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Commencing or returning to work for partners of ABSTUDY customers 102-07030170

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This document outlines what can occur when the partner of a customer who receives ABSTUDY payments commences or returns to work.

Means test

Independent students applying for ABSTUDY Living Allowance are subject to the Personal Income Test and, if partnered, the Partner Income Test.

Partner Income Test

An ABSTUDY customer under 22 years of age will have their payment reduced by 60 cents for every $1 their partner is paid over the Partner Income Free Area.

An ABSTUDY customer who is 22 years or over will have their payment reduced by 50 cents for every $1 their partner is paid over the Partner Income Free Area.

For further information on the Partner Income Test and how to calculate the Partner Income Free Area, see:

Ongoing income

If the partner's income is ongoing and above the limit for the customer to continue to receive ABSTUDY Living Allowance, the student's payment will remain current at a zero rate to enable the ABSTUDY customer to remain eligible for other ABSTUDY entitlements. e.g. Incidentals Allowance.

Processing arrangements for ABSTUDY claims and enquiries

Partner Income Test for ABSTUDY customers 22 years and over

Partner Income Test for ABSTUDY customers under 22 years old, Austudy and Youth Allowance students and Australian Apprentices