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A lot of people have been asking about whether they should switch to the JobSeeker Payment from the Disability Support Pension (DSP) during coronavirus.
The DSP helps support people (16 or over) who have a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that stops them from working.
People on the JobSeeker Payment will be getting an extra amount each fortnight. But if you change from the DSP to the JobSeeker Payment, you may not be able to change back.
Before you decide to give up your DSP, make sure it’s the best option for you. The DSP is a more suitable payment if:
If you switch from the DSP to the JobSeeker Payment:
The Coronavirus Supplement is an extra payment each fortnight of $550. The supplement starts on 27 April 2020 and will go for up to six months.
When the Coronavirus Supplement ends, the JobSeeker Payment will go back to being lower than the DSP.
If you’re getting the JobSeeker Payment, you may also need to meet mutual obligations.
Mutual obligations can include things like:
The Australian Government has suspended mutual obligations until 1 June 2020. We understand they will gradually be re-introduced after 1 June 2020 and will update you with the latest information as it is released.
If you want to apply for the DSP again:
You might also need to take part in a Program of Support before you can get back on the DSP. A Program of Support helps people with disability to prepare for, find and keep a job.
Support | DSP | JobSeeker |
---|---|---|
Pensioner Concession Card | Yes | Rules apply |
Health Care Card | No | Yes |
Long-term support | Yes | No |
Rent assistance sharer exemption | Yes | Rules apply |
Economic Support Payment 1 | Yes | Yes |
Economic Support Payment 2 | Yes | No |
Coronavirus Supplement | No | Yes |
For this resource we used information comparing the DSP to the JobSeeker Payment from:
Support people with disability by giving them the information they need to decide if they will stay on the DSP or move to the JobSeeker Payment. They will need to understand that changing to the JobSeeker Payment could leave them worse off in the long run.
Carers also need support to decide if they will continue receiving the Carer Payment, or if they will move onto the JobSeeker Payment. They will need to understand that changing to the JobSeeker Payment could leave them worse off in the long run.
Important difference to note – The JobKeeper Payment is managed by the ATO. The JobSeeker Payment is managed by Services Australia.