Blind Citizens Australia (BCA): National Policy

Welfare

Disability Support Pension (DSP) (Blind): Questions and Answers (Q&A)

BCA has compiled a simple DSP Blind Q&A Sheet that covers the major issues to do with the pension. These issues include the rates of DSP Blind, eligibility criteria, implications of overseas travel and matters to consider at retirement age. Please note that this Q&A is only a guide. BCA recommends that you contact Centrelink on the numbers contained to ensure that the information contained in this paper has not changed.

Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Welfare to Work and other Measures) Bill 2005
This Bill was passed by the Federal Senate on the 6th December 2005. It is important to note that this Bill does not affect the Disability Support Pension (Blind). The DSP (Blind) remains immune from these proposed laws because the amendments to the welfare to work reforms introduced under the May 2005 budget which did not affect current or future recipients of the DSP (Blind) (see below).

2005-06 Federal Budget [Delivered 11 May 2005]
BCA can confirm that the 2005-2006 Budget itself contains no changes to the means test free and tax free status of the DSP Blind for both current and new applicants, including those who apply after 1 July 2006. Also, new applicants to the DSP (Blind) after 1 July 2006 will not be subject to the new participation tests that require persons to look for work if they are able to work 15 hours. Of course the government may change these arrangements to the DSP (Blind) in the future, so we will be keeping a close eye on the government throughout its term in office. BCA will be making a formal response to the federal government regarding its budget measures.

Today's Date: 29/08/08 Last updated:11/02/2007

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Blind Citizens Australia. Ross House, 247 - 251 Flinders Lane, MELBOURNE VIC 3000. Telephone: (03) 9654 1400 or 1800 033 660. TTY: (03) 9376 9275. Facsimile: (03) 9650 3200. E-mail: bca@bca.org.au