Are you wondering how employment may affect your Disability Support Pension? We break down what you need to know.
Many people receiving the Disability Support Pension (DSP) want to work but worry about what it could mean for their payments. You may be asking:
The answers depend on your individual circumstances. Services Australia has clear rules about working hours, income and reporting.
Understanding these rules can help you make informed choices and feel more confident about exploring employment.
In this article, we answer some of the most common questions about working while receiving the DSP.
Yes. You may be able to do paid work and continue receiving the DSP, depending on your hours, income and personal circumstances.
Services Australia currently allows most DSP recipients to work up to 29 hours a week without automatically losing their payment if they continue to meet the income test.
How much DSP you receive may change as your earnings increase. Your payment may reduce rather than stop immediately. You can check the current DSP income test and payment cut-off points on the Services Australia website.
Factors that can affect the income test include:
Because everyone’s circumstances are different, it is important to check with Services Australia before making decisions based on a general example.
Services Australia may suspend your DSP for up to two years if you begin working 30 hours or more each week on an ongoing basis. But different rules may apply if you:
In these circumstances, you may still be able to receive the DSP while working 30 hours or more, subject to the income test.
If your DSP is suspended because of work, you may be able to have it restored within two years if your hours or income reduce or if you stop working. You may also be able to keep your Pensioner Concession Card during the suspension period.
Speak with Services Australia about how these rules apply to you before changing your working hours.
Yes. You must tell Services Australia if you or your partner begin paid work – usually within 14 days of your start date.
You may also need to report your gross income and the number of hours you worked every two weeks.
Correct reporting is important because it helps Services Australia calculate your DSP payment and reduces the risk of being overpaid. You can usually report via:
Ask Services Australia for help if you find reporting difficult or do not understand what information is required.
Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) provides disability employment support for eligible people with disability, injury or health conditions.
Services Australia may refer you to an IEA provider after discussing your work capacity and support needs. You may also be asked to complete an Employment Services Assessment.
The assessment looks at how your disability affects your ability to work and what type of employment support may suit you.
Attending an assessment does not mean you will automatically lose your DSP. An IEA provider may help you:
People with intellectual disability may prefer information and support to be provided in ways that are clear, accessible and easy to understand. A specialist provider should take time to consider:
The goal should not be to pressure someone into working more hours than they want or can manage.
Good employment support should help the person explore suitable work, understand their choices and build confidence at a pace that works for them.
Before accepting a job or changing your hours:
Endeavour Foundation is a specialist Inclusive Employment Australia provider for people with intellectual disability.
Our team can help you explore suitable work, understand your employment goals and prepare for the support you may need in the workplace.
We deliver IEA support across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.
If Services Australia has referred you to IEA or you would like to explore disability employment support, talk to our team about your next steps.