dependent child or an FTB child [17] can affect:
More → [105]
VEA → [106]
The same ceiling rate applies regardless of whether the ISS recipient is paid under the standard rules [17] or the transitional rules [17] The ceiling rate may be increased if the war widows pension paid under Part II or Part IV of the VEA is compensation reduced. The increased ceiling rate is the sum of the normal ceiling rate and the amount of the reduction in the war widows pension. This increased ceiling rate is used in the overall calculation process to be compared against the income reduced rate and assets reduced rate.
Note: Service pensions payable to war widow/widower-pensioners is subject to the ceiling rate as outlined above.
ISS may be paid at less than ceiling rate under the income and assets tests. Any income/asset reduction will be applied to the relevant (transitional or standard) maximum rate. The level of adjusted income at which ISS reduces below the ceiling rate and ceases are different for transitional rules and standard rules because of the different income test taper rates and different maximum rates. Similarly, there are different levels of assets at which ISS reduces and ceases under transitional rules and standard rules because of the different maximum rates.
VEA → [107]
The following table shows the steps involved in the overall rate calculation for income support supplement for a non blinded person.
Step | Action |
1 | Determine the person's maximum basic rate [17]. VEA → [108]
|
1A | Work out the amount of pension supplement. VEA → [109]
|
2 | Determine the amount per year (if any) of rent assistance. More → [110]
|
3 | Add steps 1, 1A, and 2 to obtain the person's maximum payment rate. |
4 | Apply the adjusted income test [17] to work out any reduction for income [17]. More → [111]
|
5 | Take the reduction for adjusted income [17] (if any) away from the maximum payment rate. The result is called the income reduced rate. |
6 | Apply the assets test [17] to work out any reduction for assets [17]. More → [112]
|
7 | Take the reduction for assets (if any) away from the maximum payment rate. The result is called the assets reduced rate. |
8 | Work out the person's ceiling rate [17]. VEA → [113]
|
9 | Add:
The result is called the increased rate. |
10 | Compare the:
The person's provisional payment rate is equal to the lowest of these rates, or the income reduced rate if the three rates are equal. |
11 | Work out the amount per year (if any) of remote area allowance [17] payable to the person. More → [114]
|
12 | Add any amount obtained in step 11 to the provisional payment rate. The result is the person's rate of income support supplement. |
Note: current rates are found in the Reference Library.
More → [115]
War widow/ers are not paid the pension supplement as a separate payment. Instead, the payments that make up the pension supplement are incorporated into war widow/ers pension and the ISS ceiling rate.
VEA → [116]
Transitional arrangements protect pensioners who were in payment before 20 September 2009 and whose pension would be reduced under the standard rules. The process for the calculation of pension in these cases is:
The provisional payment rate calculated under the transitional arrangements applies until such time as the standard rules provide a higher rate of pension.
Where a person has saved children [17], the steps set out in 'overall ISS rate calculation process' are modified, as follows:
More → [118]
Ordinary/Adjusted Income Test
SCH6-E1 [137] of VEA
ISS and the reduction for adjusted income
9.1.3/The Income Test [138]
ISS is an income support payment that may be paid to eligible war widows and widowers under the VEA and persons receiving wholly dependent partners' compensation under the MRCA, and who satisfy the means tests. It is an indexed rate, increased twice-yearly in March and September in line with changes to the cost of living and/or average wages. Income Support Supplement (ISS) legislation commenced on 20 March 1995. It is a payment created to replace the ceiling rate income support age, carer, wife and disability support pensions, paid to war widows/widowers by Centrelink.
War widow/widower — pensioner means a person who is receiving a war widow's/widower's pension [17] from the Australian Government.
One element of the means test [17] for income support pensions whereby the rate of pension payable to a pensioner reduces progressively as their income increases above a certain threshold known as the income free area (IFA) [17].
One element of the means test for income support pensions whereby the rate of pension payable to a pensioner reduces progressively as their assets increase above a certain threshold known as the assets value limit (AVL). [100]
Adjusted income defined in section 5H VEA, for the purposes of income support supplement, is the sum of the person's:
The ordinary/adjusted income free area provides that the pensioner may receive income up to a certain amount without any reduction in their maximum rate of pension.
Any income in excess of the free area will reduce the pension at the rate of 50 cents on the dollar, or 40 cents for those receiving a transitional rate of pension. The amount of ordinary and adjusted income free areas is specified in item 1 in Table E-1 in point SCH6-E6 [38]VEA [38].
Note: War widow's pension [17] is included as income under the adjusted income test. Neither Disability Compensation Payment nor war widow(er)'s pension are included as income under the ordinary income test.
The term not a member of a couple covers all persons who are not covered by the definitions of member of a couple [17].
According to Section 5E(2) [38]of the VEA [38]a person is a member of a couple, if they are:
The term “partnered” is also commonly used.
Section 5F(1) of the VEA defines dependent child as having the same meaning as in the Social Security Act 1991. For income support purposes, dependent child is defined as:
Child under 16 years
A child under 16 years cannot be considered a dependent child if:
Child 16 years or older
A young person who has turned 16 years but is under 22 years can still be a dependent child of the pensioner if:
A child over 16 years cannot be considered a dependent child if:
Income includes earning from casual, part-time or full-time earnings.
Note: the meaning of a dependent child for DVA income support pension purposes is not the same as the meaning for Family Tax Benefit purposes.
Assets value limit is the maximum value of assets a person can have without affecting the person's pension rate. The assets value limit is worked out in accordance with SCH6-F3 of the VEA [38].
A person is a homeowner if they have a right or interest, which gives reasonable security of tenure in the principal home.
Refer to sections 52Q and 52R of VEA for the definition when determining if a person is a considered to be a homeowner when living in a special residence.
A person is also considered to be a homeowner if they have sold their home in the previous 12 months and intend to use part or all of the proceeds to purchase another home.
The ceiling rate of service pension and income support supplement (ISS) is applied to all war widows/widowers when assessing the rate of pension. This amount was previously frozen at $124.90 per fortnight, however, since legislation was introduced in September 2002, is now indexed twice yearly in line with percentage increases in the maximum rate service pension. A higher ceiling rate can apply, however, in the following cases:
If a person:
became a war widow/widower-pensioner before 1 November 1986,
has continually received service pension, social security pension or ISS since that date, and
the rate of pension immediately before that date was more than $120.10
in such a case the ceiling rate is equal to the pre-November 1986 rate plus 4%.
If a person:
is a person to whom ISS is payable,
is not permanently blind, and
whose War Widow's/Widower's Pension paid under Part II or IV of the VEA is reduced,
the ceiling rate is the sum of the ceiling rate as calculated above and the amount of the reduction in the Part II or Part IV pension. The maximum ceiling rate cannot exceed the maximum rate of single service pension. For ceiling rates refer to SCH6-A4 to A9 of VEA. The amount of increase to the ceiling rate pension under Part II or Part IV is worked out by using the formula in SCH6-A9 of the VEA.
Remote area allowance is a supplementary payment added to the rate of income support pension where the pensioner's usual place of residence is situated in a remote area, and where the pensioner is physically present in the remote area.
ISS is an income support payment that may be paid to eligible war widows and widowers under the VEA and persons receiving wholly dependent partners' compensation under the MRCA, and who satisfy the means tests. It is an indexed rate, increased twice-yearly in March and September in line with changes to the cost of living and/or average wages. Income Support Supplement (ISS) legislation commenced on 20 March 1995. It is a payment created to replace the ceiling rate income support age, carer, wife and disability support pensions, paid to war widows/widowers by Centrelink.
A person may be regarded as permanently blind in both eyes where:
The Commission Guideline CM5829: Determining 'permanently blind', 'no useful sight' and 'blinded in both eyes' [37]may be instructive in making a blinded/blindness determination.
The ceiling rate of service pension and income support supplement (ISS) is applied to all war widows/widowers when assessing the rate of pension. This amount was previously frozen at $124.90 per fortnight, however, since legislation was introduced in September 2002, is now indexed twice yearly in line with percentage increases in the maximum rate service pension. A higher ceiling rate can apply, however, in the following cases:
If a person:
became a war widow/widower-pensioner before 1 November 1986,
has continually received service pension, social security pension or ISS since that date, and
the rate of pension immediately before that date was more than $120.10
in such a case the ceiling rate is equal to the pre-November 1986 rate plus 4%.
If a person:
is a person to whom ISS is payable,
is not permanently blind, and
whose War Widow's/Widower's Pension paid under Part II or IV of the VEA is reduced,
the ceiling rate is the sum of the ceiling rate as calculated above and the amount of the reduction in the Part II or Part IV pension. The maximum ceiling rate cannot exceed the maximum rate of single service pension. For ceiling rates refer to SCH6-A4 to A9 of VEA. The amount of increase to the ceiling rate pension under Part II or Part IV is worked out by using the formula in SCH6-A9 of the VEA.
The disability income rent test ceased on 1 January 2022. It was the method of calculating the amount by which a pensioner's rent assistance was reduced because of the disability income [17] paid to them or their partner [17]. The amount calculated was the RA reduction amount.
RA reduction amount = (disability income [17] – rent assistance free area [17]) x taper rate [17]
Note: The rent assistance free area and taper rate were identical to those that normally applied to the person's income support payment and family situation.
A person's 'partner' is someone who is a member of a couple with that person.
FTB child has the same definition as given in section 22 and 22A of the Family Assistance Act (i.e. A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999).
For more information, see also 9.4.3/Effect of Children on Remote Area Allowance (RAA) CS Policy Library [152].
Rules introduced as part of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reforms that came into effect on 20 September 2009. For income and assets test purposes the changes include:
Pensioners and ISS recipients who were in receipt of pension on or before 19 September 2009 are eligible to be assessed under transitional rules, if:
The requirement that the pensioner has never been assessed under the new rules, does not arise where the pensioner's entitlement is re-determined from a date prior to 20 September 2009. Where new pension information is received and is effective prior to this date, the pensioner's right to receive the transitional rate is considered anew.
Once a pensioner or ISS recipient has been assessed under the new rules they cannot revert to transitional rules. There is one exception to this, to cover respite care changes to pensioners who return to live as a couple again.
Recipients assessed under transitional rules:
According to Schedule 6-B1 of the VEA [38] a MBR is the person's maximum rate as ascertained at the date of grant of the designated pension, and is the maximum annual pension rate payable at the date of grant (excluding allowances).
One element of the means test [17] for income support pensions whereby the rate of pension payable to a pensioner reduces progressively as their income increases above a certain threshold known as the income free area (IFA) [17].
According to section 5H of the VEA [33] income is:
Adjusted income defined in section 5H VEA, for the purposes of income support supplement, is the sum of the person's:
One element of the means test for income support pensions whereby the rate of pension payable to a pensioner reduces progressively as their assets increase above a certain threshold known as the assets value limit (AVL). [100]
An asset means any property, including property outside Australia.
The ceiling rate of service pension and income support supplement (ISS) is applied to all war widows/widowers when assessing the rate of pension. This amount was previously frozen at $124.90 per fortnight, however, since legislation was introduced in September 2002, is now indexed twice yearly in line with percentage increases in the maximum rate service pension. A higher ceiling rate can apply, however, in the following cases:
If a person:
became a war widow/widower-pensioner before 1 November 1986,
has continually received service pension, social security pension or ISS since that date, and
the rate of pension immediately before that date was more than $120.10
in such a case the ceiling rate is equal to the pre-November 1986 rate plus 4%.
If a person:
is a person to whom ISS is payable,
is not permanently blind, and
whose War Widow's/Widower's Pension paid under Part II or IV of the VEA is reduced,
the ceiling rate is the sum of the ceiling rate as calculated above and the amount of the reduction in the Part II or Part IV pension. The maximum ceiling rate cannot exceed the maximum rate of single service pension. For ceiling rates refer to SCH6-A4 to A9 of VEA. The amount of increase to the ceiling rate pension under Part II or Part IV is worked out by using the formula in SCH6-A9 of the VEA.
Remote area allowance is a supplementary payment added to the rate of income support pension where the pensioner's usual place of residence is situated in a remote area, and where the pensioner is physically present in the remote area.
From 1 January 1998 responsibility for administration of most income support child related payments was transferred to Centrelink [17]. However, saving provisions allow any person in receipt of service pension [17] or income support supplement [17] on 31 December 1997 who would be or is financially disadvantaged by the transfer to continue having their child related payments paid by DVA [17]. Saved children are assessed under the rules contained in the VEA as at 31 December 1997.
According to subsection 5K(1) of the VEA [38], maintenance income in relation to a person, means:
but does not include disability expenses maintenance.
Guardian allowance is included in the calculation of a person's service pension or ISS [17] where that person has a saved child and where that person is either not a member of a couple [17] or is a illness separated couple [17] or respite care couple. [17]
This section contains information on the income test and the assets test. A person's income and assets affect the amount of:
Last amended: 30 September 2008
In calculating a person's rate of service pension [17] or income support supplement ISS [17], the ordinary/adjusted income test [17] and assets tests [17] are applied as follows:
More ? [155]
In determining the rate of | for a person who is | the ordinary/adjusted income and assets tests |
service pension | not permanently blind [17] and not a war widow/widower-pensioner [17] | are applied and the test resulting in the lower rate is used in the pension rate calculation. If both test results are the same, the income reduced rate [17] is used. |
| permanently blind and not a war widow/widower pensioner | are applied only in calculating the rate of rent assistance [17] payable. The rate of service pension payable is the higher of the notional income/assets tested rate compared to the non-income/assets tested rate. Rent assistance is not included in the calculation of the non-income/assets tested rate. |
| not permanently blind and a war widow/widower pensioner | are applied and the resulting income and assets tested rates plus any remote area allowance payable are compared to the sum of the ceiling rate [17] and any remote area allowance [17] and rent assistance payable. The rate of pension is the lower of the two amounts. |
| permanently blind and a war widow/widower pensioner | are not applied. The rate of pension is automatically the ceiling rate plus any rent assistance and remote area allowance payable. |
income support supplement | not permanently blind | are applied and the resulting income and assets tested rates are compared to the ceiling rate plus any rent assistance payable. The lowest rate is the income support supplement rate. If all three rates are the same, the income reduced rate is used. Any remote area allowance payable is then added. |
| permanently blind | are not applied. The rate of pension is automatically the ceiling rate plus any rent assistance and remote area allowance payable. |
VEA ? [156]
For the purpose of the income and assets test, if two people are members of a couple [17], they are treated as pooling their income and assets and sharing those resources equally.
VEA ? [157]
The income and assets of a blind [17] service pensioner or ISS recipient will not affect the rate of pension payable to the blind person. However, rent assistance is not payable to blind service pensioners/ISS recipients unless the blind person would be better off to be treated as a non-blind person and be subject to the income and assets tests.
In order to determine the most appropriate rate of payment for a blind pensioner who is renting, the payment should be calculated without subjecting it to the income and assets tests. It should also be calculated using the income and assets tests, but including any rent assistance that may be payable (as for a non-blind pensioner). The higher of these rates is the rate payable to the blind pensioner. Service pension or ISS payable to the partner [17] of a blind person will still be subject to the income and assets tests.
A service pension is an income support payment broadly equivalent to the social security age and disability support pensions. It may be paid once a veteran or partner has reached the nominated age or is incapacitated for work.
ISS is an income support payment that may be paid to eligible war widows and widowers under the VEA and persons receiving wholly dependent partners' compensation under the MRCA, and who satisfy the means tests. It is an indexed rate, increased twice-yearly in March and September in line with changes to the cost of living and/or average wages. Income Support Supplement (ISS) legislation commenced on 20 March 1995. It is a payment created to replace the ceiling rate income support age, carer, wife and disability support pensions, paid to war widows/widowers by Centrelink.
One element of the means test [17] for income support pensions whereby the rate of pension payable to a pensioner reduces progressively as their income increases above a certain threshold known as the income free area (IFA) [17].
One element of the means test for income support pensions whereby the rate of pension payable to a pensioner reduces progressively as their assets increase above a certain threshold known as the assets value limit (AVL). [100]
A person may be regarded as permanently blind in both eyes where:
The Commission Guideline CM5829: Determining 'permanently blind', 'no useful sight' and 'blinded in both eyes' [37]may be instructive in making a blinded/blindness determination.
War widow/widower — pensioner means a person who is receiving a war widow's/widower's pension [17] from the Australian Government.
Income reduced rate is the amount calculated when the reduction for ordinary/adjusted income [17] is subtracted from the maximum payment rate. See SCH6-A1(2) of VEA [99] (Method Statement 1 Step 6) and SCH6-A1(6) of VEA [99] (Method Statement 5 Step 6).
Rent Assistance is an allowance which may be paid to a service pensioner, income support supplement (ISS) or veteran payment recipient to assist in meeting the cost of rental accommodation.
To receive rent assistance a pensioner must be paying rent (other than Government rent) for accommodation in Australia, and the amount paid must exceed a certain threshold.
The ceiling rate of service pension and income support supplement (ISS) is applied to all war widows/widowers when assessing the rate of pension. This amount was previously frozen at $124.90 per fortnight, however, since legislation was introduced in September 2002, is now indexed twice yearly in line with percentage increases in the maximum rate service pension. A higher ceiling rate can apply, however, in the following cases:
If a person:
became a war widow/widower-pensioner before 1 November 1986,
has continually received service pension, social security pension or ISS since that date, and
the rate of pension immediately before that date was more than $120.10
in such a case the ceiling rate is equal to the pre-November 1986 rate plus 4%.
If a person:
is a person to whom ISS is payable,
is not permanently blind, and
whose War Widow's/Widower's Pension paid under Part II or IV of the VEA is reduced,
the ceiling rate is the sum of the ceiling rate as calculated above and the amount of the reduction in the Part II or Part IV pension. The maximum ceiling rate cannot exceed the maximum rate of single service pension. For ceiling rates refer to SCH6-A4 to A9 of VEA. The amount of increase to the ceiling rate pension under Part II or Part IV is worked out by using the formula in SCH6-A9 of the VEA.
Remote area allowance is a supplementary payment added to the rate of income support pension where the pensioner's usual place of residence is situated in a remote area, and where the pensioner is physically present in the remote area.
According to Section 5E(2) [38]of the VEA [38]a person is a member of a couple, if they are:
The term “partnered” is also commonly used.
Income for the income test
In applying the income test, a person's gross ordinary/adjusted income whether from within or outside Australia, less any permissible reductions in respect of business income, is taken into account. If the person is a member of a couple, half of the combined income of the couple is taken into account, regardless of which member of the couple actually receives the income.
More → [163]
Where a person who receives service pension or income support supplement has reached qualifying age [17] and they receive employment income [17] arising from remunerative work undertaken as an employee in an employer/employee relationship, an income test concession (known as the Work Bonus [17] applies.
The concession also applies to self-employment and business income generated from gainful work. Gainful work is work that involves personal exertion (active participation).
Under the work bonus income test concession, the first $300 per fortnight of the person's fortnightly work bonus income [164] is excluded from the income test. Pensioners assessed under the transitional rules [17] will not be eligible for the work bonus.
Note: The $300 per fortnight income concession amount is not subject to indexation.
More → [165]
** The maximum work bonus bank amount will temporarily increase by $4,000 from $7,800 to $11,800 between 1 December 2022 and 31 December 2023 **
Where a person's fortnightly work bonus income [164]is less than $300 per fortnight, the person will accrue the unused amount of the $300 per fortnight income concession to a work bonus bank to offset their employment income in the future. The bank continues to accrue until it reaches the maximum allowable balance of $7,800.
VEA → [167]
If the pensioner has ordinary income up to the ordinary/adjusted income free area, the rate of their pension is the maximum payment rate. This assumes there are no other factors affecting overall payability, such as the assets test or compensation recovery. If the ordinary income is over the income free area, the pension rate is reduced. The income free area for a person who is not a member of a couple differ from that for a person who is a member of a couple. The income free area can also be increased for certain dependent children of the pensioner if the person is paid under the transitional rules [17].
More → [168]
With only one exception, the maximum possible rate of ISS or service pension for a war widow/widower-pensioner is the ceiling rate (plus any rent assistance and remote area allowance payable). The exception applies to an ISS recipient with saved children. In such a case dependent child add-on [17], and guardian allowance [17] may be added to the ceiling rate.
If the person's income reduced rate is lower than both the assets reduced rate and the ceiling rate, the rate of the person's ISS or service pension will be the income reduced rate plus any rent assistance and remote area allowance payable.
No pension is payable if income is above the limit at which service pension/ISS ceases.
More → [169]
VEA → [170]
Any ordinary income of the person or the person's partner, in excess of the ordinary/adjusted income free area [17], will reduce the maximum payment rate of service pension by 50 cents in the dollar. The result is the income reduced rate.
More → [171]
Any adjusted income [17] of the person or the person's partner, in excess of the ordinary/adjusted income free area [17] will reduce the maximum payment rate by 50 cents in the dollar. The result is the income reduced rate.
More → [172]
Pensioners and ISS recipients who were in receipt of pension on or before 19 September 2009 are eligible to be assessed under transitional rules [17], if:
The requirement that the pensioner has never been assessed under the new rules, does not arise where the pensioner's entitlement is re-determined from a date prior to 20 September 2009. Where new pension information is received and is effective prior to this date, the pensioner's right to receive the transitional rate is considered anew.
Once a pensioner or ISS recipient has been assessed under the standard rules [17] they cannot revert to transitional rules. There is an exception to this to cover changes to pension as a result of entering respite care.
More → [173]
Recipients assessed under transitional rules:
Qualifying age is defined in section 5Q(1) of the [38]VEA [38]and is equivalent to the pension age for a veteran which is described in section 5QA VEA as:
For work bonus purposes, employment income is ordinary income that is earned, derived or received from remunerative work undertaken by a person in an employer/employee relationship or income generated from gainful work such as business earnings from self-employment that meet the personal exertion test. It includes salary, wages, commissions and employment related fringe benefits.
The following payments are excluded from the definition of employment income:
The work bonus exempts the first $300 per fortnight of work bonus income [189] for eligible people over pension age [17] or qualifying age [17].
Pensioners and ISS recipients who were in receipt of pension on or before 19 September 2009 are eligible to be assessed under transitional rules, if:
The requirement that the pensioner has never been assessed under the new rules, does not arise where the pensioner's entitlement is re-determined from a date prior to 20 September 2009. Where new pension information is received and is effective prior to this date, the pensioner's right to receive the transitional rate is considered anew.
Once a pensioner or ISS recipient has been assessed under the new rules they cannot revert to transitional rules. There is one exception to this, to cover respite care changes to pensioners who return to live as a couple again.
Recipients assessed under transitional rules:
Pensioners and ISS recipients who were in receipt of pension on or before 19 September 2009 are eligible to be assessed under transitional rules, if:
The requirement that the pensioner has never been assessed under the new rules, does not arise where the pensioner's entitlement is re-determined from a date prior to 20 September 2009. Where new pension information is received and is effective prior to this date, the pensioner's right to receive the transitional rate is considered anew.
Once a pensioner or ISS recipient has been assessed under the new rules they cannot revert to transitional rules. There is one exception to this, to cover respite care changes to pensioners who return to live as a couple again.
Recipients assessed under transitional rules:
Dependent child add-on is an amount which is included in a person's service pension or ISS [17] where that person has saved children [17].
Guardian allowance is included in the calculation of a person's service pension or ISS [17] where that person has a saved child and where that person is either not a member of a couple [17] or is a illness separated couple [17] or respite care couple. [17]
The ordinary/adjusted income free area provides that the pensioner may receive income up to a certain amount without any reduction in their maximum rate of pension.
Any income in excess of the free area will reduce the pension at the rate of 50 cents on the dollar, or 40 cents for those receiving a transitional rate of pension. The amount of ordinary and adjusted income free areas is specified in item 1 in Table E-1 in point SCH6-E6 [38]VEA [38].
Note: War widow's pension [17] is included as income under the adjusted income test. Neither Disability Compensation Payment nor war widow(er)'s pension are included as income under the ordinary income test.
Adjusted income defined in section 5H VEA, for the purposes of income support supplement, is the sum of the person's:
The ordinary/adjusted income free area provides that the pensioner may receive income up to a certain amount without any reduction in their maximum rate of pension.
Any income in excess of the free area will reduce the pension at the rate of 50 cents on the dollar, or 40 cents for those receiving a transitional rate of pension. The amount of ordinary and adjusted income free areas is specified in item 1 in Table E-1 in point SCH6-E6 [38]VEA [38].
Note: War widow's pension [17] is included as income under the adjusted income test. Neither Disability Compensation Payment nor war widow(er)'s pension are included as income under the ordinary income test.
Pensioners and ISS recipients who were in receipt of pension on or before 19 September 2009 are eligible to be assessed under transitional rules, if:
The requirement that the pensioner has never been assessed under the new rules, does not arise where the pensioner's entitlement is re-determined from a date prior to 20 September 2009. Where new pension information is received and is effective prior to this date, the pensioner's right to receive the transitional rate is considered anew.
Once a pensioner or ISS recipient has been assessed under the new rules they cannot revert to transitional rules. There is one exception to this, to cover respite care changes to pensioners who return to live as a couple again.
Recipients assessed under transitional rules:
Rules introduced as part of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reforms that came into effect on 20 September 2009. For income and assets test purposes the changes include:
The work bonus exempts the first $300 per fortnight of work bonus income [189] for eligible people over pension age [17] or qualifying age [17].
Last amended: 22 September 2009
VEA → [191]
Service pension or income support supplement (ISS) will be assets tested when the:
The same asset value limits and asset test reduction rates apply to all income support recipients regardless of whether they are paid under the transitional rules [17], or the standard rules [17][glossary:.:] However, as recipients are being reduced from different maximum rates, there are differences in the asset levels at which payment ceases.
VEA → [193]
A person who is not a war widow/widower-pensioner can have assets up to and including the assets value limit and still receive the maximum rate of service pension, provided that their income does not exceed the income free area [17]. If the assets value exceeds the assets value limit, the maximum payment rate is reduced by 75 cents for every $250 over the limit. The result is the assets reduced rate. This rate is then compared to the income reduced rate and the lower rate, plus any remote area allowance payable, is the rate of service pension.
With two exceptions, the maximum possible rate of ISS or service pension for a war widow/widower-pensioner is the ceiling rate (plus any rent assistance and remote area allowance payable). The exceptions are an ISS recipient with saved children where dependent child add-on [17] and guardian allowance [17] may be added to the ceiling rate, or a war widow/widower whose war widow/widower's pension is compensation reduced.
In calculating the rate of ISS or service pension for a war widow/widower-pensioner, if the assets value exceeds the assets value limit, the assets reduced rate is calculated by subtracting 75 cents for every $250 over the limit from the maximum payment rate. The assets reduced rate is then compared to both the income reduced rate and the ceiling rate. The lower of the three rates, plus any rent assistance and remote area allowance payable is the rate of the person's ISS or service pension.
No pension is payable if assets are above the limit at which service pension/ISS ceases.
More → [194]
VEA → [195]
If two people are partnered [17], they are treated as pooling their assets and sharing those assets equally. The assets value limit (AVL) of each member of a couple is also lower than the limit for a person who is not a member of a couple.
More → [196]
VEA → [197]
A person's assets value limit is also affected by whether they are considered to be a property owner [17]. A person or couple who are property owners have a lower assets value limit than a person or couple who are not property owners.
More → [198]
Assets value limit is the maximum value of assets a person can have without affecting the person's pension rate. The assets value limit is worked out in accordance with SCH6-F3 of the VEA [38].
A service pension is an income support payment broadly equivalent to the social security age and disability support pensions. It may be paid once a veteran or partner has reached the nominated age or is incapacitated for work.
One element of the means test [17] for income support pensions whereby the rate of pension payable to a pensioner reduces progressively as their income increases above a certain threshold known as the income free area (IFA) [17].
ISS is an income support payment that may be paid to eligible war widows and widowers under the VEA and persons receiving wholly dependent partners' compensation under the MRCA, and who satisfy the means tests. It is an indexed rate, increased twice-yearly in March and September in line with changes to the cost of living and/or average wages. Income Support Supplement (ISS) legislation commenced on 20 March 1995. It is a payment created to replace the ceiling rate income support age, carer, wife and disability support pensions, paid to war widows/widowers by Centrelink.
One element of the means test for income support pensions whereby the rate of pension payable to a pensioner reduces progressively as their assets increase above a certain threshold known as the assets value limit (AVL). [100]
One element of the means test [17] for income support pensions whereby the rate of pension payable to a pensioner reduces progressively as their income increases above a certain threshold known as the income free area (IFA) [17].
The ceiling rate of service pension and income support supplement (ISS) is applied to all war widows/widowers when assessing the rate of pension. This amount was previously frozen at $124.90 per fortnight, however, since legislation was introduced in September 2002, is now indexed twice yearly in line with percentage increases in the maximum rate service pension. A higher ceiling rate can apply, however, in the following cases:
If a person:
became a war widow/widower-pensioner before 1 November 1986,
has continually received service pension, social security pension or ISS since that date, and
the rate of pension immediately before that date was more than $120.10
in such a case the ceiling rate is equal to the pre-November 1986 rate plus 4%.
If a person:
is a person to whom ISS is payable,
is not permanently blind, and
whose War Widow's/Widower's Pension paid under Part II or IV of the VEA is reduced,
the ceiling rate is the sum of the ceiling rate as calculated above and the amount of the reduction in the Part II or Part IV pension. The maximum ceiling rate cannot exceed the maximum rate of single service pension. For ceiling rates refer to SCH6-A4 to A9 of VEA. The amount of increase to the ceiling rate pension under Part II or Part IV is worked out by using the formula in SCH6-A9 of the VEA.
Pensioners and ISS recipients who were in receipt of pension on or before 19 September 2009 are eligible to be assessed under transitional rules, if:
The requirement that the pensioner has never been assessed under the new rules, does not arise where the pensioner's entitlement is re-determined from a date prior to 20 September 2009. Where new pension information is received and is effective prior to this date, the pensioner's right to receive the transitional rate is considered anew.
Once a pensioner or ISS recipient has been assessed under the new rules they cannot revert to transitional rules. There is one exception to this, to cover respite care changes to pensioners who return to live as a couple again.
Recipients assessed under transitional rules:
Rules introduced as part of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reforms that came into effect on 20 September 2009. For income and assets test purposes the changes include:
The income free area is the amount of income that an income support pensioner may receive without suffering any reduction in pension under the income test.
Dependent child add-on is an amount which is included in a person's service pension or ISS [17] where that person has saved children [17].
Guardian allowance is included in the calculation of a person's service pension or ISS [17] where that person has a saved child and where that person is either not a member of a couple [17] or is a illness separated couple [17] or respite care couple. [17]
According to Section 5E(2) [38]of the VEA [38]a person is a member of a couple, if they are:
The term “partnered” is also commonly used.
This section contains information on adjustments, reductions and increases that can be made to the assessed rate of service pension and income support supplement and on deductions which can be made from pension payments.
Last amended: 5 March 2013
VEA ? [215]
The rate of income support pension is calculated on an annual basis and then converted to a daily rate by dividing the annual rate by 364. The pension is then paid fortnightly.
More ? [216]
VEA ? [217]
Prior to 12 May 1983, fortnightly instalments of service pension [17] and income support supplement [17] were rounded to the nearest cent. From 12 May 1983 until 19 September 2001, fortnightly instalments of service pension and income support supplement were rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 10 cents. If an amount was a multiple of 5 cents but not a multiple of 10 cents, the amount was rounded up by 5 cents. Since 20 September 2001, instalments of service pension and ISS have been rounded up or down to the nearest whole cent. Where the remainder is half a cent, the amount is increased to the next cent.
The following table provides examples of how rounding up and down has been applied to DVA payments since 20 September 2001
Example |
Unrounded fortnightly payment |
Amount payable per fortnight |
1 |
$295.633 |
$295.63 |
2 |
$295.635 |
$295.64 |
3 |
$295.636 |
$295.64 |
From 20 March 2013, the minimum amount of pension that is payable is the minimum pension supplement amount [17] and the clean energy supplement [17]. These amounts may be paid at the single rate, or member of a couple rate, as per the person's status in the assessment of their pension. The minimum pension supplement amount is a component that must be paid in full, or not at all. Thus, the minimum amount will be paid even if the person's assessed pension rate reduces to below this level but is greater than nil. This minimum amount will be lost only when the assessed pension rate under the income and assets test is nil.
More ? [218]
Note: This rule does not apply to overseas residents or pensioners away from Australia on a temporary basis for longer than 6 weeks, as they are not eligible for the minimum pension supplement amount or the clean energy supplement.
VEA ? [219]
No variation in the fortnightly rate of pension is made if the variation would be less than $1. Not determining pension variations of less than $1 is intended to reduce the level of intrusion into the private lives of veterans, and to eliminate unnecessary pension administration where changes to payability are minimal. However, the $1 minimum rule does not automatically apply in all pension variation cases, as this may breach other assessment requirements provided for by the VEA.
VEA ? [220]
The $1 minimum rule should be applied to –
The $1 minimum rule should not be applied when:–
A service pension is an income support payment broadly equivalent to the social security age and disability support pensions. It may be paid once a veteran or partner has reached the nominated age or is incapacitated for work.
ISS is an income support payment that may be paid to eligible war widows and widowers under the VEA and persons receiving wholly dependent partners' compensation under the MRCA, and who satisfy the means tests. It is an indexed rate, increased twice-yearly in March and September in line with changes to the cost of living and/or average wages. Income Support Supplement (ISS) legislation commenced on 20 March 1995. It is a payment created to replace the ceiling rate income support age, carer, wife and disability support pensions, paid to war widows/widowers by Centrelink.
The minimum pension supplement is an annual rate and is paid fortnightly. From 1 July 2010, the minimum pension supplement became more flexible, with recipients able to elect to receive the payment quarterly. It is calculated as a combined couple rate and is indexed twice a year in line with CPI increases. The 'not a member of a couple' rate is 66.33% of the combined couple rate. The member of a couple rate is 50% of the combined couple rate. The minimum pension supplement commenced on 20 September 2009 and replaced utilities allowance and telephone allowance.
The energy supplement is a fortnightly or quarterly payment designed to help recipients meet the cost of electricity and gas bills.
The calculation of a person's rate of service pension or ISS can be affected by:
VEA ? [231]
If a person's assets reduced rate is less than the person's income reduced rate and the person has an unrealisable asset [17], the financial hardship rules may apply and the pension rate may be increased accordingly.
More ? [232]
VEA ? [233]
A person may be able to receive an increase in their rate of pension or ISS in the form of a loan under the Home Equity Access Scheme (HEAS). The HEAS is available to any person receiving either service pension or ISS, whether at the maximum rate or at a reduced rate, and to any person who is eligible for either pension or ISS but whose rate of payment is nil due to means testing
More ? [234]
VEA ? [235]
If a person (or their partner):
the person's pension, or the compensation affected component [17] of that pension (as the case may be) is to be reduced for the periodic payments period. The result is the compensation reduced rate of service pension or ISS.
The amount by which the pension is reduced depends on whether the person is a member of a couple, and if they are a member of a couple, whether their partner is eligible for a compensation affected pension or qualified for a compensation affected payment under the Social Security Act.
More ? [236]
VEA ? [237]
Receipt of a payment under the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme causes a 'dollar for dollar' reduction in the rate of pension. If, however, a person's pension and that of their partner are both to be reduced because of the payment, the reduction for each person is 50% of the payment. This effect is limited to a maximum of twelve months that amounts are payable under the scheme.
More ? [238]
An asset of a person is an unrealisable asset if:
compensation affected pension means:
(a)an invalidity service pension payable to a person who has not reached pension age; or
(b)a partner service pension payable to a person who has not reached pension age; or
(c)income support supplement payable to a person who has not reached qualifying age; or
(d)a veteran payment payable to a person who has not reached pension age (within the meaning of subsections 5QB(2), (3), (4) and (5)); or
(e)an education entry payment payable to a person who:
Note 1: For pension age see sections 5QA and 5QB.
Note 2: For qualifying age see section 5Q.
Periodic payments period means:
Under subsection 5NB(1) of the VEA as in force on 9 July 1996, compensation affected component' in relation to an amount of a compensation affected pension [17] that has a dependent child component [17], means that part of the amount of pension that is not the dependent child component.
Last amended: 22 September 2009
The amount of pension payable on a pension payday can be reduced because of:
VEA ? [251]
Income support pensioners can be paid an advance payment of an amount of their pension. The advance payment is to be repaid by fortnightly deductions from ongoing pension payments over the maximum period of six months.
More ? [252]
VEA ? [253]
Where there has been an overpayment or a debt incurred:
Last amended: 5 March 2013
VEA → [262]
To ensure that the non-taxable allowances associated with service pension [17] are reduced last, when the rate of pension is to be reduced under the income [17] or assets tests [17] or the maintenance income test [17]
reductions to service pension occur in the following order:
The minimum amount payable is the minimum pension supplement and the clean energy supplement.
VEA → [263]
Pension rate reductions for an ISS [17] recipient under the adjusted income test [17] or the assets test [17] occur in the following order:
For ISS purposes, any saved child [17] related payment is paid in addition to the provisional rate of ISS [17] resulting from the adjusted income test [17] or the assets test. These payments are therefore not included in the order of reduction.
ISS cannot be reduced for blinded pensioners. However, rent assistance is subject to rate reductions.
When a service pensioner without saved children:
the reduction occurs in the following order:
When an ISS recipient without saved children [17]:
the reduction occurs in the following order:
When a service pensioner with saved children [17] has the compensation affected component of the pension reduced because of the receipt of periodic compensation payments:
the reduction occurs in the following order:
Remote area allowance [17] is not included in the order of reduction, as its payability depends on the payability of service pension or ISS. If service pension or ISS is reduced to nil, then remote area allowance is automatically cancelled..
More → [264]
A service pension is an income support payment broadly equivalent to the social security age and disability support pensions. It may be paid once a veteran or partner has reached the nominated age or is incapacitated for work.
According to section 5H of the VEA [33] income is:
One element of the means test for income support pensions whereby the rate of pension payable to a pensioner reduces progressively as their assets increase above a certain threshold known as the assets value limit (AVL). [100]
The maintenance income test applies when assessing a person's entitlement to Family Tax Benefit [17]. A threshold amount of income (the maintenance income free area) is allowed, with each dollar of maintenance income [17] above the threshold reducing FTB Part A payments by 50 cents. The maintenance income test also applies to child-related payments in respect of DVA saved children [17].
The energy supplement is a fortnightly or quarterly payment designed to help recipients meet the cost of electricity and gas bills.
The pension supplement basic amount is an annual rate paid fortnightly from 20 September 2009. It replaces the GST supplement. It is indexed twice a year in line with CPI increases.
The minimum pension supplement is an annual rate and is paid fortnightly. From 1 July 2010, the minimum pension supplement became more flexible, with recipients able to elect to receive the payment quarterly. It is calculated as a combined couple rate and is indexed twice a year in line with CPI increases. The 'not a member of a couple' rate is 66.33% of the combined couple rate. The member of a couple rate is 50% of the combined couple rate. The minimum pension supplement commenced on 20 September 2009 and replaced utilities allowance and telephone allowance.
Rent Assistance is an allowance which may be paid to a service pensioner, income support supplement (ISS) or veteran payment recipient to assist in meeting the cost of rental accommodation.
To receive rent assistance a pensioner must be paying rent (other than Government rent) for accommodation in Australia, and the amount paid must exceed a certain threshold.
From 1 January 1998 responsibility for administration of most income support child related payments was transferred to Centrelink [17]. However, saving provisions allow any person in receipt of service pension [17] or income support supplement [17] on 31 December 1997 who would be or is financially disadvantaged by the transfer to continue having their child related payments paid by DVA [17]. Saved children are assessed under the rules contained in the VEA as at 31 December 1997.
The energy supplement is a fortnightly or quarterly payment designed to help recipients meet the cost of electricity and gas bills.
The minimum pension supplement is an annual rate and is paid fortnightly. From 1 July 2010, the minimum pension supplement became more flexible, with recipients able to elect to receive the payment quarterly. It is calculated as a combined couple rate and is indexed twice a year in line with CPI increases. The 'not a member of a couple' rate is 66.33% of the combined couple rate. The member of a couple rate is 50% of the combined couple rate. The minimum pension supplement commenced on 20 September 2009 and replaced utilities allowance and telephone allowance.
ISS is an income support payment that may be paid to eligible war widows and widowers under the VEA and persons receiving wholly dependent partners' compensation under the MRCA, and who satisfy the means tests. It is an indexed rate, increased twice-yearly in March and September in line with changes to the cost of living and/or average wages. Income Support Supplement (ISS) legislation commenced on 20 March 1995. It is a payment created to replace the ceiling rate income support age, carer, wife and disability support pensions, paid to war widows/widowers by Centrelink.
The ordinary income test provides for an ordinary/adjusted income free area [17]; that is, it provides that the pensioner may receive income up to a certain amount without any reduction in their maximum rate of pension (provided that the assets do not exceed the assets value limit [17]). Any income in excess of the income free area [17] will reduce the pension at the rate of 40 cents on the dollar.
One element of the means test for income support pensions whereby the rate of pension payable to a pensioner reduces progressively as their assets increase above a certain threshold known as the assets value limit (AVL). [100]
The minimum pension supplement is an annual rate and is paid fortnightly. From 1 July 2010, the minimum pension supplement became more flexible, with recipients able to elect to receive the payment quarterly. It is calculated as a combined couple rate and is indexed twice a year in line with CPI increases. The 'not a member of a couple' rate is 66.33% of the combined couple rate. The member of a couple rate is 50% of the combined couple rate. The minimum pension supplement commenced on 20 September 2009 and replaced utilities allowance and telephone allowance.
Rent Assistance is an allowance which may be paid to a service pensioner, income support supplement (ISS) or veteran payment recipient to assist in meeting the cost of rental accommodation.
To receive rent assistance a pensioner must be paying rent (other than Government rent) for accommodation in Australia, and the amount paid must exceed a certain threshold.
The minimum pension supplement is an annual rate and is paid fortnightly. From 1 July 2010, the minimum pension supplement became more flexible, with recipients able to elect to receive the payment quarterly. It is calculated as a combined couple rate and is indexed twice a year in line with CPI increases. The 'not a member of a couple' rate is 66.33% of the combined couple rate. The member of a couple rate is 50% of the combined couple rate. The minimum pension supplement commenced on 20 September 2009 and replaced utilities allowance and telephone allowance.
From 1 January 1998 responsibility for administration of most income support child related payments was transferred to Centrelink [17]. However, saving provisions allow any person in receipt of service pension [17] or income support supplement [17] on 31 December 1997 who would be or is financially disadvantaged by the transfer to continue having their child related payments paid by DVA [17]. Saved children are assessed under the rules contained in the VEA as at 31 December 1997.
The provisional rate of ISS [17] is the rate of ISS for a non-blinded Australian war widow [17] before any remote area allowance [17] payable is added.
The ordinary income test provides for an ordinary/adjusted income free area [17]; that is, it provides that the pensioner may receive income up to a certain amount without any reduction in their maximum rate of pension (provided that the assets do not exceed the assets value limit [17]). Any income in excess of the income free area [17] will reduce the pension at the rate of 40 cents on the dollar.
The pension supplement is added to a person's maximum basic rate [17]. The pension supplement is calculated as a 'combined couple' rate. The 'not a member of a couple' rate is 66.33% of the 'combined couple' rate. The member of a couple rate is 50% of the combined couple rate. From 1 July 2010, the minimum pension supplement amount [17] will be able to be claimed on a quarterly basis rather than on a fortnightly basis.
The pension supplement basic amount is an annual rate paid fortnightly from 20 September 2009. It replaces the GST supplement. It is indexed twice a year in line with CPI increases.
Rent Assistance is an allowance which may be paid to a service pensioner, income support supplement (ISS) or veteran payment recipient to assist in meeting the cost of rental accommodation.
To receive rent assistance a pensioner must be paying rent (other than Government rent) for accommodation in Australia, and the amount paid must exceed a certain threshold.
The energy supplement is a fortnightly or quarterly payment designed to help recipients meet the cost of electricity and gas bills.
The minimum pension supplement is an annual rate and is paid fortnightly. From 1 July 2010, the minimum pension supplement became more flexible, with recipients able to elect to receive the payment quarterly. It is calculated as a combined couple rate and is indexed twice a year in line with CPI increases. The 'not a member of a couple' rate is 66.33% of the combined couple rate. The member of a couple rate is 50% of the combined couple rate. The minimum pension supplement commenced on 20 September 2009 and replaced utilities allowance and telephone allowance.
From 1 January 1998 responsibility for administration of most income support child related payments was transferred to Centrelink [17]. However, saving provisions allow any person in receipt of service pension [17] or income support supplement [17] on 31 December 1997 who would be or is financially disadvantaged by the transfer to continue having their child related payments paid by DVA [17]. Saved children are assessed under the rules contained in the VEA as at 31 December 1997.
The minimum pension supplement is an annual rate and is paid fortnightly. From 1 July 2010, the minimum pension supplement became more flexible, with recipients able to elect to receive the payment quarterly. It is calculated as a combined couple rate and is indexed twice a year in line with CPI increases. The 'not a member of a couple' rate is 66.33% of the combined couple rate. The member of a couple rate is 50% of the combined couple rate. The minimum pension supplement commenced on 20 September 2009 and replaced utilities allowance and telephone allowance.
Rent Assistance is an allowance which may be paid to a service pensioner, income support supplement (ISS) or veteran payment recipient to assist in meeting the cost of rental accommodation.
To receive rent assistance a pensioner must be paying rent (other than Government rent) for accommodation in Australia, and the amount paid must exceed a certain threshold.
The minimum pension supplement is an annual rate and is paid fortnightly. From 1 July 2010, the minimum pension supplement became more flexible, with recipients able to elect to receive the payment quarterly. It is calculated as a combined couple rate and is indexed twice a year in line with CPI increases. The 'not a member of a couple' rate is 66.33% of the combined couple rate. The member of a couple rate is 50% of the combined couple rate. The minimum pension supplement commenced on 20 September 2009 and replaced utilities allowance and telephone allowance.
From 1 January 1998 responsibility for administration of most income support child related payments was transferred to Centrelink [17]. However, saving provisions allow any person in receipt of service pension [17] or income support supplement [17] on 31 December 1997 who would be or is financially disadvantaged by the transfer to continue having their child related payments paid by DVA [17]. Saved children are assessed under the rules contained in the VEA as at 31 December 1997.
The energy supplement is a fortnightly or quarterly payment designed to help recipients meet the cost of electricity and gas bills.
The minimum pension supplement is an annual rate and is paid fortnightly. From 1 July 2010, the minimum pension supplement became more flexible, with recipients able to elect to receive the payment quarterly. It is calculated as a combined couple rate and is indexed twice a year in line with CPI increases. The 'not a member of a couple' rate is 66.33% of the combined couple rate. The member of a couple rate is 50% of the combined couple rate. The minimum pension supplement commenced on 20 September 2009 and replaced utilities allowance and telephone allowance.
Remote area allowance is a supplementary payment added to the rate of income support pension where the pensioner's usual place of residence is situated in a remote area, and where the pensioner is physically present in the remote area.
Links
[1] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16127%23comment-form
[2] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-3-income-support-eligibility/33-service-pension-and-income-support-supplement-payability
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/92-residential-situation
[4] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/93-relationship-status
[5] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/94-children
[6] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/95-deeming-provisions
[7] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/96-deprivation-income-and-assets
[8] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/97-statutory-increases
[9] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-10-types-income-and-assets/101-ordinary-income
[10] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-10-types-income-and-assets/102-assets
[11] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-10-types-income-and-assets/103-business-structures-and-trusts
[12] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-10-types-income-and-assets/104-superannuation-funds
[13] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-10-types-income-and-assets/105-income-streams
[14] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-10-types-income-and-assets/106-maintenance-income
[15] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-11-administration-payments/111-income-support-effective-dates-and-pension-periods
[16] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16020%23comment-form
[17] https://clik.dva.gov.au/%23
[18] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn1
[19] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn2
[20] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn3
[21] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn4
[22] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn5
[23] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/91-income-and-assets-test-principles/912-assessment-process
[24] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn1
[25] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/91-income-and-assets-test-principles/913-income-and-assets-tests
[26] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn2
[27] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/92-residential-situation/924-care-assessment-rules/respite-care
[28] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn3
[29] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/91-income-and-assets-test-principles/914-application-assessed-rate-pension
[30] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn4
[31] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/91-income-and-assets-test-principles/915-order-reduction
[32] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn5
[33] http://clik/health-procedure-library/health-information-and-management-notes-himn/vhc/072014-vhc-veterans-home-care
[34] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-SSA_ftn1
[35] http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2004A04121
[36] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-SSA_ftn1
[37] http://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm5829-determining-permanently-blind-no-useful-sight-and-blinded-both-eyes#
[38] http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2004A03268
[39] http://factsheets.dva.gov.au/factsheets/
[40] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16087%23comment-form
[41] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16144%23comment-form
[42] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn6
[43] https://clik.dva.gov.au/legislation-library
[44] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16105%23comment-form
[45] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn14
[46] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn15
[47] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn16
[48] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn17
[49] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn18
[50] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn19
[51] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn20
[52] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn21
[53] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn22
[54] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn23
[55] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn24
[56] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn25
[57] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-5-income-support-allowances-and-benefits/51-rent-assistance/513-payment-rent-assistance
[58] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/payment-rates/historical-payment-rates
[59] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn25
[60] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn26
[61] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn27
[62] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn28
[63] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn29
[64] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Point SCH6-A1
[65] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn14
[66] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Module B/Part 2/schedule 6
[67] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn15
[68] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Module BA/Part 2/schedule 6
[69] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn16
[70] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-5-income-support-allowances-and-benefits/51-rent-assistance
[71] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn17
[72] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn18
[73] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/91-income-and-assets-test-principles/913-income-and-assets-tests/assets-test
[74] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn19
[75] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-5-income-support-allowances-and-benefits/52-remote-area-allowance-raa
[76] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn20
[77] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn21
[78] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Part 5/schedule 5
[79] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn22
[80] clik://LEGIS/VEA/section 31/schedule 5
[81] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn23
[82] clik://LEGIS/VEA/section 10/schedule 5
[83] clik://LEGIS/VEA/section 11/schedule 5
[84] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn24
[85] clik://LEGIS/VEA/section 1/schedule 5
[86] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn26
[87] clik://LEGIS/VEA/point SCH6-A1(3)/Schedule 6
[88] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn27
[89] clik://LEGIS/VEA/point SCH6-A1(5)/Schedule 6
[90] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn28
[91] clik://LEGIS/VEA/point SCH6-A1(4)/Schedule 6
[92] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn29
[93] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/15997%23comment-form
[94] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn30
[95] clikpopup://DEF/Blinded/Blindness
[96] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn31
[97] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn30
[98] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn31
[99] http://clik.dva.gov.au/legislation-library
[100] http://clik.dva.gov.au/glossary/assets-value-limit-avl
[101] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16025%23comment-form
[102] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn32
[103] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn33
[104] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn34
[105] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn35
[106] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn36
[107] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn37
[108] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn38
[109] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn39
[110] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn40
[111] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn41
[112] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn42
[113] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn43
[114] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn44
[115] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn45
[116] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn46
[117] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn47
[118] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn48
[119] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn49
[120] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn50
[121] clik://LEGIS/VEA/point SCH6-A1(6)/Schedule 6
[122] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn32
[123] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn33
[124] clik://LEGIS/VEA/point SCH6-A1(7)/Schedule 6
[125] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn34
[126] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/94-children/943-effect-children-assessment-income-support-payments
[127] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn35
[128] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Point SCH6-A4
[129] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn36
[130] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn37
[131] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Point SCH6-B1
[132] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn38
[133] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Point SCH6-BA1
[134] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn39
[135] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Point SCH6-C14A
[136] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn40
[137] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Point SCH6-E1
[138] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/91-income-and-assets-test-principles/913-income-and-assets-tests/income-test
[139] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn41
[140] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn42
[141] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn43
[142] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn44
[143] https://clik.dva.gov.au/csrefprcurr
[144] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn45
[145] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn46
[146] clik://LEGIS/VEA/section 32/schedule 5
[147] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn47
[148] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/94-children/944-payments-respect-saved-children
[149] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn48
[150] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn49
[151] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn50
[152] http://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/94-children/943-effect-children-assessment-income-support-payments/effect-children-remote-area-allowance-raa
[153] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16128%23comment-form
[154] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16045%23comment-form
[155] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn51
[156] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn52
[157] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn53
[158] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn51
[159] https://clik.dva.gov.au/service-eligibility-assistant-updates/all-determinations-order-date-signed-oldest-most-recent/determinations-under-vea
[160] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn52
[161] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn53
[162] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16017%23comment-form
[163] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn54
[164] https://clik.dva.gov.au/glossary/work-bonus-income
[165] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn55
[166] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn56
[167] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn57
[168] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn58
[169] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn59
[170] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn60
[171] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn61
[172] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn62
[173] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn63
[174] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn54
[175] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-10-types-income-and-assets/101-ordinary-income/1018-work-bonus
[176] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn55
[177] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-10-types-income-and-assets/101-ordinary-income/1018-work-bonus/10182-work-bonus-bank
[178] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn56
[179] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Point SCH6-E6
[180] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn57
[181] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn58
[182] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/91-income-and-assets-test-principles/912-assessment-process/assessment-process-service-pension-payable-war-widowwidower-pensioners
[183] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/91-income-and-assets-test-principles/912-assessment-process/assessment-process-iss
[184] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn59
[185] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn60
[186] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn61
[187] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn62
[188] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn63
[189] http://clik.dva.gov.au/glossary/work-bonus-income
[190] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16056%23comment-form
[191] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn64
[192] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn65
[193] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn66
[194] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn67
[195] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn68
[196] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn69
[197] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn70
[198] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn71
[199] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Point SCH6-F1
[200] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn64
[201] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn65
[202] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn66
[203] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn67
[204] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Point SCH6-F2
[205] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn68
[206] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn69
[207] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Point SCH6-F3
[208] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn70
[209] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/92-residential-situation/922-basic-principles-assessment
[210] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn71
[211] https://clik.dva.gov.au/tags/policy
[212] https://clik.dva.gov.au/tags/payment-rates
[213] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16143%23comment-form
[214] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/15999%23comment-form
[215] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn72
[216] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn73
[217] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn74
[218] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn75
[219] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn76
[220] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn77
[221] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn72
[222] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-11-administration-payments/111-income-support-effective-dates-and-pension-periods/1112-pension-periods-and-paydays
[223] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn73
[224] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn74
[225] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-5-income-support-allowances-and-benefits/512-pension-supplement-psup/5123-payability-pension-supplement
[226] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-7-common-allowances-and-benefits/74-clean-energy-payments/742-energy-supplement
[227] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn75
[228] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn76
[229] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn77
[230] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16041%23comment-form
[231] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn78
[232] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn79
[233] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn80
[234] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn81
[235] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn82
[236] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn83
[237] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn84
[238] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn85
[239] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn78
[240] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-3-income-support-eligibility/310-financial-hardship
[241] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn79
[242] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn80
[243] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-5-income-support-allowances-and-benefits/54-home-equity-access-scheme
[244] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn81
[245] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn82
[246] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/911-compensation-recovery
[247] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn83
[248] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn84
[249] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn85
[250] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16084%23comment-form
[251] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn86
[252] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn87
[253] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn88
[254] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn89
[255] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn86
[256] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-3-income-support-eligibility/311-lump-sum-advance
[257] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn87
[258] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn88
[259] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-12-compliance-and-obligations/126-overpayments
[260] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn89
[261] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=node/16050%23comment-form
[262] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn90
[263] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn91
[264] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#tgt-cspol_part9_ftn92
[265] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Part 1/schedule 6
[266] clik://LEGIS/VEA/Part 2/schedule 6
[267] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn90
[268] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn91
[269] https://clik.dva.gov.au/book/export/html/16127#ref-cspol_part9_ftn92