When you can’t work due to illness or injury, every part of your life becomes tougher. The ongoing support from a pension can be a boost to getting back on track.
A DSP is a Centrelink program that gives ongoing financial help to Australians who have permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric conditions that prevent them from working. Applying for a disability support pension requires evidence of the condition(s) and details on how it’s affected your ability to work.
Who is eligible for a disability support pension?
People who are 16+ that meet income, asset, residency and medical requirements may be eligible for a to claim this pension in Australia.
What are the medical requirements for a disability support pension in Australia?
The two categories of medical eligibility for a disability support pension are manifest and general.
Manifest Eligibility
For people who are:
- permanently blind
- need nursing home level care
- diagnosed with a terminal illness (2-year life expectancy or less)
- intellectually disabled (IQ under 70)
- living with category 4 HIV/AIDS, already getting a Veteran’s Affairs special rate disability pension
General Medical Eligibility
For all other conditions and requires that your condition(s):
- will last over 2 years
- has/have been fully diagnosed, treated and stabilised
- score an impairment rating on the government 20-point scale
- prevent you working over 15 hours in the next two years
- meet rules for a program of support (if applicable)
How much do you get for a disability support pension in Australia?
The amount varies based on your ages and other circumstances but the maximum for a 21-year-old as of September 2020 was $944.30. Amounts are revised each year in March and September. You can see the full table on the Australian Goverment website.
Why do I keep hearing about a 20-point system for disability support pension?
Each case is reviewed against a list of criteria. You have to get 20 points by showing medical evidence that you meet enough criteria to qualify.
People who get denied are told that they didn’t get enough points but told nothing about what they could have added to be approved. It is incredibly frustrating.
What should I do if I’m rejected for a disability support pension?
If you’ve applied for DSP and been rejected, you are not alone. More than 70% of claims are denied every year in Australia. Keep a copy of what you sent in and discuss your situation with people that have experience in navigating the red tape. You may be able to reapply with the right evidence. Apply, apply and apply again.
The second thing you should do is investigate your eligibility for insurance money from your super policy. More than 70% of people applying for disability insurance would qualify but don’t even know their rights. Learn more here
