ABSTRACT
The Australian income support system differs from those of most other developed countries: payments are funded from general revenue rather than from direct contributions by individuals; are generally not time limited; and benefits provide a basic flat-rate income support payment. Payments in Australia are made under specific social security legislation, which can be subject to change depending on support from both the community and Parliament. The Disability Support Pension is a non-contributory, means-tested income support payment equivalent to 25% of male average weekly earnings for single people and is non-taxable income. The heterogeneity of people with a disability presents a particular challenge: not only the severity of disability, but the extent to which the disability affects the capacity to work and the attitudes of people with a disability towards working vary considerably. Design of disability benefits can be either undermined or supported by tight, consistent, appropriate administration.
