Job Capacity Assessment — more efficient and accurate assessments for Disability Support Pension and employment services
This measure streamlines and simplifies Job Capacity Assessments for those with a disability, illness or injury. It also encourages them to talk about ways they can re-enter the workforce with their employment services provider.
A Job Capacity Assessment is a comprehensive assessment of a person’s ability to work. This includes identifying any barriers to employment and the appropriate assistance or support to help the person overcome these barriers.
The Budget changes include:
- From July 2010: a person who presents a medical certificate to Centrelink seeking an exemption from their participation requirements will no longer need a Job Capacity Assessment.
- From July 2011: introducing streamlined assessment processes for job seekers with potential barriers to employment who are being referred to an employment services provider.
- From 1 January 2012: customers who do not have sufficient evidence to demonstrate that they could not be assisted back to work may have their Disability Support Pension claim rejected and will instead be referred to an employment service to build their capacity. Customers with profound disabilities who are clearly unable to work will not be affected. These changes will coincide with the planned implementation of the revised Impairment Tables, which are currently being reviewed.
Questions and Answers
When will the measure be implemented?
It will be implemented in three stages, as outlined above. The first stage starts from 1 July 2010, the second from 1 July 2011 and the third from 1 January 2012.
When will it end?
This is an ongoing measure.
Who will be affected?
Job seekers with a disability, illness or injury who currently require a referral for a Job Capacity Assessment.
Who will NOT be affected?
Customers who do not require an assessment of their work capacity, including customers receiving Disability Support Pension.
Will this affect existing or new portfolio customers? How?
It may affect both. Affected customers will receive the type of assessment that is appropriate to their circumstances.
If the measure involves a payment, when/how will it be paid?
There are no new payments involved.
How will I know if I am eligible?
The type of assessment appropriate to your circumstances will be automatically determined when you are referred.
Do I need to do anything?
No.
If this affects me, will there be changes to my obligations or any reporting requirements I currently have?
Your reporting arrangements remain the same.
Who is eligible for Disability Support Pension?
Generally, to be eligible for Disability Support Pension you need to have an illness, injury or disability that attracts at least 20 points under the Impairment Tables and be unable to work for 15 or more hours a week at or above the relevant minimum wage (or be reskilled for such work) for at least the next two years. To assess your eligibility for Disability Support Pension, we usually need a report from your treating doctor or specialist on your disability, injury or illness. From 1 January 2012, to be eligible for the Disability Support Pension you will need to provide sufficient evidence that you are unable to work independently, even with assistance and support. To satisfy this requirement you will have to provide evidence that you have been unable to obtain employment through an open employment service or vocational rehabilitation. Customers with profound disabilities who are clearly unable to work will not be affected.
For more information visit: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/Programs/JCA/Pages/default.aspx
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