Parenting Payment (partnered) income test 2026
How much you can earn before Parenting Payment (partnered) reduces, and how fast it tapers above the free area.
| Fortnightly income | Effect on your payment |
|---|---|
| Up to $150 | No reduction (this is the income free area) |
| $150 to $256 | Reduces by 50c for each dollar over $150 |
| $256 and above | Reduces by 60c for each dollar over $256 |
Source: Services Australia, A guide to Australian Government payments (CO029), 1 July 2026 edition — Income test for Parenting Payment (partnered)
| Situation | Payment reduces to nil at |
|---|---|
| Personal income limit | $1,414.67 /fortnight |
| Partner income limit | $2,662 /fortnight |
| Couple (combined) income limit | $2,829.67 /fortnight |
| Couple (combined) income limit if partner receives a pension | $2,829.34 /fortnight |
| Situation | Partner income free area |
|---|---|
| Partner aged between 22 and Age Pension age | $1,415 /fortnight |
| Partner aged under 22 — No dependent children | $1,307 /fortnight |
| Partner aged under 22 — With dependent children | $1,402 /fortnight |
Parenting Payment partnered has a personal income free area. You can earn up to that amount each fortnight before your own payment reduces. Above the free area, your payment reduces as your income rises.
Your partner's income is also tested. Once your partner's income passes the partner income free area, it reduces your payment as well. There is also a combined income limit for a couple.
The personal income limit, partner income limit and combined limit are shown in the income test table on this page. Different figures apply if you are over Age Pension age.
More on Parenting Payment (partnered)
- Parenting Payment (partnered) overviewRate, tests and calculator
- Full rate tableEvery variant
- CalculatorEstimate your payment
- Assets testLimits and free areas
Estimates and general information only — not financial advice. Check Services Australia for your circumstances.
Rates current as of 20 March 2026. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 17 July 2026.