1.2.5.40 Mobility Allowance (MOB) - Description

Objective of MOB

The purpose of MOB is to assist with transport costs for people with disabilities who are unable to use public transport without substantial assistance (1.1.S.380).

The recipient must:

• be handicapped (1.1.H.20), AND
• be at least 16 years of age, AND
• satisfy the travel test (3.6.6.10), AND
• be an Australian resident in Australia (section 7(2)) at the time of lodging the claim, AND
• be unable to use public transport (1.1.P.490) without substantial assistance (1.1.S.380) due to their disability, either permanently or for an extended period (1.1.E.220).

To receive the standard rate of MOB, the recipient must be:

• in gainful employment (1.1.G.10) for at least 32 hours every 4 weeks, OR
• undertaking vocational training (1.1.V.60) for at least 32 hours every 4 weeks, OR
• undertaking voluntary work for charitable, welfare or community organisations for at least 32 hours every 4 weeks, OR
• undertaking any combination of gainful employment, vocational training or voluntary work for at least 32 hours every 4 weeks, OR
• undertaking job search activities under an agreement with a DEEWR funded service provider (e.g. JSA, DES), OR
• participating in DES - DMS, OR
• receiving NSA, Austudy or YA and required to comply with the activity test.

To receive the higher rate of MOB, the recipient must be:

• receiving DSP, PP, NSA or YA (other), AND
• working 15 hours or more per week at or above the relevant minimum wage (1.1.R.133), OR
• looking for work of 15 hours or more per week at or above the relevant minimum wage (1.1.R.133) under an EPP or an agreement with a DEEWR funded service provider, OR
• working at least 15 hours per week in the open labour market for productivity based wages determined through the SWS.

Recipients who increase their hours of work enough to go off income support will retain the higher rate of MOB while they continue to meet the other MOB qualification criteria.

Act reference: SSAct section 7(2) An Australian resident…  

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.1.R.133 Relevant minimum wage (DSP, MOB, Partial capacity to work & CA), 3.6.6.10 Qualification for MOB

Supplementary assistance

MOB recipients who do not already hold a PCC or HCC associated with an income support payment are automatically issued a HCC.

How MOB is paid

MOB is a flat rate payment indexed annually in line with CPI increases, either at the standard rate or the higher rate depending on the recipient's qualifying activities. Payments are made fortnightly.

Background information

MOB was introduced in 1983. The higher rate of MOB was introduced on 1 July 2006 as part of Welfare to Work.

Act reference: SSAct section 1035 Qualification for MOB

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.6.6.10 Qualification for MOB, 5.1.5.40 MOB - Current Rates

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Last reviewed: 1 March 2010