Summary

7.1 This chapter considers aspects of the social security system that act as barriers to work for mature age persons. The ALRC recommends an evaluation of the methods for communicating information about social security payments and entitlements to mature age persons. It also recommends that staff of employment services providers be provided with training tools to improve the quality of job search assistance for mature age persons.

7.2 The ALRC also makes recommendations about specific income support payments. The ALRC recommends that the process for review of Disability Support Pension be clarified. It also recommends that a more flexible interpretation to combining care with work, education, training or voluntary work be taken when assessing qualification for Carer Payment. Finally, the ALRC recommends that the Work Bonus amount for the Age Pension and Veterans’ Age Service Pension be indexed.