Disability Support Pension reform – changes from 1 July 2012
Date published :
2
July
2012
Jenny Macklin MP announced changes that the Australian
Government is making to the Disability Support Pension (DSP) from 1
July 2012, which will improve support for Australians with
disability. The Government believes they can do better than a
lifetime spent on income support for Australians who have some
capacity to work. The Government knows that a job
provides more than just a pay packet-it gives people dignity and
purpose, provides security for the future and connects people to
their community.
From 1 July 2012:
- DSP recipients will be able to work for up to 30 hours a week
and still receive part pension, subject to income testing;
- DSP recipients under age 35 will be required to attend regular
participation interviews and develop a participation plan aimed at
improving their capacity; and
- DSP recipients with a severe and permanent impairment and no
future work capacity will be able to take their pension overseas
indefinitely.
The attached Fact Sheet provides more detail about these
changes to DSP as well as the DSP reforms this Government has
already put in place.
The Government will ensure the DSP continues to be an essential
safety net for Australians who are unable to work.
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