Disability Payment Guides — DSP, NDIS and Support in Australia

Australians living with disability or caring for someone with a disability may be eligible for a range of government income support payments and funded support services. The two primary programs are the Disability Support Pension (DSP) — an income support payment — and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) — a funding program for disability supports and services.

These two programs are separate, have different eligibility criteria, and serve different purposes. It is possible to receive both simultaneously if you meet the eligibility criteria for each.

Disability Support Pension (DSP)

The Disability Support Pension is Australia’s main income support payment for people with a permanent disability or medical condition that prevents them from working at a sustainable level. It is administered by Services Australia under the Social Security Act 1991.

DSP eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the DSP, you must:

Age: Be aged 16 or over and below Age Pension age (currently 67). People who reach Age Pension age while on the DSP transition automatically to the Age Pension.

Residency: Be an Australian resident and physically present in Australia when you apply (some absences are allowed with prior approval).

Disability or medical condition: Have a physical, intellectual or psychiatric impairment that is:

• Permanent (likely to last for at least 2 years), and
• Significantly impedes your ability to work

Work capacity: Be unable to work 15 or more hours per week at or above the relevant minimum wage, even with training, rehabilitation or a workplace modification. This is assessed based on your capacity over a 2-year period.

Impairment Tables assessment: Your impairment must be rated using the Impairment Tables — a formal assessment tool used by Centrelink-appointed assessors. Each body system has its own table. You must score at least 20 points on a single table to be considered for the DSP (with some exceptions for people who cannot work even with support).

Program of Support: If your impairment does not score 20 points under a single table, you may still be eligible if you can demonstrate you have participated in a Program of Support (activities aimed at helping you find work or improve capacity) and still cannot work 8 hours or more per week.

DSP rates (FY2025–26)

DSP rates are the same as the Age Pension and are indexed twice yearly:

Rates include base rate plus Pension Supplement. An Energy Supplement is also payable. Check Services Australia for current rates.

DSP income test

The income test for DSP works similarly to other pension payments. There is an income-free area, above which the pension reduces at a taper rate:

• Income-free area: Approximately $204 per fortnight (single), $360 per fortnight (couple combined)
• Taper rate: 50 cents reduction per dollar of income above the free area

The DSP cuts out at an upper income threshold. For someone working part-time, income from employment is assessed — but some recipients have a partial capacity to work assessed, which can affect the applicable rules.

DSP assets test

The assets test for DSP is the same as for other pensions:

Assets above these thresholds reduce the DSP by $3 per fortnight for every $1,000 in excess assets.

The principal home is exempt. Superannuation of a DSP recipient who has not yet reached Age Pension age is generally not assessed as an asset.

Working while on DSP

DSP recipients can work limited hours and still receive the payment, subject to the income test. There is also a Supported Wage System for people with disability working in competitive employment — employers pay a proportion of the award wage that reflects actual productivity, with the government topping up the difference.

Appealing a DSP Decision

DSP applications are frequently rejected at the initial assessment stage. If your application is rejected, you can:

1. Request an internal review (Authorised Review Officer) — this is a free review of the decision by a different Centrelink officer
2. If the internal review upholds the rejection, appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), which replaced the AAT in 2024

Many DSP applicants who are ultimately successful have their application approved at review or tribunal stage. Seeking assistance from a disability advocate or community legal centre before appealing can be valuable.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS is a separate program to the DSP. It provides funding for disability supports and services to eligible participants — not income support.

The NDIS is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and operates under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013.

What the NDIS funds

NDIS funding is individualised. Each participant receives an approved plan that specifies the supports they need and the funding allocated for each category. Funded supports can include:

• Support workers and personal care
• Therapy services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology)
• Assistive technology (wheelchairs, communication devices, home modifications)
• Transport assistance
• Community participation activities
• Home and living supports (supported independent living, specialist disability accommodation)
• Capacity building activities

The NDIS does not fund:

• Services funded by Medicare or state health systems (e.g., hospital treatment)
• Day-to-day living costs everyone has (food, rent, utilities)
• Supports that are not related to the disability

NDIS eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the NDIS, you must:

Age: Be aged under 65 when you first access the scheme. People who develop disability after 65 are generally directed to the aged care system rather than the NDIS.

Residency: Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a Protected Special Category visa.

Disability: Have a permanent and significant disability that substantially reduces your ability to participate in everyday activities. The disability must be the result of a neurological, physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual or psychiatric condition (noting that early intervention supports can be available for developmental conditions).

Early intervention: NDIS also covers early intervention — children with developmental delay or disability who would benefit from early supports, even if the condition may improve with intervention.

How NDIS plans work

After an access determination (you are found eligible), you participate in a planning meeting where your goals and support needs are assessed. An NDIS plan is then approved, specifying funding across support categories.

Plans are typically reviewed annually. Participants can request an unscheduled review if their circumstances change materially.

Funding management options:

• Agency managed: The NDIA pays registered providers directly. Most restrictive but simplest.
• Plan managed: A registered plan manager pays providers on your behalf. Can access both registered and unregistered providers.
• Self managed: You pay providers and claim reimbursement. Most flexible — can access any provider.

NDIS vs DSP: which applies?

You can receive both DSP and NDIS funding simultaneously. The DSP provides your income; the NDIS funds your support services.

Carer Support for People with Disability

If you provide care for someone with disability, you may be eligible for:

Carer Payment — income support for full-time carers who are unable to work because of their caring role (see Family Payments for details)

Carer Allowance — a supplementary payment for carers who provide daily care. Not means-tested. Can be received alongside wages or other payments.

Carer Gateway — a federal government program providing practical support, respite and connecting carers to services. Contact: 1800 422 737 or carergateway.gov.au.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a DSP application take? DSP applications can take 3–6 months or longer, particularly if medical evidence needs to be gathered and reviewed, or if the application goes to review. During the wait, you may be eligible for JobSeeker (subject to the income test and mutual obligation requirements, which may be modified based on your medical condition).

Can I receive both the DSP and NDIS? Yes. They serve different purposes. DSP is income support; NDIS is service funding. Receiving one does not affect eligibility for the other.

Does the NDIS pay for home care for elderly people? No. Australians who develop disability or care needs after age 65 are generally directed to the aged care system (My Aged Care) rather than the NDIS. People already on the NDIS before turning 65 can continue receiving NDIS supports.

What if I’m rejected for the NDIS? You can request an internal review of the access decision. If unsuccessful, you can appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Disability advocacy organisations can assist with appeals at no cost. Legal Aid organisations in each state also provide assistance with NDIS appeals.

Guides in This Section

• Disability Support Pension (DSP) — Eligibility, Rates and How to Claim
• DSP Income and Assets Test
• NDIS — What It Is, Who Qualifies and How It Works

For information on accessing disability services, contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au. For DSP enquiries, contact Services Australia on 132 717. Disability advocacy organisations can assist with applications and appeals at no cost.

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