The Effect of Reading and Writing Assistance on Receipt of Disability Support Pension

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of receiving reading and writing assistance on Disability Support Pension (DSP) receipt in Australia, focusing on disabling conditions not associated with age‐specific manifestations. Analysis indicates a significant 21%–29% increase in DSP likelihood with reading and writing assistance, consistent across various specifications. Moreover, using an instrumental variable approach that distinguishes individuals by younger disability onset ages, indicative of potentially lower levels of education, yields a stronger reading and writing assistance effect. This suggests that the assistance increases the likelihood of receiving DSP by influencing discrepancies in reading and writing competencies at the juncture of disability onset.