The Latest on DSP Participation Requirements

[spaceyone]

Budget 2011-12: Disability Support Pension - Participation Requirements

Description of the measure

From 1 July 2012, Disability Support Pension (DSP) customers under 35 years who have a work capacity of eight or more hours a week will have to meet participation requirements.

Those who are manifestly eligible for DSP or assessed as having a work capacity of 0‑7 hours a week will not be affected by this measure. Also, people employed under the Supported Wage System (SWS) and those who are participating in Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE) will not be affected.

These participation requirements will be flexible and will take into account work capacity and individual circumstances.

Current DSP customers will be invited for a compulsory initial interview with Centrelink, followed by compulsory periodic interviews to determine activities that could be undertaken to improve their workforce participation.

This measure is designed to increase social and economic participation by providing access to services to address vocational and non-vocational barriers to those who may benefit.

Those who are manifestly eligible for DSP or assessed as having a work capacity of 0‑7 hours a week will not be affected by this measure. Also, people employed under the Supported Wage System (SWS) and those who are participating in Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE) will not be affected.

These requirements will be flexible and take into account work capacity and individual circumstances. For more information, visit humanservices.gov.au.

Questions and answers at the link:

www.humanservices.gov.au/corporate/publications-and-resources/budget/measures/disability-and-illness/ptf20a

[spaceyone]

Disability Support Pension - Allow all recipients to work up to 30 hours per week

Description of the measure

From 1 July 2012, all Disability Support Pension (DSP) customers will be able to work up to 30 hours a week for up to two years and keep receiving a part pension, provided their level of income does not reduce their payment to zero because of the income test.

Currently, customers granted DSP on or after 11 May 2005 who report they have commenced work for 15 or more hours a week at or above the relevant minimum wage will have their DSP suspended.

This measure will allow these DSP customers to work up to 30 hours a week and continue to receive a part pension payment if their income remains below the cut off point. This is currently the case for customers granted DSP before 11 May 2005 (grandfathered customers).

If a non-grandfathered DSP customer’s income reduces their payment to zero, their DSP will be suspended for up to two years and they will be able keep their Pensioner Concession Card for up to 12 months.

This measure will allow customers who were granted DSP on or after 11 May 2005 to maximise their work capacity without sudden loss of DSP qualification and payment. The measure will simplify the rules and address the inconsistent treatment of people granted DSP before and after 11 May 2005.

Questions and answers at the link:

www.humanservices.gov.au/corporate/publications-and-resources/budget/measures/disability-and-illness/ptf26

[Banjo]

Thanks spaceyone, the 0-7 hours a week rule seems to be the key to the new "rules".

[barnsy]

Hi, Regarding The Grandfatherd. I was put on DSp in March 2004 am I grandfathered now ?

[Banjo]

Yes you would be under the old rules regarding work assessment and requirements IF you're over 35 which your profile indicates you are.
Did you end up going overseas?
If so, any problems?