Post by Banjo on Jun 9, 2015 10:50:52 GMT 7
Disability payment claimants cite headaches and ‘arm discomfort’ to get back on welfare
HUNDREDS of people are citing ailments such as headaches and “arm discomfort” in failed bids to have the Administrative Appeals Tribunal overturn Centrelink’s decision to block their welfare applications.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the tribunal is denying almost one appeal against Centrelink a day nationally, with some of the claimants eligible for just five of the 20 points required to access the disability support pension.
Only one appeal against a Centrelink decision to block the DSP in the entire country was approved last month.
The figures show the government’s crackdown on agencies approving access to the pension is finally working and extending to the legal system.
One woman had her appeal rejected this month after telling the tribunal she needed access to the DSP after experiencing back pain, headaches, anxiety and memory loss.
Another wanted the pension after pain from a broken arm restricted his ability to work. His appeal was also rejected.
More than 830,000 people are accessing the DSP at a cost to taxpayers of $17 billion a year. Under the previous government, projections showed DSP recipients would hit one million within a few years but this figure has since stabilised under Tony Abbott.
Social services minister Scott Morrison said yesterday he was pleased the government’s tough stance on the use of taxpayer funds was flowing through to the court system.
“We promised a tougher welfare cop on the beat and that is what we are delivering,’’ he said.
In January, the government announced only Commonwealth-approved doctors could sign off on DSP applications, ending the practice of doctor-shopping among rorters.
Mr Morrison said taxpayers expected and deserved integrity in the welfare system.
“The Abbott government has tightened up enforcement measures for the DSP so taxpayers can have greater confidence in our welfare system,” he said.
“I am pleased our stronger stance is being backed up through the appeals system.”
Mr Morrison said blocking rorters from accessing the DSP meant more funds would be available for those who genuinely needed support.
“These payments are intended for those who need them, not those who want to game them,’’ he said.
Eight out of 10 income taxpayers go to work just to fund Australia’s $150 billion welfare bill each year.
www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/disability-payment-claimants-cite-headaches-and-arm-discomfort-to-get-back-on-welfare/story-fni0cx4q-1227388714044
HUNDREDS of people are citing ailments such as headaches and “arm discomfort” in failed bids to have the Administrative Appeals Tribunal overturn Centrelink’s decision to block their welfare applications.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the tribunal is denying almost one appeal against Centrelink a day nationally, with some of the claimants eligible for just five of the 20 points required to access the disability support pension.
Only one appeal against a Centrelink decision to block the DSP in the entire country was approved last month.
The figures show the government’s crackdown on agencies approving access to the pension is finally working and extending to the legal system.
One woman had her appeal rejected this month after telling the tribunal she needed access to the DSP after experiencing back pain, headaches, anxiety and memory loss.
Another wanted the pension after pain from a broken arm restricted his ability to work. His appeal was also rejected.
More than 830,000 people are accessing the DSP at a cost to taxpayers of $17 billion a year. Under the previous government, projections showed DSP recipients would hit one million within a few years but this figure has since stabilised under Tony Abbott.
Social services minister Scott Morrison said yesterday he was pleased the government’s tough stance on the use of taxpayer funds was flowing through to the court system.
“We promised a tougher welfare cop on the beat and that is what we are delivering,’’ he said.
In January, the government announced only Commonwealth-approved doctors could sign off on DSP applications, ending the practice of doctor-shopping among rorters.
Mr Morrison said taxpayers expected and deserved integrity in the welfare system.
“The Abbott government has tightened up enforcement measures for the DSP so taxpayers can have greater confidence in our welfare system,” he said.
“I am pleased our stronger stance is being backed up through the appeals system.”
Mr Morrison said blocking rorters from accessing the DSP meant more funds would be available for those who genuinely needed support.
“These payments are intended for those who need them, not those who want to game them,’’ he said.
Eight out of 10 income taxpayers go to work just to fund Australia’s $150 billion welfare bill each year.
www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/disability-payment-claimants-cite-headaches-and-arm-discomfort-to-get-back-on-welfare/story-fni0cx4q-1227388714044
