4 Income & Assets

Introduction

Australia has an income support system that is designed to be a safety net for people unable to support themselves without calling on the resources of the community. The income and assets tests are used to target the system so that it remains sustainable and affordable for Australian taxpayers. The tests help ensure that the funds available for social security expenditure are directed to those in the community most in need. The tests are kept under review to ensure that they are meeting the requirements of the community for well-targeted income support.

 

The rate of income support payable depends on the income and assets tests. The rate of payment is calculated under the 2 separate tests and the test that results in the lower (or Nil) rate is the one that applies.

 

This part contains information on the treatment of a person's income and assets. It describes the various means tests and limits, issues around deprivation of income and assets, deeming provisions, the treatment of income from different sources, treatment of various types of assets and superannuation funds and income streams.

 

In this part

This part contains the following chapters:

4.1 Deprivation of Income & Assets

4.2 Means Tests & Limits

4.3 Ordinary Income

4.4 Deeming Provisions

4.5 Income for Family Assistance Payments (deleted - see topic)

4.6 Assets

4.7 Business Structures, Primary Production & pre-01/01/2002 Assessment of Trusts & Private Companies

4.8 Superannuation Funds

4.9 Income Streams

4.10 Historical Income & Assets Limits & Information

4.11 Taxable Income

4.12 Means Test Treatment of Private Trusts & Private Companies from 01/01/2002

4.13 Compensation

4.14 Means Test Concessions for Special Disability Trusts

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Last reviewed: 3 December 2007