Disability pensioners told to get work

Thousands of disability pensioners have been told to get a job as part of sweeping changes to the welfare system.

Since July, the federal government has reviewed the capacity of 11,000 disability support pension recipients aged under 35 to work at least eight hours a week.

Those with permanent disabilities are excluded.

Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews said 5000 people had been referred to job service providers or education and training to help them re-enter the workforce.

About 800,000 Australians receive the disability support pension, which is $776.70 a fortnight.

The government is trying to reduce the numbers to make the welfare system more affordable.

Mr Andrews said the reviews are ongoing and people do not lose their payments during the process.