To be eligible for the Australian Centrelink Disability Support Pension (DSP), a person must meet several criteria related to age, residency, and disability. Here are the key eligibility criteria:
1. Age and Residency Requirements
- Age: The applicant must be between 16 years old and the Age Pension age (currently 67 years, depending on the person’s birthdate).
- Residency: The applicant must be an Australian resident and have been in Australia for a total of at least 10 years, with at least five of those years being continuous. Some exceptions apply, such as for refugees or those covered by international social security agreements.
2. Disability Requirements
- The applicant must have a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition.
- The condition must result in a functional impairment rated at 20 points or more on the Impairment Tables used by Centrelink. These tables assess how a condition affects the person’s ability to function in everyday activities, such as communication, mobility, or social interactions.
- The applicant must be unable to work 15 hours or more per week in the next two years (with appropriate training or assistance) due to the disability. This includes being unable to perform any work or retraining in a job that is within their skills, qualifications, and experience.
3. Medical Evidence
- Applicants must provide medical evidence that supports their disability and its impact on their ability to work. This evidence might include reports from treating doctors, specialists, or allied health professionals.
- The condition must be considered “fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilized” — meaning it is not expected to improve within the next two years to the extent that the person could work 15 or more hours per week.
4. Participation Requirements
- In some cases, Centrelink may require the applicant to participate in a Program of Support (POS) to show that they have tried to find work or improve their work capacity through rehabilitation, training, or job search activities. However, this requirement is waived if the applicant has a severe impairment (an impairment rating of 20 points or more on a single Impairment Table).
5. Income and Asset Test
- Eligibility for the DSP is also subject to an income and assets test. Centrelink will assess the applicant’s and their partner’s (if applicable) income and assets to determine the payment rate. If their income or assets exceed certain limits, they may not qualify for the pension or may receive a reduced payment.
6. Other Considerations
- The applicant must not be in jail or a psychiatric confinement without being on leave (with some exceptions).
Would you like more details on any of these criteria or further information on applying for the Disability Support Pension in Australia?