The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.P.220 Permanent condition & permanent impairment (DSP)

Definition

For the purposes of DSP, both a person's medical condition and the resulting impairment must be permanent before an impairment rating can be assigned under the Impairment Tables (1.1.I.10).

A permanent condition is a medical condition which has been fully diagnosed, fully treated and fully stabilised (1.1.F.240) and is more likely than not, in light of available evidence, to persist for more than 2 years.

A permanent impairment is an impairment resulting from a permanent condition which is more likely than not, in light of available evidence, to persist for more than 2 years.

Example: A condition may last for more than 2 years, but the impairment resulting from that condition may be assessed as likely to improve or cease within 2 years. If this is the case an impairment rating cannot be assigned to the impairment.

Act reference: Social Security (Tables for the Assessment of Work-related Impairment for Disability Support Pension) Determination 2011

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.6.2.100 DSP assessment of impairment ratings

Last reviewed: