Calculate orphan pension

The calculation of an orphan 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)

If there is more than one dependent orphan child, they are paid an equal share of the total orphan pension amount.

Claim lodged on or after 5 April 2010

First 13 weeks from date of death

The pension amount for a dependent orphan child is the lesser of:

• 95% of the deceased worker’s PIAWE or

• the capped amount of TSAWE.

After the end of 13 weeks

After 13 weeks, until they cease to be eligible, the pension amount for a dependent orphan child is the lesser of:

• 50% of the deceased worker’s PIAWE or

• 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.

Claim lodged before 5 April 2010

First 13 weeks from date of death

The pension amount for a dependent orphan child is the lesser of:

• 95% of the deceased worker’s PIAWE or

• the capped amount of AWE Average Weekly Earnings for the relevant period.

After the end of 13 weeks

After 13 weeks, until they cease to be eligible, the pension amount for a dependent orphan child is the lesser of:

• 50% of the deceased worker’s PIAWE or

• the capped amount of AWE for the relevant period.

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