Income and assets test

We use income and assets tests to check if you can get Special Benefit. We also use these to work out how much you can get.

Income test

To assess if you can get Special Benefit we’ll look at all income you get. If you’re partnered, we’ll also look at your partner’s income.

For every $1 of gross income you get, the amount of Special Benefit you can get reduces by $1. We’ll also look at any other support you get, including:

  • food
  • accommodation
  • utilities
  • other goods and services.

If your income and other support is equal to, or more than the maximum rate of Special Benefit you can’t get the payment.

Assets test

To assess if you can get Special Benefit we’ll look at all the assets you have. If you’re partnered, we’ll also look at your partner’s assets.

Your limits are higher if you get Rent Assistance with your allowance. Your payment will cancel when your assets are more than the following amounts. The income limit still applies.

Your situationHomeownerNon-homeowner
Single$314,000$566,000
A couple, combined$470,000$722,000
A couple, one partner eligible, combined$470,000$722,000

Read more about asset types.

What limited savings means

You and your partner must have no more than $5,000 in combined readily available funds. This includes any liquid assets you can sell.

Liquid assets include cash you have on hand, money you have in the bank and financial investments you have. They also include gifts and other money available to you at short notice.

Page last updated: 1 July 2024.
QC 38776