Liam’s Story
“I am 30 years old. I had cancer at 17, and as part of my treatment I had to have my leg amputated above the knee.
Getting anything done when it comes to my disability has been an uphill battle. My partner and I have wanted to move in together, but doing that would mean I would essentially lose my only source of income.
It is completely unfair. The DSP is already too low, but to wipe it out completely because somebody else is working is ridiculous. Nobody can live on one income these days. Making people lose their already meagre pension because they have a working partner is beyond abhorrent.”
Our campaign statement
Liam’s story highlights the impossible choice that partner income testing can create for people receiving the Disability Support Pension.
We are living through a cost-of-living crisis where one wage can struggle to support one person, let alone two. Yet when a person receiving the DSP moves in with a working partner, their payment can be reduced or, depending on their circumstances and their partner’s income, cut off entirely.
This can leave a person with disability increasingly financially dependent on their partner while they continue to face the additional costs that can come with disability, including healthcare, equipment, transport and everyday living expenses.
A relationship should not mean surrendering your financial independence. Nor should a partner automatically be expected to absorb the costs of another adult’s disability simply because the social security system treats them as financially responsible for one another.
People receiving the DSP should not have to choose between living with the person they love and maintaining their own source of income.
Love should not cost you your income.