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Partner Allowance

Support for people with limited work experience who are finding it hard to get work and their partner gets an income support payment.

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New grants of Partner Allowance stopped on 20 September 2003.

If you were receiving Partner Allowance before that date, you can keep receiving it as long as you still qualify.

To qualify, you need to meet income and assets tests.

Eligibility & payment rates

Income test for Partner Allowance

Your income affects the amount of payment you receive.

Assets test for Partner Allowance

An asset is any property or possession you own either partly or wholly. It includes assets held outside Australia and debts owing to you.

Factors affecting payment rates and eligibility for Partner Allowance

Your eligibility and the amount you are paid can be affected by a range of things.

Payment rates for Partner Allowance

The maximum rate of Partner Allowance is $448.70 per fortnight. This payment rate is effective from 20 March 2012. The amount you get depends on your income and assets.

Partner Allowance is usually adjusted on 20 March and 20 September each year, in line with the Consumer Price Index—that is, in line with increases in the costs of living.

Your Partner Allowance is reviewed every six months.

Note: If you are earning a variable income, you need to report it to us every fortnight.

If you disagree with a decision we make, you always have the right to appeal.

Other benefits while receiving Partner Allowance

If you qualify for Partner Allowance, you may be entitled to other payments and benefits, such as:

Managing your payment

Change of circumstances while receiving Partner Allowance

You need to tell us if your circumstances change while receiving Partner Allowance. For example, you need to tell us if your income changes or if you plan to leave Australia.

You need to let us know about any changes within 14 days in case this affects your Partner Allowance. If you don’t tell us about changes you may be overpaid, and you will probably have to pay the money back.

If you deliberately don’t tell us about changes, you could be charged with fraud.
You may have to pay a fee if you give us incorrect information about your employment income.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program

Language, literacy and numeracy training is available to people who receive certain Centrelink payments. The training can improve your chances of getting and keeping a job by developing speaking, reading, writing and basic maths skills.

Payments paid while outside Australia

There are rules about getting your payment when you leave Australia.