Personal Support Program

The Personal Support Program (PSP) is designed to encourage people on income support to stay connected to the economic and social life of the community.

Some people are more vulnerable to social isolation and find it difficult to become part of the workforce and the community. The PSP assists these people.

The Programme is a bridge between short-term crisis assistance and employment-related assistance.

Who will the PSP help?

People accessing the PSP deserve individualised attention because they face difficult circumstances. No easy "one size fits all" approach is possible for the PSP. Clients may be facing the following:

Homelessness

Drug/alcohol problems Severe psychological conditions or mental illness

Personality disorders - including anger management issues

Mood disorders - including depression

Anxiety disorders - including agoraphobia and panic attacks

Torture/trauma or other stress disorders

Gambling problems

Domestic violence

Financial management problems

Physical or intellectual disability

Organic mental disorders or acquired brain injury

Social isolation/alienation

Poor communication/language skills

Long-term unemployment

Isolation

What can people on the PSP expect?

The PSP is focussed on outcomes. Heta Incorporated is a personal provider to help participants work towards their personal goals, these may be either social or economic outcomes.

Social outcomes could include stabilised circumstances, increased community engagements, improved life skills, stable accommodation, increased self-esteem/confidence and accessing mental health services.

Economic outcomes could include transfer to employment assistance programmes, study and vocational training.

While getting a job is the ultimate goal, the Programme recognises that this may not be possible for all people at all times. Social outcomes may be a great personal achievement for some people.

During their time on the PSP participants can expect to receive the following:

Counseling/Personal support - this includes guidance, assistance, encouragement, building self-esteem and confidence.

Referral and advocacy - to link into their local community and to access services.

Practical support - for instance, assistance to attend interviews or with transport.

Outreach activities - to assist people living in remote areas, or who have special needs.

Assessment - Case Managers will work with clients to help set goals and plans, monitor progress and work out when they are ready to move on.

Case Managers will use different approaches, such as counseling models, drop-in centres, "job clubs" and training. DEEWR and personal providers will collect data on which approaches work best for different client groups.

Who is eligible?

The Programme is open to most people of workforce age who receive Commonwealth income support payments including Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, Disability Support Pension, Mature Age Allowance, Partner Allowance, Wife's Pension; Widow B Pension; Widow Allowance, and Special Benefit (in some cases); and those aged 15 to 20 who do not receive any payment but are registered as job seekers with Centrelink.

What are the benefits?

The Programme:

allows people on activity tested payments to meet their activity requirements through participation in the PSP;

delivers assistance that matches the abilities, capacity and circumstances of participants;

streamlines movement from PSP to other employment or economically-focused programmes, particularly Job Network and Disability Employment Network; and

allows participants access to the Programme for up to two years provided they meet their requirements.

Many participants will be able to transfer to Intensive Assistance to get help to find work. For others, facing more severe obstacles, the PSP will help them to address their personal barriers and increase their involvement in the community. Desirably, some will be able to participate in education, training or work preparation.

How do people get into the PSP?

There are many pathways into the PSP. Job Capacity Assessors identifies potential PSP participants, assesses their eligibility for the Programme and refers them to personal providers.

DEEWR wants to increase community awareness of the PSP and the people who need it. This will increase referrals of PSP participants from the community to Centrelink. It will also increase self-identification and self-referral to the PSP.

What happens to the participants at the end of their two years on the Programme?

One of the main aims of the PSP is to help participants find the assistance and support they will need after the Programme.

A participant who exits the PSP without economic outcome such as a transfer to employment assistance programmes, study or vocational training will return to Centrelink. A new activity agreement will be agreed with requirements that match the person's capabilities and circumstances. After 12 months the person's situation will be reviewed with possible readmission to the PSP.

What are the Programme's core principles?

The PSP is at the fore front of social policy internationally and within Australia. It will explore new issues in social participation.

The Programme reflects the experience of participants, providers, Centrelink and DEEWR. DEEWR will encourage innovative approaches to service delivery.

Core principles include:

flexibility - to deliver the Programme in a way that recognises the different needs of each participant;

a one to one relationship - between providers and participants;

collaboration - between DEEWR, Centrelink and stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome for participants;

choice of provider - participants need to feel comfortable with their approach and style of delivery; and

ongoing improvements and development - DEEWR is committed to improving the long-term effectiveness of the Programme.

How is the PSP delivered

The PSP is delivered by a network of private and community organisations.
Service providers have been selected for their skills, experience and understanding in providing assistance to potential PSP participants. They have been chosen for their familiarity with and participation in the local community and their capacity to develop partnerships with other service organisations providing assistance to people with a range of personal difficulties.
Community links provide opportunities for participants re-entering the workforce and increasing their involvement in community life.

A person on the PSP can always call on their Case Manager for help.

How will the PSP affect a person's relationship with Centrelink?

A PSP participant can meet their activity test requirements through the Programme (if this applies).
The PSP will not affect Centrelink payments.

What about privacy of information?

The law requires Case Managers to keep participant's records private.
A code of conduct between the Case Manager and the Commonwealth states what the person can expect.

What about complaints?

If a person has problems with their Case Manager and cannot sort these out they can call 1800 637 079* for help. People with a hearing or speech impairment can call the telephone typewriter on 1800 055 001*.

Where can I find out more?

People who would like to participate in the PSP should visit their local Centrelink office, to determine if they are eligible to enter the Programme.

The Personal Support Program is delivered through the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

The Personal Support Program is delivered through the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

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