Disability Support Pension and Newstart Allowance - Jack and Julie's Story
Jack and Julie are a couple in their early 60s. They now face some medical issues that limit their ability to keep permanent full-time jobs but they are both keen to do some work and continue their existing lifestyle.
Julie is receiving a Disability Support Pension and has a Pensioner Concession Card. The Pensioner Concession card makes her entitled to concessions on prescription medicines and gives her peace of mind regarding the costs of her disability. Julie is able to manage work for 1 day a week to supplement her pension and stay active. This allows her to maintain her social contacts as well as increasing her income.
When Jack’s illness first struck in early 2008 he was forced to give up permanent, full-time work but he is expected to make a full recovery with treatment and time. Jack is paid Newstart Allowance and has been assessed by Centrelink as temporarily having a reduced work capacity of 20 hours per week. Jack’s Job Services Australia Provider helped him to receive training to update his skills and to find work on a casual, part-time basis.
Jack sometimes has the chance to work with his former employer and last fortnight he worked 72 hours. However, Jack's health usually stops him from working such long hours and Newstart Allowance gives him a safety net when his earnings drop.
As Jack's partner, Julie's Disability Support Pension payments will also change depending on their joint earnings, but as long as she continues to be entitled to this pension Julie is able to keep her Pensioner Concession Card even if Jack is working.
Quality of life is very important to this couple and they intend to continue working for as long as possible. Instead of stopping work altogether and living on a limited income Jack and Julie can receive support from Centrelink when needed, while still remaining in the workforce.
More information
To find out more, you can:
- refer to Disability Support Pension payment rates
- use the Online estimators to calculate your own entitlements
- find information about services and programs to help you look for work
- search for job vacancies online by visiting the Australian Job Search website.
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