Partner commencing or returning to work 102-09010010

This document outlines the information required from a customer when their partner, who is not receiving an income support payment, commences or returns to work and the effect it will have on their payment.

Partner on income support payments

This procedure does not apply if the partner commencing or returning to work receives a Centrelink income support payment.

Entitlement to income support payments

A customer may still be entitled to an income support payment if their partner is working on a full-time basis, depending on the level of income paid to the partner. If the customer's partner is working casually or part-time, the partner may also be entitled to an income support payment.

Self-service

Age Pension (AGE), Carer Payment (CAR) and Parenting Payment (PP) customers who are currently notification reporters will be able to update employment status via Centrelink Online Account and Express Plus Mobile App when their partner commences or returns to work with variable employment income. This service will automatically place the customer on two weekly reporting.

Genuine attempts must be made to transition customers to report via self service options before assisted reporting is completed, unless an Exception applies.

Notifying employment income

It is the responsibility of each income support recipient to notify the Services Australia of any employment income paid to themselves or their partner:

within 14 days for notification reporters
on their Entitlement Period End Date (EPED) via a Reporting Statement (online or phone), in person or in writing (SU19) if they have mutual obligation requirements
via self-service, verbally or in writing for two weekly reporters

Working credit, Work Bonus and nil rate

When the customer receiving the income support payment has employment income:

If under Age Pension age - Working Credits may enable the person to keep some of their income support payment while they are working
If over Age Pension age -and in receipt of a pension (excluding PPS) they may be entitled to the Work Bonus. Note: the Work Bonus is not used in the customer's transitional rules calculation, however the Work Bonus will still be used in the comparison calculations and partners may still benefit by the reduction in total income
If the person's income reduces their fortnightly rate to nil and some of that income is employment income, the person's payment may remain current at nil rate for up to 12 fortnights and they may retain certain benefits