Calculate child pension

The calculation of a child pension depends on when the claim was lodged.

Claim lodged: Calculation impacts:
On or after 5 April 2010

Overtime and shift allowances included in PIAWE for first 52 weeks

Total pension amounts capped at twice the State average weekly earnings (TSAWE) for the relevant payment period

Before 5 April 2010

Overtime and shift allowances included in PIAWE for first 26 weeks

Total pension amounts capped at the relevant:

  • average weekly earnings (AWE) for the payment period up to 31 October 2020

  • TSAWE for payment period from 1 November 2020

See: Indexation of entitlements (weekly pensions)

Claim lodged on or after 5 April 2010

First 13 weeks from date of death

Children are not paid weekly pensions in the first 13 weeks from the date of the worker’s death.

After the end of 13 weeks

After 13 weeks, and until they cease to be eligible, the pension amount for a dependent child will vary depending on:

  • the total number of dependent children and/or

  • whether the total weekly pensions calculated for all dependants exceeds the capped amount of TSAWE.

After the expiry of the first 52 weeks, overtime and shift allowances are no longer included in the calculation of PIAWE.

For pension periods on or after 1 November 2020
The total weekly pension payable… …does not exceed capped amount …exceeds capped amount
4 or less dependent children

each child is paid:

  • 12.5% of the deceased worker’s PIAWE

each child is paid a pension calculated with the formula:

  • TSAWE x 12.5/(50+12.5N)

(where N is the number of dependent children entitled)

5 or more dependent children

each child is paid:

  • an equal share of 50% of the deceased worker's PIAWE

each child is paid:

  • an equal share of 50% of TSAWE

 

For pension periods up to 31 October 2020
The total weekly pension payable… …does not exceed capped amount …exceeds capped amount
5 or less dependent children

each child is paid:

  • 5% of the deceased worker’s PIAWE

each child is paid a pension calculated with the formula:

  • TSAWE x 5/(50+12.5N)

(where N is the number of dependent children entitled)

More than 5 dependent children

each child is paid:

  • an equal share of 25% of the deceased worker's PIAWE

each child is paid:

  • an equal share of 1/3 of TSAWE.
Claims lodged before 5 April 2010

First 13 weeks from date of death

Children are not paid weekly pensions in the first 13 weeks from the date of the worker’s death.

After the end of 13 weeks

After 13 weeks, and until they cease to be eligible, the pension amount for a dependent child will vary depending on:

  • the total number of dependent children and/or
  • whether the total pension payable to all dependents would exceed the capped amount.

After the expiry of the first 26 weeks, overtime and shift allowances are no longer included in the calculation of PIAWE.

For pension periods on or after 1 November 2020
The total of pensions payable… …does not exceed capped amount …exceeds capped amount
4 or less dependent children

each child is paid:

  • 12.5% of the deceased worker’s PIAWE

each child is paid a pension calculated with the formula:

  • TSAWE x 12.5/(50+12.5N)

(where N is the number of dependent children entitled)

5 or more dependent children

each child is paid:

  • an equal share of 50% of the deceased worker's PIAWE

each child is paid:

  • an equal share of 50% of TSAWE

 

For pension periods up to 31 October 2020
The total weekly pension payable… …does not exceed capped amount …exceeds capped amount
5 or less dependent children

each child is paid:

  • 5% of the deceased worker’s PIAWE

each child is paid a pension calculated with the formula:

  • AWE x 5/(50+5N)

(where N is the number of dependent children entitled)

More than 5 dependent children

each child is paid:

  • an equal share of 25% of the deceased worker's PIAWE

each child is paid:

  • an equal share of 1/3 of AWE.

See: Indexation of entitlements (weekly pensions)