Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
What is the Disability Support Pension and who can get it?
So Disability Support Pension is for a person with a long-term disability. And long-term
in Centrelink language means that it's likely to last for more than two years.
As well as that, to get Disability Support Pension, you have to have your disability
assessed, and it has to be of a particular severity. And you need to get a certain number
of points under tables that are in the legislation.
And then on top of that, so assuming that your disability is severe enough for you to
qualify, you also have to have what's referred to as a continuing inability to work. And
a continuing inability to work means that, if you applied after the first of July 2006,
that you have an inability to work independently for more than 15 hours a week, for at least
the next two years. And that's being able to work in open employment, independently,
without any other form of support.
As well as that, Centrelink will take into account whether you're able to train, or to
do education, or provide some sort of on-the-job support or rehabilitation that will equip
you to be able to work for more than 15 hours within the next two years.
If Centrelink decides that you're currently not able to work, but you will be able to
work for more than 15 hours in the next two years, they won't pay you disability support
pension, and you'll have to apply for something else.