1.1.M.21 Maintenance income free area (FTB)

Definition

The MIFA is the amount of maintenance income (1.1.M.10) that is disregarded for the purposes of the maintenance income test for FTB Part A worked out using Method 1.

The MIFA varies, depending on:

• whether the individual is single or has a partner (1.1.P.30), and
• whether the individual and/or their partner is entitled to apply for child maintenance, and
• the number of FTB children for whom the individual and/or their partner is entitled to apply for child maintenance.

Note: In some situations eligible individuals may be able to utilise unused MIFA from past years to offset late child support payments (see 3.1.7.05).

Act reference: FAAct Schedule 1 clause 22 How to calculate an individual's maintenance income free area, Schedule 1 clause 23 Only maintenance actually received taken into account in applying clause 22

Policy reference: FA Guide 3.1.7 Maintenance Income Test, 3.1.7.05 Maintenance Income Credit

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Last reviewed: 16 May 2011