Disability Support Pension for 16 - 20 year olds is not subject to Parental Income and Assets testing, but is Income and Assets tested on the applicant themselves with the exception of people who are permanently blind. 16 - 20 year olds on Disability Support Pension receive a higher rate of payment than the Youth Allowance via a Youth Disability Supplement. Some young people with a 'less severe' disability may not qualify for the Disability Support Pension. If these young people are not in employment their main income support option is Youth Allowance . Youth Allowance is subject to Parental Income and Assets Test.
Participants undergo a productivity assessment.
Depending on eligibility and earnings other Centrelink income support may still be received. In many cases applying for and receiving the Disability Support Pension is not as straightforward as we expect. This is the case particularly if your child cannot sign their own name. To be sure of a smooth changeover you should start planning at least 4-6 months before your child's 16th birthday . I f your child with a disability has turned 15 and you believe they will be eligible for a Disability Support Pension at the age of 16 you could benefit from this information.