Customer ceases or reduces work in the 2 year suspension period for Disability Support Pension (DSP) 008-03100020

Check eligibility for MOB when a customer contacts in relation to reporting employment income, changing jobs or starting work.

See Change of circumstances for Mobility Allowance (MOB) customers.

DSP customers can work up to 30 hours per week and stay on DSP as long as they remain eligible, this includes meeting the income test.

There may be some exceptions to this rule for people paid under an international agreement, or outside Australia.

Where DSP was suspended or cancelled, due to a valid work return to work reason code, the customer's DSP can be restored within 2 years of the date of effect (DOE) of the suspension or cancellation if:

• they cease working 30 hours per week, or
• their hours drop below 30 hours per week, and
• their employment income does not preclude payment

All non-medical eligibility rules for DSP must be met to restore payment. For example, the income and assets tests, including compensation clearances.

From 1 January 2023, suspension of a customer's DSP can occur for up to 2 years if their:

• partner is getting DSP or Age Pension, and
• partner's employment income precludes the customer's payment

The suspension reason code is EPP. Restoration of a customer's DSP can occur within 2 years if their partner's employment income no longer precludes payment.

To be eligible for the 2 year suspension, customers must notify Services Australia they have started work within 14 days of starting. When the customer notifies of their return to work, DSP is suspended/cancelled using one of the valid return to work reason codes.

If the agency is made aware the customer has returned to work without advising, or outside 14 days, DSP is cancelled using a different reason code. If the customer does not have a valid return to work code, DSP cannot be restored.

If a DSP customer did not notify of their return to work and then ceases work, they need to lodge a new claim if they wish to retest their eligibility for DSP.

During the suspension or deemed suspended period, customers can receive an alternative income support payment if:

• they are not qualified for DSP due to the number of hours they are working, and
• their income does not preclude them from another payment

This payment must be cancelled if DSP is restored.

When the customer has employment income and still qualifies for DSP:

• If under Age Pension age, Working Credit may allow the customer to keep some of their income support payment while they are working
• If over Age Pension age and getting a pension (excluding PPS), they may be eligible to the Work Bonus