Welfare recipients in poorer health: study

Australian welfare recipients attend hospital and see their GP more, and are more likely to report being in poorer health compared to wage earners.

The study from Monash University released on Monday found both Newstart and Disability Support Pension recipients were more likely to have multiple health conditions and be hospitalised.

But it said simplifying application processes and funding more support services like housing, could improve health outcomes for recipients.

Recipients of the unemployment benefit, Newstart, were nearly seven times more likely than wage earners to rate their health as poor.

Those on the disability pension were up to three times more likely to visit hospital.

It also found just over 40 per cent of pension recipients visited a GP more than 10 times in 12 months, compared to less than five per cent of wage earners.

Both pension and Newstart recipients were more likely to report having multiple diseases as well as behavioural issues or issues with mental health.

The study said health outcomes, particularly mental health, could be improved by reducing the need for recipients to engage with government.

"The psychological costs of applying for benefits and complying with bureaucratic processes can be substantial," the report said.

It also said improving access to housing, nutrition, education and training would help.

More than 1.4 million Australians receive Newstart or the disability pension, costing the government in excess of $27 billion a year, with spending on the pension making up nearly $17 billion.

The study drew on data from the National Health Survey.