AUBJ April 28 – The Federal Government says moves to tighten the eligibility rules for the disability support pension are not a cost-saving measure.

The Government says it will overhaul the system used to assess a person’s impairment and says it will result in about 6,500 new claimants missing out on the pension.

But it expects the pension will be paid to 1,500 people who were previously ineligible.

Families Minister Jenny Macklin says the existing system is outdated and a new one would better identify people who are able to work.

Ms Macklin says the new system will reduce the processing time for claims from people who are clearly eligible for the pension.

Government spokesman Bill Shorten says the savings for the budget will be negligible.

“We have 770,000 people on the disability support pension. It’s a fast-growing pension. People with disabilities find it hard to get work,” he said.

“I don’t think this is an issue about costs. It’s a small part of a larger effort to do more for people with disabilities and make sure that the disability dollars are going to those who need it.”

A committee of health authorities will advise the Government on the changes, which are due to be implemented in January 2012.