ABSTRACT
The Australian social security system, a classic example of the social assistance approach, consists of a series of categorical, means-tested benefits financed from general revenue. Income support is provided to those who fall within one of a set of eligibility categories - defined on the basis of age, sickness or disability status, unemployment, widowhood or sole parenthood - but also on the basis of a means test based on both income and (non-housing) assets. The structure of assistance to those of working age, principally those who are unemployed, sick or disabled or with caring responsibilities, has always been contingent on establishing that there are barriers preventing participation in (paid) work. However, under the tapered income test it has always been possible to combine benefit receipt with part-time employment, and many do.
