The following Centrelink payments might apply to you if you have a disability. Further information including whether or not you might qualify for assistance is available from Centrelink.
Disability Support Pension
Disability Support Pension is an income support payment for people whose physical, intellectual or psychiatric impairment prevents them from working, or for people who are permanently blind.
People applying for Disability Support Pension on or after 1 July 2006
You might be eligible for Disability Support Pension if your permanent impairment prevents you from working for at least 15 hours per week at or above the relevant minimum wages in the open labour market with up to two years of assistance (subject to meeting the other Disability Support Pension eligibility criteria), or if you are participating in the Supported Wage System, or are permanently blind.
People receiving Disability Support Pension on 10 May 2005 who remain on payment
If you were receiving the Disability Support Pension on 10 May 2005 and remain on payment, the eligibility rules are slightly different. You will continue to be eligible for the Disability Support Pension if you are unable to work at least 30 hours per week at or above the relevant minimum wages in the open labour market (and meet the other eligibility criteria), or if you are participating in the Supported Wage System, or are permanently blind.
People applying for and have been granted Disability Support Pension between 11 May 2005 and 30 June 2006
If you were granted the Disability Support Pension between 11 May 2005 and 30 June 2006, you were assessed under the existing arrangements (including the 30 hour per week work test).
If your eligibility for Disability Support Pension is reviewed after 30 June 2006, you will remain eligible for the Pension if you are unable to work at least 15 hours per week at or above the relevant minimum wages in the open labour market with up to two years of assistance (and meet other eligibility criteria), or if you are participating in the Supported Wage System, or are permanently blind. If, at review, you can work at least 15 hours per week, you will be assessed for eligibility to an alternative income support payment such as Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance.
Newstart Allowance
Newstart Allowance is an income support payment that might be suitable for you if you are unemployed and aged over 21 or you are temporarily unable to work due to illness, injury or disability.
Youth Allowance
Youth Allowance is an income support payment available to you if you are a full time student aged 16 to 24 OR if you are unemployed and aged under 21.
People receiving Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance with a partial capacity to work
People with disability receiving Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance who are assessed as having capacity to work 15-29 hours per week in the open labour market with up to two years assistance, will be required to engage in a recommended program of vocational assistance and/or look for work that matches their capacity. They will receive the Pensioner Concession Card with access to pharmaceutical and other concessions available to card holders. People who move into work will also be able to keep their Pensioner Concession Card for 12 months if they lose entitlement to Newstart or Youth Allowance because of employment.
Mobility Allowance
Mobility Allowance can provide assistance if you have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from using public transport without substantial assistance. More information about Mobility Allowance including information about eligibility is available from the Centrelink web site—see related links.
Centrelink Rate Estimator Service
The online Centrelink Rate Estimator service is available if you want to:
- estimate your Centrelink payments (not including Family Assistance Office payments)
- compare the financial benefits of working in paid employment, even while you are receiving a Centrelink Allowance or Pension.
You do not need to register to use the Centrelink Rate Estimator. To use the Centrelink Rate Estimator, use the link provided on the following web site (please note that this link will take you to an external web site in a new window):