Example 2 - married client
Married client
A married Supported Living Payment client (without children) on ground of health condition, injury, disability or total blindness has personal earnings of $9,000.00 (gross) annually.
The Blind Subsidy of 25% based on the client's annual personal earnings would equal $2,250.00. The client also gets Disability Allowance of $25.00 per week or $1,300.00 annually.
The annual income limit (for married clients) for Blind Subsidy to be paid is $30,258.44 (as at 1 April 2026).
Total income from all sources
Supported Living Payment - clients portion only (net as at 1 April 2026) | $18,757.44 |
plus Earnings (gross) | $9,000.00 |
plus Blind Subsidy (25% of earnings) | $2,250.00 |
plus Disability Allowance | $1,300.00 |
Total | $31,307.44 |
As the client's total annual income is more than the annual income limit of $30,258.44 (as at 1 April 2026) we need to calculate whether the client still qualifies for a Blind Subsidy paid at an abated rate.
Calculation to see if a client qualifies for an abated rate of Blind Subsidy
Total annual income | $31,307.44 |
Less annual income limit for Blind Subsidy (as at 1 April 2026) | $30,258.44 |
Equals (income that exceeds the annual income limit) | $1,049.00 |
Blind Subsidy (25% of earnings, minus the amount of income that exceeds the annual income limit) | $2,250.00 - $1,049.00 |
Blind Subsidy abated rate (payable to client) | $1,201.00 |
Legislation
Supported living payment (blind subsidy) Schedule 4, Part 3, clauses 2-4, Social Security Act 2018
