Payment when partner becomes primary during non-entitlement period
The rate of payment depends on whether the non-entitlement period still applies to the client once they are no longer the primary on Jobseeker Support.
Non-entitlement period no longer applies
If the non-entitlement period no longer applies then you can pay the rate of benefit the couple would usually receive, taking into account any income.
Non-entitlement period still applies
If the non-entitlement period still applies, you can pay the new primary a rate of Jobseeker Support equal to the half married, civil union, or de facto rate of benefit.
Family tax credit and Best Start tax credit
If there are dependent children, family tax credit and Best Start tax credit is paid at the full rate to the new primary client.
Supplementary assistance
The partner may receive 50% of any supplementary assistance to which the couple is entitled.
Income
All income that the couple receive needs to be taken into account. The income should be charged against the full married, civil union or de facto rate of benefit and the remainder divided by two. This is the rate of benefit that you would pay to the partner.
Note calculate the commencement date using the higher income of either the applicant or their partner over the previous 26 or 52 weeks.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Rates of jobseeker support schedule 4, part 1 Social Security Act 2018
