Sickness Allowance
Sickness Allowance is a short-term payment for people who are employed but who temporarily cannot work or study because of a medical condition. In some cases full-time students can also get Sickness Allowance.
Sickness Allowance is a short-term payment for people who are employed, including self-employed, who temporarily cannot work or study because of a medical condition. In some cases full-time students can also get Sickness Allowance.
To be eligible for Sickness Allowance, you must be:
- aged 21 or over and have a job
- aged 21 and over and getting ABSTUDY
- aged 25 or over and getting Austudy
You will need to provide a medical certificate completed by your doctor and you must have work or study to return to when you are better. Otherwise, you may be eligible for another payment from Centrelink such as Newstart Allowance.
Sickness Allowance is income and assets tested and residency requirements also apply.
If you are eligible, you will receive your Sickness Allowance fortnightly. Depending on your situation, you may also get a Health Care concession card as well as be entitled to other payments and benefits.
Next steps
- Read more about Sickness Allowance
- Read more about New Zealand citizens claiming payments in Australia
- Download the Are you ill, injured or do you have a disability? booklet on Centrelink’s website
- Download the Disability and Carer Payment Rates fact sheet for information about income and assets limits
- Visit a Centrelink Service Centre
- Phone the Disability, Sickness and Carers line on 13 2717