Supplements/Reco 2011

[bridgette]

I am the higher income earner and I estimated my income at $38000. DP's was estimated at $20000. So combined we had an estimate of $58000.

I earnt higher than my estimated income but DP earnt lower than his estimated imcome. So combined we only earnt $54000.
So overall we are lower than our combined estimated income.

Does this mean that we may be entitled to more money back from FAO because the lower income earnings (which I believe a lot of the rates are often based on) was much lower than the estimate?

Hi Alibaby,

Yes, you are right

Just to clarify, your FTBa is based on combined income, if you overestimated there (which you would have at a combined income estimate of $58000, but actual income is $54000), then you may be eligible for a 'top up' of FTBa.

As you have also over estimated your partner's income, and as he is the lower income earner, you may be entitled to a 'top up' of FTBb. For FTBb, you receive max entitlement if the lower income earner's income is below approx $4700, it starts to decrease after $4700, and cuts out when the lower income earner earns approx $24000 (in the situation that the youngest child in care is below 5yrs old, that higher income parent's income is below $150000 etc etc)

I'm sorry, I can't recall the exact thresholds for FTBb, they are listed in the 'Guide to Payments' booklet available on the centrelink website. The Guide is a very good resource for all the figures and amounts!

I would hate for you to worry about a debt - based purely on what you have advised, I do not believe you would have a debt, and I believe you may be eligible to arrears for both FTBa and FTBb. I am unsure if you are renting, but if you are, perhaps also check your eligibility for rent assistance. I know how much I stress about debts! HTH