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Supported Living Payment : Contents

Deciding entitlement for blind clients

If the client is applying for Supported Living Payment because they are totally blind, they can provide 1 of the following:

Medical criteria for blindness

To qualify for Supported Living Payment due to total blindness, the assessment must identify the client meets one or both of the following criteria:

  • the best visual acuity (sharpness), with correcting lenses, does not exceed 3/60 or 1/20 and/or
  • state that the visual field is contracted to a maximum of five degrees on either side of the fixation point

MSD must get advice from the Regional Health Advisor or Regional Disability Advisor [no link find out why] before making a decision on whether the client's level of vision entitles them to Supported Living Payment under total blindness and whether they can be given simplified access.

Totally blind

If a client meets the criteria to be considered totally blind, they qualify for Supported Living Payment regardless of the number of hours they can work, and any income they may get from employment.

Restricted capacity for work due to blindness

If a client does not meet the criteria for total blindness but is both permanently and severely restricted in their capacity for work because of their blindness, they can get Supported Living Payment (without simplified access) and be reassessed in 2 years.

Not granted for blindness

If a client does not qualify for Supported Living Payment under the criteria for total blindness, they cannot get the special earnings exemption (that is, keep their entitlement to Supported Living Payment regardless of the number of hours they are able to work and personal income earned) and Blind subsidy.

For more information see:

Legislation

  • Supported living payment: on ground of restricted work capacity or total blindness: requirements sections 34-36 Social Security Act 2018
  • Rates of benefits: Supported living payment Schedule 4, Part 3 Social Security Act 2018
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