Australia

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1908 (old-age and disability pensions) and 1942 (widow pension).

Current laws: 1991 (social security), 1992 (superannuation guarantee), and 1999 (new tax system).

Type of program: Social assistance and mandatory occupational pension system.

Coverage

Social assistance (social security): Residents.

Mandatory occupational pension (superannuation): Employed persons older than age 17 and younger than age 70 earning more than A$450 a month.

Exclusions: The self-employed.

Source of Funds

Insured person

Social security: None.

Mandatory occupational pension (superannuation): None required, but voluntary contributions are encouraged.

Self-employed person

Social security: None.

Mandatory occupational pension (superannuation): Voluntary contributions are tax deductible up to a maximum of A$5,000 plus 75% of contributions in excess of this amount or the age-based contribution (younger than age 35, A$13,233; aged 35 to 49, A$36,754; aged 50 or older, A$91,149), whichever is lower. There is no upper limit for voluntary contributions.

Employer

Social security: None.

Mandatory occupational pension (superannuation): 9% of basic wages, up to a maximum of A$30,560 a quarter.

Employer contributions are tax deductible up to certain limits, depending on the age of the employee. For an employee younger than age 35, the maximum annual tax deductible wage is A$13,233; if aged 35 to 39, A$36,755; or if aged 50 or older, A$91,149.

Government

Social security: Total cost from general revenue.

Mandatory occupational pension (superannuation): Contributes as an employer and contributes up to A$1,000 a year for low-income earners.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension

Social security (means-tested unless blind): Age 65 (men) or age 62.5 (women, as of July 1, 2000, and rising gradually to age 65 by July 1, 2013); resident in the country; 10 years' continuous residence (5 continuous years if the total residence period exceeds 10 years).

Deferred pension (pension bonus scheme): People who work may defer claiming the pension. The minimum deferral period is 12 months, and the covered person must complete at least 960 hours of work each year. The maximum deferral period is 5 years. The bonus is not paid to those receiving income support or for deferred years after age 75.

The pension is payable abroad indefinitely if the pension begins before the insured leaves the country. The pension benefit may be reduced after 26 weeks.

Carer payment (means-tested): Paid to the provider of constant care at home for a pensioner who has a physical or mental impairment.

Rent assistance (means-tested): Paid according to marital status and the level of rent. Special rules apply to people living in retirement villages.

Pharmaceutical allowance: Flat-rate allowances are paid automatically to pensioners.

Telephone allowance: Paid to pensioners to assist with the rental of a telephone line or mobile phone.

Remote area supplement: A tax-free allowance, subject to residence requirements.

Pensioner concession card: Social security recipients are entitled to the concession card that provides reduced costs on certain federal, state or territory, and local government services.

Mandatory occupational pension (superannuation): Age 55 if permanently retired.

Disability pension

Social security (means-tested unless blind): Aged 16 to 65 (men) or aged 16 to 61 (women). A minimum 20% impairment level and an inability to work for at least 30 hours a week at full wages, or the inability to be retrained for such work for at least the next 2 years due to a physical or mental impairment or permanent blindness. Must be resident in the country.

If the incapacity began before becoming an Australian resident, the same minimum residence requirements apply as for the old-age pension; there is no minimum residence requirement for an Australian resident with an impairment.

The pension is payable abroad under specific circumstances but may be reduced.

Mobility allowance (not means-tested): Paid to a disabled person aged 16 or older who cannot use public transportation without substantial assistance.

Carer payment (means-tested): Paid to the provider of constant care at home for a recipient of social security or veteran's income support who has a physical or mental impairment (including a profoundly disabled child); or for two disabled children or more.

Rent assistance (means-tested): Paid according to marital status and the level of rent. Special rules apply to people living in retirement villages.

Telephone allowance: Paid to pensioners to assist with the rental of a telephone line or mobile phone.

Remote area supplement: A tax-free allowance, subject to residence requirements.

Pensioner concession card: Social security recipients are entitled to the concession card that provides reduced costs on certain federal, state or territory, and local government services.

Mandatory occupational pension (superannuation): There is no provision for disability.

Survivor pension

Social security (means-tested): A widow(er) with dependent children is entitled to benefits under the family tax benefit (Part B). See Family Allowances, below.

Rent assistance (means-tested): Paid according to the level of rent. Special rules apply to people living in retirement villages.

Pensioner concession card: Social security recipients are entitled to the concession card that provides reduced costs on certain federal, state or territory, and local government services.

Double orphan payment: Payable for a child younger than age 16 (aged 16 to 21 if a student not receiving the Youth Allowance) if both parents are dead (or one parent is dead and the other is in a hospital or an institution on a long-term basis, has been in prison for at least 10 years, or whose whereabouts is unknown) or for refugee children under certain circumstances.

Bereavement allowance: Paid to a surviving partner, subject to residency requirements. The surviving partner must have been living with the deceased immediately before his or her death.

Benefits are payable abroad indefinitely if the benefit is in payment before the person leaves the country. The benefit may be reduced after 26 weeks.

Mandatory occupational pension (superannuation): There is no provision for survivors.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension

Social security (means-tested unless blind): Up to A$464.20 every 2 weeks for a single person; A$387.60 each every 2 weeks for a couple.

Deferred pension (pension bonus scheme): The value of the pension bonus depends on how long the person deferred receiving the old-age pension. Eligible persons receive the bonus and the old-age pension at retirement. The bonus is paid as a lump sum. The maximum bonus is paid for 5 bonus years.

Carer payment (means-tested): Up to A$464.20 every 2 weeks.

Rent assistance (means-tested): Up to A$95.40 every 2 weeks, according to marital status and the level of rent. Special rules apply to people living in retirement villages.

Pharmaceutical allowance: A$5.80 every 2 weeks for a single person; A$2.90 each every 2 weeks for a couple.

Telephone allowance: A$76.80 a year for telephone subscribers.

Remote area supplement: A$18.20 every 2 weeks for a single person (A$15.60 each every 2 weeks for a couple), plus A$7.30 every 2 weeks for each dependent.

Pensioner concession card: Social security recipients are entitled to the concession card that provides reduced costs on certain federal, state or territory, and local government services.

Benefit adjustment: Most benefits are adjusted in March and September according to changes in the price index (the single person rate of the old-age pension is maintained as a percentage of average weekly earnings).

Mandatory occupational pension (superannuation): Usually a lump sum of total contributions, plus interest minus administrative fees and taxes.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension

Social security (means-tested unless blind): For all married pensioners and single disability pensioners aged 21 or older, see old-age pension, above. For single people younger than age 18 and living away from the family home, up to A$408.60 every 2 weeks; A$264.40 if living in the family home. For single people aged 18 to 20 and living away from the family home, up to A$408.60 every 2 weeks; A$299.80 if living in the family home. Single disability pensioners younger than age 21 are eligible for the youth disability supplement of A$90.10 every 2 weeks, which is included in the rates of the disability pension payable to pensioners younger than age 21.

Mobility allowance (not means-tested): A$68 every 2 weeks.

Carer payment (means-tested): Up to A$464.20 every 2 weeks.

Rent assistance (means-tested): Up to A$95.40 every 2 weeks, according to marital status and the level of rent. Special rules apply to people living in retirement villages.

Pharmaceutical allowance: A$5.80 every 2 weeks for a single person; A$2.90 each every 2 weeks for a couple.

Telephone allowance: A$76.80 a year for telephone subscribers.

Pensioner concession card: Social security recipients are entitled to the concession card that provides reduced costs on certain federal, state or territory, and local government services.

Benefit adjustment: The disability pension and carer payment are adjusted in March and September according to changes in the price index.

Mandatory occupational pension (superannuation): No disability benefits are provided.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension

Social security (means-tested): Up to A$464.20 every 2 weeks.

Rent assistance: Up to A$95.40 every 2 weeks, according to marital status and the level of rent. Special rules apply to people living in retirement villages.

Pensioner concession card: Social security recipients are entitled to the concession card that provides reduced costs on certain federal, state or territory, and local government services.

Double orphan payment: See Family Allowances, below.

Bereavement allowance: The difference between a single-person pension and a married-person pension is paid to the surviving partner for 14 weeks after a pensioner's death; one pension payment is credited to the estate of a single pensioner.

Benefit adjustment: The survivor pension is adjusted in March and September according to changes in the price index.

Mandatory occupational pension (superannuation): No survivor benefits are provided.

Administrative Organization

Department of Family and Community Services (http://www.facs.gov.au) provides general supervision.

Centrelink (http://www.centrelink.gov.au) administers the programs through 401 customer service centers and 16 area support offices.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1944 (cash sickness benefits), 1947 (pharmaceutical benefits), and 1948 (national health program).

Current laws: 1973 (national health), with 1983 (health) amendment; and 1991 (social security).

Type of program: Social assistance (cash benefits) and universal (medical care) system.

Coverage

Cash sickness benefits: Gainfully employed persons, including the self-employed, with limited income; and others meeting the qualifying conditions.

Cash maternity benefits: See Family Allowances, below.

Medical and pharmaceutical benefits: Residents.

Source of Funds

Insured person

Sickness benefits: None.

Medical benefits: 1.5% levy on income above A$26,523 for couples and single parents (increased by A$2,253 per child); A$15,718 for single persons with no dependents.

Higher income thresholds apply to low-income earners and to senior citizens.

Exemption from the levy: Veterans, war widows, and armed forces personnel with dependents (half levy if no dependents).

Pharmaceutical benefits scheme: Cost sharing for prescription drugs.

Self-employed person

Sickness benefits: None.

Medical benefits: 1.5% levy on income above A$26,523 for couples and single parents (increased by A$2,253 per child); A$15,718 for single persons with no dependents.

Higher income thresholds apply to low-income earners and to senior citizens.

Exemption from the levy: Veterans, war widows, and armed forces personnel with dependents (half levy if no dependents).

Pharmaceutical benefits scheme: Cost sharing for prescription drugs.

Employer

Sickness benefits: None.

Medical benefits: None.

Pharmaceutical benefits scheme: None.

Government

Sickness benefits: Total cost of cash benefits.

Medical benefits: Rebates for medical and hospital benefits.

Pharmaceutical benefits scheme: Assistance is provided toward the cost of a wide range of prescription drugs.

Government funding is provided for residential and community aged care.

Federal government general revenue grants and medicare grants provided to states and territories for public hospital operating costs meet approximately 40% to 50% of the total funding of the medical insurance scheme.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits (means-tested): Age 21 (age 25 if a full-time student) or older and not receiving the old-age pension. Resident in the country. Sickness or injury prevents work and must have a job to return to or intends to resume full-time studies.

Dependent supplement (means-tested): A supplement is payable for a cohabiting opposite-sex partner (regardless of marriage) and dependent children.

Cash maternity benefits: See Family Allowances, below.

Medical and pharmaceutical benefits: Residents.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit (means-tested): Up to A$351.10 each every 2 weeks for a couple; up to A$389.20 every 2 weeks for a single person aged 21 or older with no dependents, up to A$421 every 2 weeks if single with dependents, or up to A$426.80 if single and aged 60 or older.

For benefits for children, see Family Allowances, below.

Benefits are payable every 2 weeks after a 7-day waiting period for as long as the person is qualified.

Rent assistance (means-tested): Up to A$95.40 every 2 weeks, according to marital status and the level of rent. Special rules apply to people living in retirement villages.

Pharmaceutical allowance: A$5.80 every 2 weeks for a single person; A$2.90 each every 2 weeks for a couple.

Telephone allowance: A$76.80 a year for telephone subscribers.

Remote area supplement: A$18.20 every 2 weeks for a single person (A$15.60 each every 2 weeks for a couple), plus A$7.30 every 2 weeks for each dependent.

Concession card: Entitled to a health care card that makes available additional health, household, and transportation assistance from state, territory, and local governments.

Benefit adjustment: Most benefits are adjusted in March and September according to changes in the price index.

Maternity benefits: See Family Allowances, below.

Workers' Medical Benefits

Medical benefits: The patient pays 15% of the scheduled fee for outpatient ambulatory care or A$50.10, whichever is less (indexed annually for price changes).

Hospital benefits: Free standard ward inpatient treatment by staff doctors in public hospitals.

Private benefit organizations pay for private hospital stays, or public hospitals charge for those who choose treatment by their own physician in public hospitals.

Pharmaceutical benefit: A fee of up to A$22.40 per prescription applies to most prescribed medicines. Pensioners, benefit recipients, and low-income persons pay a A$3.60 fee per prescription.

Dependents' Medical Benefits

The same medical and hospital benefits as for the head of the family. Family membership in a private benefit organization will also cover dependents.

Administrative Organization

Sickness allowance: Department of Family and Community Services (http://www.facs.gov.au) provides general supervision.

Centrelink (http://www.centrelink.gov.au) administers the programs through 401 customer service centers and 16 area support offices.

Medical and pharmaceutical benefits: Health Insurance Commission administers the program.

Federal Department of Health and Aged Care (http://www.health.gov.au) is responsible for policy development.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First laws: For the six states, enacted between 1902 (Western Australia) and 1918 (Tasmania); 1911 (seamen's compensation); 1912 (commonwealth government employees); 1931 (Northern Territory); and 1946 (Australian Capital Territory).

Current laws: 1942, 1987, and 1998 (New South Wales); 1958, 1985, and 1993 (Victoria); 1986 (South Australia); 1986 (Northern Territory); 1988 (Tasmania); 1988 (federal government employees); 1989 (Australian Capital Territory); 1996 (Queensland); and 2001 (Western Australia).

Type of program: Employer-liability system, involving compulsory insurance with a public or private carrier under schemes established and run by state and territory governments.

Note: Some states still allow common law actions for negligence against an employer.

Coverage

Employed persons.

The self-employed may self-insure.

Exclusions: The self-employed are not usually covered.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: The total cost of self-insurance on a voluntary basis.

Employer: Total cost for employees is met through insurance premiums. The cost of premiums varies with the assessed degree of risk. Some employers are permitted to self-insure.

Government: None, except as a self-insurer for its own employees.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit varies depending on the state or territory in which the award is made. Generally, the benefit is at least 95% of earnings for a minimum of 26 weeks. Benefits may be payable for an extended period at reduced levels.

The maximum benefit levels are determined by the states and territories. Usually, the maximum benefit is in the form of a ceiling on the weekly benefit payment or is based on a total lump-sum value.

Income from the temporary disability benefit is taken into account in the calculation of entitlement to means-tested disability benefits payable under Old Age, Disability and Survivors.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted in March and September according to changes in the price index.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: Payable for a total disability.

Partial disability pension: The pension is determined by the amount of earnings lost subject to a limit; lump-sum payments are made for specific injuries.

Income from the permanent disability pension is taken into account in the calculation of entitlement to means-tested disability benefits payable under Old Age, Disability and Survivors.

Lump-sum payments made for specified permanent injuries and for pain and suffering vary among states and territories.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted in March and September according to changes in the price index.

Workers' Medical Benefits

The reasonable cost of medical care, hospitalization, transportation, nursing care, and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum for the survivor, plus a lump sum or a weekly payment for each child. In some cases, the benefit for a child may include a lump sum as well as a weekly payment.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted in March and September according to changes in the price index.

Funeral grant: The reasonable cost of a funeral.

Administrative Organization

Worker's Compensation Board or Commission administers claims in most states (except Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, Tasmania, and Western Australia, which have multi-insurer systems with claims administered by insurers).

Worker's Compensation Board or Commission administers claims for Commonwealth employees.

Australian government agencies: Safety, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Commission (http://www.comcare.gov.au); and Seafarers Safety, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Authority (Seacare Authority) (http://www.seacare.gov.au).

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1944.

Current law: 1991 (social security, job search, and newstart), with 1998 (youth allowance) amendment.

Type of program: Social assistance system.

Coverage

Gainfully employed persons (also payable to those not previously gainfully employed who meet the qualifying conditions), including the self-employed.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: Total cost from general revenue.

Qualifying Conditions

Youth allowance (means-tested): Unemployed young people aged 16 to 20 (age 24 if a full-time student, age 15 or older if old enough to leave school) who undertake approved education, training, job search, or other activity to prepare for employment or are incapacitated for work because of an illness or injury. The allowance is means-tested in terms of both parental and personal income and assets.

Newstart allowance (means-tested): Aged 21 or older but under the pensionable age and unemployed. A permanent resident and present in the country during the period of payment. Must be unemployed, capable of undertaking and actively seeking work, or temporarily incapacitated for work because of an illness. Unemployment is not due to voluntary leaving, a labor dispute, or the refusal of a suitable job offer. Otherwise, benefit may be paid at a reduced rate for up to 26 weeks or postponed for up to 8 weeks.

Mature age allowance (means-tested): Payable to an older unemployed person who is at least age 60 but less than the pensionable age. Must have received the newstart allowance for the preceding 9 months, or a nonactivity-tested payment in the 13 weeks prior to the claim, and have no recent workforce experience. Recipients are not required to look for work. (No new mature age allowances have been awarded since September 20, 2003.)

Partner allowance (means-tested): A member of a couple (born on or before July 1, 1955) whose partner receives a major social security pension or allowance. Must have no recent workforce experience, no dependent children younger than age 16, and must not have received unemployment payments or sickness allowance in the 13 weeks prior to the claim. Recipients are not required to look for work. A couple refers to cohabiting opposite-sex partners, regardless of marriage. (No new partner allowances have been awarded since September 20, 2003.)

Unemployment Benefits

Youth allowance (means-tested): Between A$174.30 and A$417.40 every 2 weeks depending on age, living arrangements, marital status, and whether the recipient has dependent children. A child is assessed as dependent according to specified criteria, including the legal relationship with the claimant; the child's age, income, and residency status; and whether the child is a full-time student or is receiving social security benefits.

Newstart allowance (means-tested): Up to A$351.10 every 2 weeks for each member of a couple older than age 21; A$389.20 every 2 weeks if single, older than age 21, and no dependents; A$421 every 2 weeks if single with dependents, or A$426.80 every 2 weeks if single, older than age 60, and after receiving the allowance for 9 months. The allowance is payable after a 7-day waiting period for as long as the person remains qualified.

If exempt from the activity test, a recipient of the newstart allowance may be paid for up to 26 weeks of temporary overseas absence in certain circumstances.

Mature age allowance (means-tested): Up to A$351.10 every 2 weeks for each member of a couple; A$389.20 every 2 weeks if single. The allowance is payable after a 7-day waiting period for as long as the person remains qualified. (No new mature age allowances have been awarded since September 20, 2003.)

Partner allowance (means-tested): Up to A$351.10 every 2 weeks. The allowance is payable after a 7-day waiting period for as long as the person remains qualified. (No new partner allowances have been awarded since September 20, 2003.)

Rent assistance (means-tested): Up to A$95.40 every 2 weeks, according to marital status and the level of rent. Special rules apply to people living in retirement villages. Single recipients younger than age 25 and living with their parents are not eligible for rent assistance.

Remote area supplement: A$18.20 every 2 weeks for a single person (A$15.60 each every 2 weeks for a couple), plus A$7.30 every 2 weeks for each dependent.

Concession card: Entitled to a health care card, or a pensioner concession card if older than age 60, after receiving social security benefits for 9 months.

Benefit adjustment: The youth allowance and newstart allowance are adjusted in March and September according to changes in the price index.

Administrative Organization

Department of Family and Community Services (http://www.facs.gov.au) provides general supervision.

Centrelink (http://www.centrelink.gov.au) administers the programs through 401 customer service centers and 16 area support offices.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1941 (family allowances).

Current laws: 1991 (social security); 1995 (social security), implemented in 1996; 1996 (family), implemented in 1997; 1997 (social security), implemented in 1998; 1997 (social security and veterans' affairs), implemented in 1998; and 1999 (social security family actual means test), implemented in 2000.

Type of program: Universal and social assistance system.

Coverage

Residents with one child or more.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: Total cost from general revenue.

Qualifying Conditions

Family tax benefit, Parts A and B: Families with dependent children up to and including age 20 (age 24 if a full-time student; younger than age 21 for job seekers not receiving the youth allowance). The benefit is awarded without being subject to an income test if annual family income is A$32,485 or less. Families receive some benefit under Part A for annual family income up to A$89,803 with one dependent child younger than age 18 (the income ceiling is raised by A$9,137 for each additional dependent child younger than age 18) or A$91,092 with one dependent aged 18 to 24 (the income ceiling is raised by A$10,427 for each additional dependent aged 18 to 24).

In addition, Part B provides extra assistance for single-income families (including single parents), particularly for families with children younger than age 5. Single parents are not subject to an income test. Couples receive some benefit under Part B if the secondary earner's annual income is less than A$18,947 and if the youngest child is younger than age 5; less than A$14,421 if the youngest child is between ages 5 and 18.

Large family supplement: For families with four or more children. The supplement is paid on top of the family tax benefit.

Multiple birth allowance: For the birth of three children or more. The allowance is paid every 2 weeks until the children are age 6.

Rent assistance: Payable to people receiving more than the base rate of the family tax benefit (Part A) and who pay rent to private landlords.

Double orphan pension: Child younger than age 16 (age 21 if a student and not receiving the youth allowance). If both parents are dead (or one parent is dead and the other is in a hospital or an institution on a long-term basis, has been in prison for at least 10 years, or whose whereabouts is unknown) or for refugee children under certain circumstances. The pension is not income-tested.

Maternity allowance: Persons with a newborn child who are eligible for the family tax benefit (Part A). Includes persons with adopted babies, stillborn babies, and babies who died shortly after birth.

Maternity immunization allowance: Persons who received a maternity allowance at the time of the child's birth or who are receiving or are eligible for a family tax benefit (Part A) when the child is between ages 18 and 24 months and after the child receives age-appropriate immunization or valid exemption from immunization.

Child care benefit: Resident families with children who pay for child care with an approved or registered care provider. Children must meet the immunization requirements or be exempt from them. The benefit is income-tested.

Health care card: Recipients of the maximum family tax benefit (Part A). A low-income health care card is provided to those satisfying an income test on average gross weekly income in the 8 weeks immediately before the claim is made.

Parenting payment: Child must be under age 16 and satisfies residency requirements. The payment is income-tested.

Care allowance: Payable to a person who lives with and provides daily care and attention to a substantially disabled person. The carer and the disabled person must satisfy residency requirements.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family tax benefit, Part A: The minimum and maximum rates of payment vary with the age of the dependent child.

The minimum rate per 2-week period for a child younger than age 18 is A$42.98 (ages 18 to 24 years, A$57.82).

The maximum rate per 2-week period for a child younger than age 13 is A$133.56; for ages 13 to 15, A$169.40; for ages 16 to 17, A$42.98; and for ages 18 to 24, A$57.82.

Family tax benefit, Part B: The maximum rate for a single parent with a child younger than age 5 is A$114.66 every 2 weeks; for ages 5 to 15 (ages 6 to 18 if a full-time student), A$79.94 every 2 weeks. The benefit rates for couples are subject to an income test if the annual income of the secondary earner is more than A$4,000.

Large family supplement: A$9.24 every 2 weeks for each child after the third.

Multiple birth allowance: A$111.86 every 2 weeks for triplets; A$149.10 for quadruplets or more. The allowance is usually added to the family tax benefit.

Rent assistance: Paid at the rate of 75 cents for each dollar of rent paid above a determined rent threshold. The maximum rate of assistance for each 2-week period depends on whether the claimant is single or partnered, the number of children, and the level of rent.

Double orphan pension: A$45.20 every 2 weeks.

Maternity allowance: A lump-sum payment of A$3,000 is paid for each child.

Maternity immunization allowance: A single lump-sum payment of A$210.66.

Child care benefit: The rate of benefit depends on the number of children, the number of hours of care paid for each week, the age of the children, and the status of the care provider.

Health care card: The card makes available additional health, household, and transportation assistance from state, territory, and local governments.

Parenting payment: Up to A$351.10 every 2 weeks for parents living as a couple; A$ 464.20 every 2 weeks for a single parent.

Care allowance: A$90.10 every 2 weeks.

Income and asset tests: Income and asset tests differ for homeowners and nonhomeowners. The rate of payment is calculated according to personal circumstances under the income and asset tests with the lower rate (including zero) applied.

Benefit adjustment: Most benefits are adjusted on July 1 each year according to changes in the price index.

Administrative Organization

Department of Family and Community Services (http://www.facs.gov.au) provides general supervision.

Family Assistance Offices administer the program.