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What is a 'means tested' benefit?

Means testing is the term used to explain the process of detailed financial assessment. Some social security benefits (Centrelink) are considered to be means tested, while others are not. In order to be means tested you must undergo full financial assessment, including income and asset assessment.

After being means tested, Centrelink will determine which benefit(s) you may receive. For your information we have included a list of benefits from the Centrelink website.

The following information is current as at August 2007 and is subject to change. For the most recently published information and for further details about each benefit, please refer to the Centrelink website page Income/assets tests (opens new window).

The following Centrelink benefits are not means tested and cannot be used as evidence of financial disadvantage when applying for scholarships and grants:

The following Centrelink benefits are means tested, and can be used as evidence of financial disadvantage when applying for scholarships and grants:
 
  • AGDRP
  • Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme
  • Carer Allowance (adult)
  • Carer Allowance (child)
  • Child Care Benefit
  • Double Orphan Pension
  • Employment Entry Payment
  • Family Tax Benefit Part A
  • Family Tax Benefit Part B
  • Baby Bonus
  • Maternity Immunisation Allowance
  • Mobility Allowance
  • Pensioner Education Supplement
  • Pharmaceutical Allowance
  • Remote Area Allowance
  • Seniors Concession Allowance
  • Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme
  • Telephone Allowance
  • Utilities Allowance
  • ABSTUDY
  • Age Pension
  • Austudy
  • Bereavement Allowance
  • Carer Payment (adult)
  • Carer Payment (child)
  • Disability Support Pension
  • Mature Age Allowance
  • Newstart Allowance
  • Parenting Payment
  • Partner Allowance
  • Sickness Allowance
  • Special Benefit
  • Widow Allowance
  • Widow B Pension
  • Wife Pension
  • Youth Allowance

 

If you are not eligible for a Health Care Card or a means-tested Centrelink benefit, the UniSA Scholarship Assessment Form may be used as a means-test to assess your eligibility for a scholarship.

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