Supported Living Payment (caring for a person) charging income for couples

There is no 'married, civil union or de facto' rate of payment for a client getting Supported Living Payment (caring for a person). The client's partner will either qualify for a benefit in their own right or have some other form of income.

However, when you assess the rate of payment for the client you must take both the client's and their partners income into account.

There is no provision for increased benefit for a dependent partner.

Note you do not take into account the patient's income and financial circumstances.

Income is charged annually and at the following rates are:

• 15 cents is taken from the benefit for each dollar of income that the client (and their partner) earns over $8,320 per year, but not more than $13,000 per year
• 35 cents for every dollar of income that is more than $13,000 per year

To assess the rate payable you:

• charge the income as if both the client and their partner qualify for Supported Living Payment in their own right (that is against 2 benefits)
• add the 2 benefit payments together
• compare this total with the maximum rate of Supported Living Payment (caring for a person) payable and pay the lesser amount