Commitments

When income and assets are being determined, the following costs are allowed as deductions:

• living costs

an amount equal to the appropriate rate of Supported Living Payment, plus family tax credit is made. This is to cover normal household costs such as food, clothing, travel, car running expenses, contents insurance, savings, hire purchase, entertainment and personal expenses

• Accommodation costs

an amount is allowed equal to that allowed as accommodation costs for Accommodation Supplement

• employment-related expenses

union fees, superannuation scheme contributions, welfare fund contributions can be deducted

• life insurance premiums can be deducted
• tax
• telephone rental

note that rental only is deducted. Costs associated with special phones, tolls or accounts in arrears are not allowable deductions

• extra medical expenses

the amount paid for regular medical expenses, other than normal visits to the health practitioner or dentist, can be deducted