Calculate partner pension
Weekly pensions for the dependent partner are limited to three years from the date of death of the worker. The calculation for a partner pension depends on whether the claim is lodged:
- on or after 5 April 2010
- before 5 April 2010
See: Indexation of entitlements (weekly pensions)
Claim lodged on or after 5 April 2010
First 13 weeks
Dependent partners are entitled to a maximum of 95% of the deceased worker’s PIAWE or the current maximum of $2,660 (twice the State average weekly earnings) whichever is the lesser.
After the end of 13 weeks
After the end of the 13 week period following the date of death, pensions are paid at the rate of 50% of the deceased worker’s PIAWE or the current maximum of $2,660 (twice the State average weekly earnings) whichever is the lesser. The rate will vary if the total pension payable to all dependents would exceed the current maximum of $2,660 (twice the State average weekly earnings).
Overtime and shift allowances are not included in the calculation of PIAWE after the expiry of the first 52 weeks.
Dependant children do not affect the weekly pension of a partner
In general, a partner’s weekly pension rate is not impacted by dependant children receiving a pension. However, if the total pension payable to dependents would exceed the current maximum of $2,660 (twice the State average weekly earnings) pension rates are varied.
When total pension payable to all dependants would exceed the current maximum of $2,660 (twice the State average weekly earnings)
When the combined weekly pension amount to all dependants exceeds the current maximum amount, the pension to the partner is calculated as follows:
| Number of dependent children | Total amount of pension payable to the partner |
|---|---|
| No dependent children | $2,660 (twice the State average weekly earnings) |
| 5 or less dependent children |
$2,660 x 50/(50+5N) (where N is the number of dependent children entitled) |
| More than 5 dependent children | $1,770 |
More than one dependent partner
If there is more than one dependent partner they are paid equal amounts of the total partner pension.
Claim lodged before 5 April 2010
First 13 weeks
Dependent partners are entitled to a maximum of 95% of the deceased worker’s PIAWE or the maximum pension rate whichever is the lesser.
After the end of 13 weeks
After the end of the 13 week period following the date of death, pensions are paid at the rate of 50% of the deceased worker’s PIAWE or the current maximum of $1,960 whichever is the lesser. The rate will vary if the total pension payable to all dependents would exceed the maximum of $1,960.
Overtime and shift allowances are not included in the calculation of the PIAWE after the expiry of the first 26 week period.
Dependent children do not affect a partner’s weekly pension
In general, the partner’s weekly pension rate is not impacted by dependent children receiving a pension. However, if the total pension payable to dependants would exceed the current maximum of $1,960 pension rates are varied.
When total pension payable to all dependants would exceed the maximum pension rate of $1,960
When the combined weekly pension amount to all dependants exceeds the current maximum amount, the pension to the partner is calculated as follows:
| Number of dependent children | Total amount of pension payable to the partner |
|---|---|
| No dependent children | $1,960 |
| 5 or less dependent children |
$1,960 x 50/(50+5N) (where N is the number of dependent children entitled) |
| More than 5 dependent children | $1,320 |
More than one dependent partner
If there is more than one dependent partner they are paid equal amounts of the total partner pension.