Chapman and Secretary, Department of Social Services (Social services second review)

This matter concerned an application for a disability support pension (DSP) by Mr Chapman, who had previously been a recipient of the pension before his benefits ceased due to periodic compensation payments. Upon the cessation of these compensation payments, Mr Chapman reapplied for the DSP, asserting that his combined physical and mental impairments prevented him from working at least 15 hours per week. The decision under review affirmed the rejection of his DSP application.

The primary legal issue before the Tribunal was whether Mr Chapman met the eligibility criteria for a DSP under section 94 of the *Social Security Act 1991* (Cth). This required determining if he had one or more physical, intellectual, or psychiatric impairments that were fully diagnosed, fully treated, and stabilised, and if these impairments resulted in an impairment rating of 20 points or more under the relevant Impairment Tables. The Tribunal also needed to consider if Mr Chapman had a continuing inability to work, although this step was contingent on meeting the prior criteria.

The Tribunal considered Mr Chapman's testimony regarding a workplace accident in 1993 that led to his arm injuries, as well as his subsequent sobriety and support for mental health. However, the Tribunal found that Mr Chapman did not meet the threshold requirement of having an impairment rating of 20 points or more under the Impairment Tables. Consequently, it was not necessary for the Tribunal to proceed to assess his continuing inability to work. The Tribunal concluded that Mr Chapman did not qualify for the DSP.