Characteristics of Disability Support Pension Customers, June 2003
Attachments
Table of Contents
- Overview
- 1. Disability Support Pension Population Characteristics
- 2. Medical Condition
- 3. Earnings and Duration on Income Support
- 4. New Claims
- 5. Where DSP Recipients are Coming From and Going To
Disability Support Pension - Overview
Who is this Payment for?
Disability Support Pension (DSP) is paid to people who are unable to work for at least 30 hours per week, or be re-skilled for such work, for more than two years because of a disability. DSP is intended to ensure that people with disabilities have adequate levels of income and maximum opportunities to participate in society.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for DSP a person must:
- be over 16 and be under Age Pension age (currently 62 for women and 65 for men); and
- be permanently blind; or
- have a physical, intellectual or psychiatric impairment (assessed at 20 points or more under the Impairment Tables); and be unable to do any work, or be re-skilled for any work, for a period of at least two years; and
- have become unable to work while in Australia, or have 10 years qualifying Australian residence.
Trends
As at June 2003, there were 673,334 people receiving DSP. Almost two thirds of these customers were aged 45 years or over; 61.3% were male; 72.7% were born in Australia; only 9.4% had income from employment though 16.4% were on reduced rates due to their or their partner's income or assets; and, on average, they had been in continuous receipt of DSP for 7.3 years. The three main medical conditions are musculo-skeletal or connective tissue conditions, representing 33.7% of the total DSP population, psychological/psychiatric conditions, representing 24.7%, and intellectual/learning difficulties, representing 10.5%.
Since 1982 the DSP customer population has been steadily increasing, with the greatest growth, of 13.3%, occurring in 1992 following the introduction of the Disability Reform Package (DSP replaced the Invalid Pension and Sheltered Employment Allowance in November 1991). Between 1996 and 2001 the growth rate has reduced gradually from 7.5% to 3.6%. It increased to 5.6% in 2002 before dropping to 2.2% in 2003, with the introduction of the AWT Better Assessment and Early Intervention initiative. The proportion of females on DSP has increased each year since 1989 and now represents 38.7% of the total DSP population.
Almost 72,000 claims for DSP were granted in the 2002-03 financial year and just over 41,000 claims rejected (36.6% of total claims processed). Lack of medical eligibility was the main reason for rejecting a claim for DSP (40.2%).
Over half of people coming onto Disability Support Pension are coming from other income support payments with the main payments being Newstart or Youth Allowance (35.3%), Parenting Payments (5.6%) and Sickness Allowance (1.7%). 45.4% were not previously in receipt of another Centrelink payment.
1:Disability Support Pension Population Characteristics
1.1 Customers by Gender 1972 to 2003
As at June 2003, the number of people receiving Disability Support Pension (DSP) was 673,334 and has been steadily increasing since 1982, with the greatest growth period (13.3%) occurring in 1992 following the introduction of the Disability Reform Package. The growth rate in DSP for 2002-03 was 2.2%, down on the 5.6% increase in 2001-02. This can be attributed to the lower number of claims received and granted during the year, with the introduction of the AWT Better Assessment and Early Intervention initiative.
A number of factors have been suggested as contributing to the increases in the DSP customer numbers in the last decade:
- changed eligibility criteria for disability payments following the introduction of the Disability Reform Package;
- loss of access to other forms of support such as Veterans' Affairs Service Pension, Widow B and Wife Pension;
- increases in the Age Pension qualifying age for females;
- demographic effects such as the ageing of the population; and
- changes in the labour market which have resulted in a reduced capacity for people with disabilities to retain or find work.
The proportion of the DSP population that is female has been increasing, from a low of 26.2% in 1989 to the current figure of 38.7%.
Source: Characteristics of Disability Support Pension Customers (June 2002); Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
At June each year |
Males
|
Females
|
Total Persons
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Count
|
Change
|
% of total
|
Count
|
Change
|
% of total
|
Count
|
% growth
|
|
1972 | 77,133 | 55.6% | 61,685 | 44.4% | 138,818 | |||
1973 | 85,305 | 85,305 | 57.0% | 64,304 | 64,304 | 43.0% | 149,609 | 7.8% |
1974 | 92,140 | 6,835 | 58.8% | 64,643 | 339 | 41.2% | 156,783 | 4.8% |
1975 | 102,817 | 10,677 | 60.9% | 65,967 | 1,324 | 39.1% | 168,784 | 7.7% |
1976 | 116,118 | 13,301 | 63.2% | 67,669 | 1,702 | 36.8% | 183,787 | 8.9% |
1977 | 133,209 | 17,091 | 65.6% | 69,754 | 2,085 | 34.4% | 202,963 | 10.4% |
1978 | 137,245 | 4,036 | 67.0% | 67,699 | -2,055 | 33.0% | 204,944 | 1.0% |
1979 | 149,759 | 12,514 | 68.1% | 70,084 | 2,385 | 31.9% | 219,843 | 7.3% |
1980 | 158,327 | 8,568 | 69.1% | 70,892 | 808 | 30.9% | 229,219 | 4.3% |
1981 | 153,889 | -4,438 | 69.3% | 68,062 | -2,830 | 30.7% | 221,951 | -3.2% |
1982 | 151,146 | -2,743 | 69.8% | 65,503 | -2,559 | 30.2% | 216,649 | -2.4% |
1983 | 155,672 | 4,526 | 70.7% | 64,617 | -886 | 29.3% | 220,289 | 1.7% |
1984 | 173,063 | 17,391 | 71.9% | 67,511 | 2,894 | 28.1% | 240,574 | 9.2% |
1985 | 188,713 | 15,650 | 72.8% | 70,449 | 2,938 | 27.2% | 259,162 | 7.7% |
1986 | 200,898 | 12,185 | 73.4% | 72,912 | 2,463 | 26.6% | 273,810 | 5.7% |
1987 | 213,290 | 12,392 | 73.8% | 75,760 | 2,848 | 26.2% | 289,050 | 5.6% |
1988 | 219,168 | 5,878 | 73.8% | 77,745 | 1,985 | 26.2% | 296,913 | 2.7% |
1989 | 227,285 | 8,117 | 73.8% | 80,510 | 2,765 | 26.2% | 307,795 | 3.7% |
1990 | 233,251 | 5,966 | 73.6% | 83,462 | 2,952 | 26.4% | 316,713 | 2.9% |
1991 | 244,699 | 11,448 | 73.2% | 89,535 | 6,073 | 26.8% | 334,234 | 5.5% |
1992 | 273,697 | 28,998 | 72.3% | 104,861 | 15,326 | 27.7% | 378,558 | 13.3% |
1993 | 291,471 | 17,774 | 71.7% | 115,101 | 10,240 | 28.3% | 406,572 | 7.4% |
1994 | 309,123 | 17,652 | 70.9% | 127,111 | 12,010 | 29.1% | 436,234 | 7.3% |
1995 | 324,672 | 15,549 | 69.9% | 139,758 | 12,647 | 30.1% | 464,430 | 6.5% |
1996 | 340,256 | 15,584 | 68.2% | 158,979 | 19,221 | 31.8% | 499,235 | 7.5% |
1997 | 352,607 | 12,351 | 66.8% | 174,907 | 15,928 | 33.2% | 527,514 | 5.7% |
1998 | 361,539 | 8,932 | 65.3% | 191,797 | 16,890 | 34.7% | 553,336 | 4.9% |
1999 | 373,340 | 11,801 | 64.6% | 204,342 | 12,545 | 35.4% | 577,682 | 4.4% |
2000 | 382,351 | 9,011 | 63.5% | 219,929 | 15,587 | 36.5% | 602,280 | 4.3% |
2001 | 392,354 | 10,003 | 62.9% | 231,572 | 11,643 | 37.1% | 623,926 | 3.6% |
2002 | 406,893 | 14,539 | 61.8% | 252,022 | 20,450 | 38.2% | 658,915 | 5.6% |
2003 | 412,777 | 5,885 | 61.3% | 260,557 | 8,536 | 38.7% | 673,334 | 2.2% |
Source: Characteristics of Disability Support Pension Customers (June 2002)
Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
From 1972 to the introduction of the Disability Reform Package (DRP) in 1991 the number of male customers more than tripled (77,133 to 244,699). In the same period of time the number of female customers increased by less than half (61,685 to 89,535).
From the introduction of the DRP in 1991 to 2003 the number of male customers almost doubled (244,699 to 412,777) while the number of female customers almost tripled (89,535 to 260,557).
(see points above for explanation of changes to the number of DSP customers).Â
1.2 Customers by Age and Gender
People aged 55 years and over represent 39.9% of the overall DSP customer population. The small proportion of females in the 60 to 64 years age group is due to the lower Age Pension qualifying age for women. As the qualifying age increases for females, it is expected that this age group will grow and eventually exceed the number in the 55 to 59 years age group. The qualifying age for women is currently 62 years. The trend in the graph below is consistent with the trend for all Australians with a disability, which shows that the occurrence of a disability increases with age.
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
Age |
Males
|
%
|
Females
|
%
|
Total
|
%
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16-19 | 9,449 | 2.3% | 6,399 | 2.5% | 15,848 | 2.4% |
20-24 | 15,763 | 3.8% | 11,137 | 4.3% | 26,900 | 4.0% |
25-29 | 17,888 | 4.3% | 12,106 | 4.6% | 29,994 | 4.5% |
30-34 | 24,203 | 5.9% | 15,935 | 6.1% | 40,138 | 6.0% |
35-39 | 30,448 | 7.4% | 18,816 | 7.2% | 49,264 | 7.3% |
40-44 | 39,370 | 9.5% | 26,085 | 10.0% | 65,455 | 9.7% |
45-49 | 44,524 | 10.8% | 34,053 | 13.1% | 78,577 | 11.7% |
50-54 | 53,239 | 12.9% | 45,239 | 17.4% | 98,478 | 14.6% |
55-59 | 75,046 | 18.2% | 62,357 | 23.9% | 137,403 | 20.4% |
60-64 | 98,078 | 23.8% | 28,044 | 10.8% | 126,122 | 18.7% |
65+ | 4,769 | 1.2% | 386 | 0.1% | 5,155 | 0.8% |
Total | 412,777 | 100.0% | 260,557 | 100.0% | 673,334 | 100.0% |
Males represent the majority of customers in all age groups (also by single years of age). Females made up 45.9% of customers in the 50-54 year old age group and only 38.2% of customers in the 35-39 year old age group.
1.3 Customers by Geographic State
As expected the majority of DSP customers can be found in the more populous Australian States. New South Wales is the largest with 32.6% of the DSP population, while the Northern Territory is the smallest with 0.8%.
The ACT has the highest percentage of females (43.3%) while Tasmania has the lowest (34.6%).
When compared with the ABS Census 2001, the proportion of DSP customers living in Tasmania and South Australia is higher than the proportion of the total Australian population in these States.
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
STATE |
Males
|
%
|
Females
|
%
|
Total DSP
|
DSP%
|
ABS Census 2001
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NSW | 135,743 | 32.9% | 84,077 | 32.3% | 219,820 | 32.6% | 33.6% |
VIC | 94,295 | 22.8% | 64,586 | 24.8% | 158,881 | 23.6% | 24.5% |
QLD | 80,785 | 19.6% | 48,600 | 18.7% | 129,385 | 19.2% | 19.3% |
SA | 38,938 | 9.4% | 25,383 | 9.7% | 64,321 | 9.6% | 7.7% |
WA | 34,494 | 8.4% | 21,779 | 8.4% | 56,273 | 8.4% | 9.8% |
TAS | 21,084 | 5.1% | 11,141 | 4.3% | 32,225 | 4.8% | 2.4% |
ACT | 3,885 | 0.9% | 2,965 | 1.1% | 6,850 | 1.0% | 1.6% |
NT | 3,371 | 0.8% | 1,943 | 0.7% | 5,314 | 0.8% | 1.1% |
Unknown | 182 | 0.0% | 83 | 0.0% | 265 | 0.0% | |
Total | 412,777 | 100.0% | 260,557 | 100.0% | 673,334 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
ABS Census of Population and Housing 2015.0, 2001
1.4 Customers by Country of Birth
The following graph and table reports on the country of birth of DSP customers. The 10 countries with the highest number of customers are shown.
The majority of DSP customers were born in Australia (72.7%). The next largest group was those born in the United Kingdom (including Ireland) (6.1%). When compared with ABS Census 2001 country of birth data, 9 out of the top 10 countries are over-represented on DSP (the exception being New Zealand).
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
COUNTRY OF BIRTH |
Males
|
%
|
Females
|
%
|
Total DSP
|
DSP%
|
ABS Census 2001
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Australia | 295,432 | 71.6% | 193,877 | 74.4% | 489,309 | 72.7% | 71.8% |
UK (inc. Ireland) | 26,538 | 6.4% | 14,788 | 5.7% | 41,326 | 6.1% | 5.7% |
Greece | 9,306 | 2.3% | 5,393 | 2.1% | 14,699 | 2.2% | 0.6% |
Yugoslavia | 9,353 | 2.3% | 4,720 | 1.8% | 14,073 | 2.1% | 0.3% |
Italy | 8,986 | 2.2% | 4,358 | 1.7% | 13,344 | 2.0% | 1.2% |
New Zealand | 6,198 | 1.5% | 3,894 | 1.5% | 10,092 | 1.5% | 1.9% |
Lebanon | 6,120 | 1.5% | 2,605 | 1.0% | 8,725 | 1.3% | 0.4% |
Malta | 4,509 | 1.1% | 1,641 | 0.6% | 6,150 | 0.9% | 0.2% |
Turkey | 3,363 | 0.8% | 2,571 | 1.0% | 5,934 | 0.9% | 0.2% |
Germany | 3,623 | 0.9% | 2,042 | 0.8% | 5,665 | 0.8% | 0.6% |
Other | 39,349 | 9.5% | 24,668 | 9.5% | 64,017 | 9.5% | 17.1% |
Total | 412,777 | 100.0% | 260,557 | 100.0% | 673,334 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/03; ABS Census of Population and Housing 2015.0, 2001
While males only represent 49.3% of the Australian population (ABS Census 2001), they represent 61.3% of the DSP population (June 2003). Of the countries listed above, males are over represented on DSP for all countries, with Malta (73.3% on DSP compared to 51.9% reported in the ABS Census 2001) and Lebanon (70.1% of DSP compared to 52.0% reported in the ABS Census 2001) being the highest. Turkey is the lowest at 56.7% and 51.5% respectively.
1.5 Customers by Marital Status and Gender
The majority of DSP customers are not partnered (62.6%) with females more likely to not have a partner than males (69.5% of the female population are not partnered, compared to 58.3% of males). Proportionally, males and females are similar in the defacto category (4.0%). Males are more likely than females to be married or single while females are more likely to be divorced, separated or widowed.
The higher percentages of divorced, separated and widowed women could be the result of a number of factors:
- Women who have separated from a spouse who was the main income earner which resulted in them having to seek income support;
- The closing off of payments such as Widow B Pension; and
- The shorter lifespan of men increasing the probability of widowhood among women.
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
MARITAL STATUS |
Males
|
%
|
Females
|
%
|
Total
|
%
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Defacto | 16,611 | 4.0% | 10,680 | 4.1% | 27,291 | 4.1% |
Divorced | 17,484 | 4.2% | 24,280 | 9.3% | 41,764 | 6.2% |
Married | 155,487 | 37.7% | 68,875 | 26.4% | 224,362 | 33.3% |
Separated | 61,465 | 14.9% | 52,222 | 20.0% | 113,687 | 16.9% |
Single | 156,457 | 37.9% | 90,579 | 34.8% | 247,036 | 36.7% |
Widow | 5,273 | 1.3% | 13,921 | 5.3% | 19,194 | 2.9% |
Total | 412,777 | 100.0% | 260,557 | 100.0% | 673,334 | 100.0% |
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
1.6 Customers by Gender and Home Ownership
The majority of DSP customers do not own their home (63.3%). Males receiving DSP are marginally more likely to own a home (including paying it off) than females.
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
HOUSING STATUS |
Males
|
%
|
Females
|
%
|
Total
|
%
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Home Owner | 151,369 | 36.7% | 90,753 | 34.8% | 242,122 | 36.0% |
Non Home Owner | 258,392 | 62.6% | 167,833 | 64.4% | 426,225 | 63.3% |
Not Coded | 3,016 | 0.7% | 1,971 | 0.8% | 4,987 | 0.7% |
Total | 412,777 | 100.0% | 260,557 | 100.0% | 673,334 | 100.0% |
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
1.7 Customers by Age and Home Ownership
DSP customers who own their own home or are paying it off tend to be skewed towards the older age groups with the 55+ age groups containing more homeowners than non-homeowners.
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
AGE |
Home Owner
|
%
|
Non Home Owner
|
%
|
Other
|
%
|
Total
|
%
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16-19 | 160 | 0.1% | 15,679 | 3.7% | 9 | 0.2% | 15,848 | 2.4% |
20-24 | 473 | 0.2% | 26,403 | 6.2% | 24 | 0.5% | 26,900 | 4.0% |
25-29 | 1,441 | 0.6% | 28,515 | 6.7% | 38 | 0.8% | 29,994 | 4.5% |
30-34 | 3,958 | 1.6% | 36,106 | 8.5% | 74 | 1.5% | 40,138 | 6.0% |
35-39 | 7,686 | 3.2% | 41,446 | 9.7% | 132 | 2.6% | 49,264 | 7.3% |
40-44 | 14,540 | 6.0% | 50,644 | 11.9% | 271 | 5.4% | 65,455 | 9.7% |
45-49 | 23,327 | 9.6% | 54,810 | 12.9% | 440 | 8.8% | 78,577 | 11.7% |
50-54 | 38,662 | 16.0% | 58,908 | 13.8% | 908 | 18.2% | 98,478 | 14.6% |
55-59 | 71,508 | 29.5% | 64,451 | 15.1% | 1,444 | 29.0% | 137,403 | 20.4% |
60-64 | 77,559 | 32.0% | 46,958 | 11.0% | 1,605 | 32.2% | 126,122 | 18.7% |
65+ | 2,808 | 1.2% | 2,305 | 0.5% | 42 | 0.8% | 5,155 | 0.8% |
Total | 242,122 | 100.0% | 426,225 | 100.0% | 4,987 | 100.0% | 673,334 | 100.0% |
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
2:Medical Condition
2.1 Customers by Medical Condition
With the introduction of the DSP in 1991, the medical condition of customers was collected and recorded on their administrative file. Many of those customers who were already on payment have had their condition recorded or have left payment, although a significant number still have their medical condition unclassified (such as Invalid Pensioners who were granted prior to 12.11.91 who comprise 5.3% of the DSP population as at June 2003).
The medical conditions reported here represent the primary condition that is recorded on a customer's record.
The three largest groups are customers with Musculo-skeletal/Connective tissue (33.7%), Psychological/ Psychiatric (24.7%) or Intellectual/Learning medical conditions (10.5%).
10,279 (1.5%) of DSP customers are identified as being blind.
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
2.2 Customers by Medical Condition and Gender
Males and females show a similar distribution of medical conditions. The only noticeable differences (ie. a greater than 2 percentage point difference) are in regards to Psychological/Psychiatric customers (23.3% male compared to 26.8% female) and those with circulatory conditions (6.5% male and 3.4% female).
There is also a greater percentage of males who were former Invalid Pension recipients than females and therefore do not have their medical condition coded. This needs to be taken into account when interpreting the data as this may contribute to situations where the percentage of females with a particular condition appears greater than the percentage of males.
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
MEDICAL CONDITION |
Males
|
%
|
Females
|
%
|
Total
|
%
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Acquired brain impairment | 12,295 | 3.0% | 4,772 | 1.8% | 17,067 | 2.5% |
Amputation | 1,380 | 0.3% | 318 | 0.1% | 1,698 | 0.3% |
Cancer/tumour | 7,167 | 1.7% | 5,837 | 2.2% | 13,004 | 1.9% |
Chronic fatigue/post viral syndrome | 2,029 | 0.5% | 2,841 | 1.1% | 4,870 | 0.7% |
Chronic pain | 2,401 | 0.6% | 2,780 | 1.1% | 5,181 | 0.8% |
Circulatory system | 26,827 | 6.5% | 8,827 | 3.4% | 35,654 | 5.3% |
Congenital abnormality | 6,046 | 1.5% | 5,065 | 1.9% | 11,111 | 1.7% |
Endocrine and immune system | 9,795 | 2.4% | 6,635 | 2.5% | 16,430 | 2.4% |
Intellectual/learning | 40,905 | 9.9% | 29,842 | 11.5% | 70,747 | 10.5% |
Musculo-skeletal and connective tissue | 142,291 | 34.5% | 84,698 | 32.5% | 226,989 | 33.7% |
Nervous system | 11,439 | 2.8% | 10,099 | 3.9% | 21,538 | 3.2% |
Psychological/psychiatric | 96,252 | 23.3% | 69,788 | 26.8% | 166,040 | 24.7% |
Respiratory system | 11,718 | 2.8% | 7,929 | 3.0% | 19,647 | 2.9% |
Sense organs | 9,326 | 2.3% | 6,357 | 2.4% | 15,683 | 2.3% |
Skin disorders and burns | 1,029 | 0.2% | 733 | 0.3% | 1,762 | 0.3% |
Granted prior to 12.11.91 | 26,167 | 6.3% | 9,748 | 3.7% | 35,915 | 5.3% |
Visceral disorder | 5,500 | 1.3% | 4,124 | 1.6% | 9,624 | 1.4% |
Not coded | 210 | 0.1% | 164 | 0.1% | 374 | 0.1% |
Total | 412,777 | 100.0% | 260,557 | 100.0% | 673,334 | 100.0% |
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
MEDICAL CONDITION |
Males
|
%
|
Females
|
%
|
Total
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Acquired brain impairment | 12,295 | 72.0% | 4,772 | 28.0% | 17,067 |
Amputation | 1,380 | 81.3% | 318 | 18.7% | 1,698 |
Cancer/tumour | 7,167 | 55.1% | 5,837 | 44.9% | 13,004 |
Chronic fatigue/post viral syndrome | 2,029 | 41.7% | 2,841 | 58.3% | 4,870 |
Chronic pain | 2,401 | 46.3% | 2,780 | 53.7% | 5,181 |
Circulatory system | 26,827 | 75.2% | 8,827 | 24.8% | 35,654 |
Congenital abnormality | 6,046 | 54.4% | 5,065 | 45.6% | 11,111 |
Endocrine and immune system | 9,795 | 59.6% | 6,635 | 40.4% | 16,430 |
Intellectual/learning | 40,905 | 57.8% | 29,842 | 42.2% | 70,747 |
Musculo-skeletal and connective tissue | 142,291 | 62.7% | 84,698 | 37.3% | 226,989 |
Nervous system | 11,439 | 53.1% | 10,099 | 46.9% | 21,538 |
Psychological/psychiatric | 96,252 | 58.0% | 69,788 | 42.0% | 166,040 |
Respiratory system | 11,718 | 59.6% | 7,929 | 40.4% | 19,647 |
Sense organs | 9,326 | 59.5% | 6,357 | 40.5% | 15,683 |
Skin disorders and burns | 1,029 | 58.4% | 733 | 41.6% | 1,762 |
Granted prior to 12.11.91 | 26,167 | 72.9% | 9,748 | 27.1% | 35,915 |
Visceral disorder | 5,500 | 57.1% | 4,124 | 42.9% | 9,624 |
Not coded | 210 | 56.1% | 164 | 43.9% | 374 |
Total | 412,777 | 61.3% | 260,557 | 38.7% | 673,334 |
There are only two medical condition groups where the number of female customers is higher than the number of male customers. These groups are Chronic Fatigue/Post Viral Syndrome (58.3%) and Chronic Pain (53.7%).
Male customers make up 81.3% of the Amputation medical condition group. The next highest male dominated group is Circulatory System with 75.2%.
2.3 Customers by Musculo-skeletal/Connective tissue, Psychological/Psychiatric and Intellectual Medical Conditions
The age distribution for Musculo-skeletal/Connective tissue customers is skewed strongly towards the older age groups. This indicates a strong correlation between this type of condition and age.
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
Psychological/Psychiatric conditions also show a high representation in the older age groups but substantial numbers are in the younger age groups, leading to a more even distribution.
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
Customers with Intellectual or Learning disabilities vary again in that they are skewed towards the younger age groups. The majority of these customers are born with their condition and may suffer a reduced lifespan as a result of their condition. This is reflected in information on duration on DSP for customers with these disabilities, where over half have been on payment for 10 years or more.
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
A comparison of the age distributions of the total DSP population to customers granted in the 2002-03 financial year shows that:
- new customers with musculo-skeletal/connective tissue conditions have similar age distributions to the overall DSP population with the same condition;
- new customers with psychological/psychiatric conditions tend to be in the younger age groups (less than 45 years old) than the overall DSP population with the same condition; and
- new customers with Intellectual/Learning difficulties show a higher proportion of young customers (under 20 years) coming onto payment.
Source: Superstar Common Events Databases 12/07/2002 to 13/06/2003
3:Earnings, Payment Rates and Duration
3.1 Customers with Earnings from Employment
Only a small percentage of DSP customers have declared earnings related to work (9.4%). This is a slight decrease on the 9.7% in June 2002. The majority of customers have earnings in the lower income ranges (52.6% earn less than $100 per week). Around one fifth of customers with earned income earn $300 or more per week (21.0%).
Under the current income test, a single DSP customer can earn up to $60 per week without their rate of payment being reduced. A couple can have a combined income of $106 per week before the DSP customer's rate of payment is affected. Customers receiving allowances, such as Newstart Allowance, have lower income free thresholds. A Newstart Allowance customer can earn up to $31 per week before their rate of payment is affected.
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
Weekly earnings |
Male
|
Earned only %
|
Female
|
Earned only %
|
Total
|
Earned only %
|
Total %
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No Earnings | 374,980 | na | 235,116 | na | 610,096 | na | 90.6% |
<$25pw | 4,638 | 12.3% | 3,517 | 13.8% | 8,155 | 12.9% | 1.2% |
<$50pw | 6,256 | 16.6% | 4,448 | 17.5% | 10,704 | 16.9% | 1.6% |
<$75pw | 5,675 | 15.0% | 3,580 | 14.1% | 9,255 | 14.6% | 1.4% |
<$100pw | 3,288 | 8.7% | 1,863 | 7.3% | 5,151 | 8.1% | 0.8% |
<$150pw | 4,037 | 10.7% | 2,656 | 10.4% | 6,693 | 10.6% | 1.0% |
<$200pw | 2,173 | 5.7% | 1,775 | 7.0% | 3,948 | 6.2% | 0.6% |
<$250pw | 1,876 | 5.0% | 1,482 | 5.8% | 3,358 | 5.3% | 0.5% |
<$300pw | 1,417 | 3.7% | 1,248 | 4.9% | 2,665 | 4.2% | 0.4% |
$300+pw | 8,437 | 22.3% | 4,872 | 19.2% | 13,309 | 21.0% | 2.0% |
Total | 412,777 | 100.0% | 260,557 | 100.0% | 673,334 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
When comparing the characteristics of DSP customers with earnings from employment to the characteristics of the overall DSP population it was found that:
-
'Single' customers (including single, divorced, separated and widowed) were more likely to have earned income. 'Single' customers represented 71.1% of the customers with earned income but only represented 62.6% of the total DSP population.
-
Of customers with intellectual/learning disabilities, 20.8% had earned income. 66.5% of these had earnings of less than $75 per week but only 8.3% had earnings of more than $300 per week. These customers represented 23.3% of those with earned income but only 10.5% of the total DSP population.
-
Of customers with psychological/psychiatric disabilities, only 7.7% had earned income. 40.4% of these had earnings of less than $75 per week with 24.2% having earnings of more than $300 per week. These customers represented 20.2% of those with earned income but 24.7% of the DSP population.
-
Of customers with musculo-skeletal/connective tissue disabilities, only 7.1% had earned income. 33.9% of these had earnings of less than $75 per week but 35.9% had earnings of more than $250 per week. These customers represented 25.7% of those with earned income and 33.7% of the total DSP population.
-
Customers aged less than 50 years were more likely to have earned income than older customers (13.0% and 6.3% respectively). 63.3% of customers with earned income were aged less than 50 years but customers aged less than 50 only represented 45.6% of the total population.
3.2 Customers with Maximum/Reduced Rates of Payment
The majority of DSP recipients receive a full rate of pension (83.6%). Customers may be receiving a part rate of payment due to:
- their income from employment or other investments;
- partner income from employment or other investments;
- repaying a debt; or
- repaying an advance.
Although only 9.4% of DSP customers have income from employment, there is a significant proportion (81.5%) that has income from other sources, such as superannuation, savings or income from investments. The majority of these customers have income below the income free threshold ($60 per week for a single customer) and therefore receive the maximum rate of DSP.
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
MAX RATE IND. |
Male
|
%
|
Female
|
%
|
Count
|
%
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maximum rate | 348,348 | 84.4% | 214,675 | 82.4% | 563,023 | 83.6% |
Reduced rate | 64,429 | 15.6% | 45,882 | 17.6% | 110,311 | 16.4% |
Total | 412,777 | 100.0% | 260,557 | 100.0% | 673,334 | 100.0% |
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
3.3 Customers by Current Duration on Payment and Gender
The distribution of duration on payment shows that the largest category is customers who have been continuously receiving DSP for 1 to 2 years, representing 11.8% of all DSP recipients. There is also a significant proportion of customers who have been in continuous receipt of DSP for 10 years or more (26.1% of all DSP customers).
The average length of time a customer spends on DSP continuously is 7.3 years, with no significant difference between males and females.
Duration |
Male
|
%
|
Female
|
%
|
Total
|
%
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
< 1 year | 43,809 | 10.6% | 26,834 | 10.3% | 70,643 | 10.5% |
1 to < 2 Years | 48,051 | 11.6% | 31,445 | 12.1% | 79,496 | 11.8% |
2 to < 3 Years | 38,670 | 9.4% | 25,981 | 10.0% | 64,651 | 9.6% |
3 to < 4 Years | 31,429 | 7.6% | 22,288 | 8.6% | 53,717 | 8.0% |
4 to < 5 Years | 30,721 | 7.4% | 21,091 | 8.1% | 51,812 | 7.7% |
5 to < 6 Yearsc | 25,616 | 6.2% | 17,257 | 6.6% | 42,873 | 6.4% |
6 to < 7 Years | 24,107 | 5.8% | 16,042 | 6.2% | 40,149 | 6.0% |
7 to < 8 Years | 24,336 | 5.9% | 14,063 | 5.4% | 38,399 | 5.7% |
8 to < 9 Years | 20,357 | 4.9% | 11,442 | 4.4% | 31,799 | 4.7% |
9 to < 10 Years | 14,949 | 3.6% | 9,067 | 3.5% | 24,016 | 3.6% |
10 to < 15 Years | 52,529 | 12.7% | 29,169 | 11.2% | 81,698 | 12.1% |
15 to < 20 years | 25,915 | 6.3% | 13,488 | 5.2% | 39,403 | 5.9% |
> 20 years | 32,288 | 7.8% | 22,390 | 8.6% | 54,678 | 8.1% |
Total | 412,777 | 100.0% | 260,557 | 100.0% | 673,334 | 100.0% |
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
3.4 Customers by Current Duration on Payment and Gender by those aged below 50 and those aged 50 years and over
DSP customers aged 50 years or over make up over half of the total DSP population (54.5%). DSP customers over 50 years tend to have been on payment for longer periods than customers aged less than 50 years.
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
<50 yrs
|
50+ yrs
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Duration |
Male
|
Female
|
Total
|
% of total < 50 yrs
|
Male
|
Female
|
Total
|
% of total <50 yrs
|
< 1 year | 24,171 | 14,789 | 38,960 | 12.7% | 19,638 | 12,045 | 31,683 | 8.6% |
1 to < 2 Years | 23,507 | 16,041 | 39,548 | 12.9% | 24,544 | 15,404 | 39,948 | 10.9% |
2 to < 3 Years | 17,973 | 12,714 | 30,687 | 10.0% | 20,697 | 13,267 | 33,964 | 9.3% |
3 to < 4 Years | 14,387 | 10,642 | 25,029 | 8.2% | 17,042 | 11,646 | 28,688 | 7.8% |
4 to < 5 Years | 13,138 | 9,458 | 22,596 | 7.4% | 17,583 | 11,633 | 29,216 | 8.0% |
5 to < 6 Yearsc | 10,877 | 7,749 | 18,626 | 6.1% | 14,739 | 9,508 | 24,247 | 6.6% |
6 to < 7 Years | 9,743 | 6,860 | 16,603 | 5.4% | 14,364 | 9,182 | 23,546 | 6.4% |
7 to < 8 Years | 8,734 | 5,796 | 14,530 | 4.7% | 15,602 | 8,267 | 23,869 | 6.5% |
8 to < 9 Years | 7,656 | 4,992 | 12,648 | 4.1% | 12,701 | 6,450 | 19,151 | 5.2% |
9 to < 10 Years | 6,019 | 3,925 | 9,944 | 3.2% | 8,930 | 5,142 | 14,072 | 3.8% |
10 to < 15 Years | 21,321 | 13,192 | 34,513 | 11.3% | 31,208 | 15,977 | 47,185 | 12.9% |
15 to < 20 years | 10,216 | 7,049 | 17,265 | 5.6% | 15,699 | 6,439 | 22,138 | 6.0% |
> 20 years | 13,903 | 11,324 | 25,227 | 8.2% | 18,385 | 11,066 | 29,451 | 8.0% |
Total | 181,645 | 124,531 | 306,176 | 100.0% | 231,132 | 136,026 | 367,158 | 100.0% |
Source: Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
4:New Claims
4.1 New Claims Granted by Age and Gender
During the period 14 June 2002 to 13 June 2003, there were 71,726 new claims for DSP that were granted. This represents 63.4% of total claims processed.
Males make up 59.2% of new grants for DSP while females comprise 40.8%. These proportions are similar to the percentage distribution of males and females in the overall DSP population (males currently make up 61.1% of the total DSP population and females 38.9%). The age distribution of new grants also shows a higher percentage of customers in the age groups 16 to 19 and 55 to 59 years, than is found in the total DSP population.
Source: Superstar Common Events Databases 12/07/2002 to 13/06/2003
New grants
|
Total DSP customers
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AGE |
Male
|
%
|
Female
|
%
|
Total
|
%
|
Total
|
%
|
<16 | 60 | 0.1% | 32 | 0.1% | 92 | 0.1% | 0 | 0.0% |
16-19 | 3,128 | 7.4% | 2,156 | 7.4% | 5,284 | 7.4% | 16,082 | 2.4% |
20-24 | 1,476 | 3.5% | 959 | 3.3% | 2,435 | 3.4% | 26,951 | 4.0% |
25-29 | 1,939 | 4.6% | 1,099 | 3.8% | 3,038 | 4.2% | 30,013 | 4.5% |
30-34 | 2,709 | 6.4% | 1,595 | 5.4% | 4,304 | 6.0% | 40,284 | 6.0% |
35-39 | 3,143 | 7.4% | 2,056 | 7.0% | 5,199 | 7.2% | 49,372 | 7.3% |
40-44 | 3,822 | 9.0% | 3,222 | 11.0% | 7,044 | 9.8% | 65,591 | 9.7% |
45-49 | 4,274 | 10.1% | 4,243 | 14.5% | 8,517 | 11.9% | 78,783 | 11.7% |
50-54 | 5,504 | 13.0% | 5,218 | 17.8% | 10,722 | 14.9% | 98,725 | 14.7% |
55-59 | 8,794 | 20.7% | 6,813 | 23.3% | 15,607 | 21.8% | 137,763 | 20.5% |
60-64 | 7,517 | 17.7% | 1,898 | 6.5% | 9,415 | 13.1% | 125,692 | 18.7% |
65+ | 69 | 0.2% | 0 | 0.0% | 69 | 0.1% | 4,078 | 0.6% |
Total | 42,435 | 100.0% | 29,291 | 100.0% | 71,726 | 100.0% | 673,334 | 100.0% |
Source: Superstar Common Events Databases 12/07/2002 to 13/06/2003
4.2 Comparison of New Grants and Current Customers by Medical Condition
The distributions of new grants and current customers by medical condition are very similar. A few notable exceptions are the reduced percentage of new grants of customers with intellectual/learning disabilities and the increased number of new grants for customers with cancer/tumour or musculo-skeletal/connective tissue conditions.
When Invalid Pension ceased in November 1991, current customers were transferred to DSP. These customers did not have a medical condition recorded on their Centrelink record. They are being progressively reviewed and ascribed a medical condition, but as at June 2003, approximately 5% of the DSP population was still comprised of ex-Invalid Pension customers without a medical condition recorded.
By including these customers when looking at medical conditions, it has the effect of reducing the percentages in the other categories. Therefore, ex-Invalid Pensioners have been excluded from this graph to provide a clearer picture of the relationship between current customers and new grants.
Source: Superstar Common Events Databases 12/07/2002 to 13/06/2003
Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
MEDICAL CONDITION |
Male
|
%
|
Female
|
%
|
New Grants
|
%
|
Total
|
%
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Acquired brain impairment | 915 | 2.2% | 379 | 1.3% | 1,294 | 1.8% | 17,067 | 2.7% |
Amputation | 101 | 0.2% | 28 | 0.1% | 129 | 0.2% | 1,698 | 0.3% |
Cancer/tumour | 2,940 | 6.9% | 1,950 | 6.7% | 4,890 | 6.8% | 13,004 | 2.0% |
Chronic fatigue/post viral syndrome | 67 | 0.2% | 149 | 0.5% | 216 | 0.3% | 4,870 | 0.8% |
Chronic Pain | 275 | 0.6% | 361 | 1.2% | 636 | 0.9% | 5,181 | 0.8% |
Circulatory system | 3,476 | 8.2% | 1,276 | 4.4% | 4,752 | 6.6% | 35,654 | 5.6% |
Congenital abnormality | 305 | 0.7% | 219 | 0.7% | 524 | 0.7% | 11,111 | 1.7% |
Endocrine and immune system | 1,168 | 2.8% | 904 | 3.1% | 2,072 | 2.9% | 16,430 | 2.6% |
Intellectual/learning | 2,599 | 6.1% | 1,638 | 5.6% | 4,237 | 5.9% | 70,747 | 11.1% |
Musculo-skeletal and connective tissue | 16,463 | 38.8% | 11,752 | 40.1% | 28,215 | 39.3% | 226,989 | 35.6% |
Nervous system | 1,155 | 2.7% | 1,090 | 3.7% | 2,245 | 3.1% | 21,538 | 3.4% |
Psychological/psychiatric | 10,088 | 23.8% | 7,477 | 25.5% | 17,565 | 24.5% | 166,040 | 26.0% |
Respiratory system | 1,391 | 3.3% | 968 | 3.3% | 2,359 | 3.3% | 19,647 | 3.1% |
Sense organs | 782 | 1.8% | 539 | 1.8% | 1,321 | 1.8% | 15,683 | 2.5% |
Skin disorders and burns | 105 | 0.2% | 100 | 0.3% | 205 | 0.3% | 1,762 | 0.3% |
Visceral disorder | 557 | 1.3% | 425 | 1.5% | 982 | 1.4% | 9,624 | 1.5% |
Not coded | 48 | 0.1% | 36 | 0.1% | 84 | 0.1% | 374 | 0.1% |
Total | 42,435 | 100.0 | 29,291 | 100.0 | 71,726 | 100.0 | 637,419 | 100.0 |
Source: Superstar Common Events Databases 12/07/2002 to 13/06/2003
Superstar Pensions Database 13/06/2003
* Excludes customers granted prior to 12/11/1991 (35,915 customers).
4.3 New Claims Rejected by Reason and Gender
During the period 14 June 2002 to 13 June 2003, there were 41,370 claims for DSP rejected. This represents 36.6% of total claims processed. The main reasons for rejecting the claim were because the customer had less than 20 points impairment as assessed under the Impairment Tables (40.6%), or had a short-term disability (19.9%).
Females were more likely than males to be rejected because the disability was short-term or their impairment level was less than 20 points. Males were more likely than females to be rejected due to compensation.
REJECTION REASON |
Male
|
%
|
Female
|
%
|
Total
|
%
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Less than 20% impaired | 9,824 | 39.9% | 6,816 | 40.6% | 16,640 | 40.2% |
Disability is short term | 4,418 | 18.0% | 3,333 | 19.9% | 7,751 | 18.7% |
Failed to reply to correspondence | 2,926 | 11.9% | 1,972 | 11.8% | 4,898 | 11.8% |
Other | 1,759 | 7.2% | 1,159 | 6.9% | 2,918 | 7.1% |
Greater than 20% impaired/can work full time | 1,011 | 4.1% | 497 | 3.0% | 1,508 | 3.6% |
Fail to attend assessment/medical exam | 771 | 3.1% | 480 | 2.9% | 1,251 | 3.0% |
Withdrawn/voluntary surrender | 574 | 2.3% | 416 | 2.5% | 990 | 2.4% |
Compensation preclusion period | 581 | 2.4% | 218 | 1.3% | 799 | 1.9% |
Excess income | 322 | 1.3% | 410 | 2.4% | 732 | 1.8% |
Precluded due to periodic compensation | 483 | 2.0% | 165 | 1.0% | 648 | 1.6% |
Not residentially qualified | 296 | 1.2% | 297 | 1.8% | 593 | 1.4% |
Greater than 20% impaired/can be reskilled | 363 | 1.5% | 146 | 0.9% | 509 | 1.2% |
Assets over limit | 319 | 1.3% | 147 | 0.9% | 466 | 1.1% |
Failed to undergo medical exam | 237 | 1.0% | 171 | 1.0% | 408 | 1.0% |
Not Coded | 230 | 0.9% | 158 | 0.9% | 388 | 0.9% |
Failed to attend interview | 180 | 0.7% | 110 | 0.7% | 290 | 0.7% |
Proof of identity not provided | 96 | 0.4% | 79 | 0.5% | 175 | 0.4% |
Failed agreement specific rules | 61 | 0.2% | 51 | 0.3% | 112 | 0.3% |
Doesn't meet age requirements | 32 | 0.1% | 61 | 0.4% | 93 | 0.2% |
DSP excess income/assets - no medical exam | 44 | 0.2% | 38 | 0.2% | 82 | 0.2% |
Incapacitated/blinded overseas | 24 | 0.1% | 24 | 0.1% | 48 | 0.1% |
Not permanently blind | 17 | 0.1% | 15 | 0.1% | 32 | 0.1% |
Whereabouts unknown | 15 | 0.1% | 7 | 0.1% | 22 | 0.1% |
Claim lodged early | 13 | 0.1% | 4 | 0.1% | 17 | 0.1% |
Total | 24,596 | 100.0 | 16,774 | 100.0 | 41,370 | 100.0 |
Source: Superstar Common Events Databases 14/07/02 to 13/06/03
5:Where DSP Customers Are Coming From And Going To
5.1 Where DSP Customers Are Coming From
There were 67,409 people receiving DSP in June 2003 who were not receiving DSP in June 2002. These "new customers" represent 10.0% of the total DSP population as at June 2003.
The largest group of people entering DSP are those who were not previously receiving an income support payment. These comprise 45.4% of new customers on payment. The next largest source of DSP customers is transfers from Newstart Allowance with 32.9% of new customers, down from 35.0% in 2001/02, followed by Parenting Payment (both Single and Partnered) with 5.6% of new DSP customers. A large group of customers (16.1%) have their origins from a range of other payments such as Youth Allowance, Carer Payment and Special Benefit although the numbers from each payment are small. These proportions have remained fairly static for at least the last few financial years.
It should be noted that figures for customer transfers do not exactly match those for new grants due to the different business rules used in extracting these data sets, for example, some new grants can be for the same customer or a customer may be granted DSP and then leave DSP within the same year.
Source: FaCS Data Map, Payment to Payment Reports
Origin |
Count
|
%
|
---|---|---|
Non Income Support | 30,622 | 45.4% |
Newstart Allowance | 22,180 | 32.9% |
Parenting Payments | 3,745 | 5.6% |
Youth Allowance | 1,649 | 2.4% |
Sickness Allowance | 1,172 | 1.7% |
Partner Allowance | 1,460 | 2.2% |
Other payments | 6,581 | 9.8% |
Total | 67,409 | 100.0% |
Source: FaCS Data Map, Payment to Payment Reports, 2003
5.2 Where DSP Customers Are Going To
The majority of customers who were on DSP in June 2002 but were not on DSP in June 2003 moved on to Age Pension (56.7%). As customers reach Age Pension eligibility age the vast majority transfer across although a very small percentage of customers choose to remain on DSP.
Of the people who left DSP, 21.1% left payments entirely. A substantial proportion (17.4%) of exits from DSP was because of the death of the customer.
Source: FaCS Data Map, Payment to Payment Reports
Origin |
Count
|
%
|
---|---|---|
Age Pension | 31,146 | 56.7% |
Non Client | 11,571 | 21.1% |
Deceased | 9,541 | 17.4% |
Newstart/Youth Allowance | 711 | 1.3% |
Other payments | 1,970 | 3.6% |
Total | 54,939 | 100.0% |
Source: FaCS Data Map, Payment to Payment Reports
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