Disability Support Pension Australia — Eligibility, Rates and How to Claim

The Disability Support Pension (DSP) provides income support for Australians who have a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that prevents them from working. The DSP rate is the same as the Age Pension, and it includes income and assets tests.

Key Takeaways

• The DSP is for people with a permanent disability that substantially reduces their ability to work
• You must score at least 20 points on the Impairment Tables to be eligible
• DSP is subject to income and assets tests (same thresholds as Age Pension)
• The maximum rate is ~$1,144/fortnight (same as single Age Pension)
• You can work up to 30 hours per week in supported or open employment while receiving DSP

DSP Rates (FY2025–26)

DSP rates match the Age Pension:

Includes the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Disability Support Pension, you must:

1. Be aged 16 to Age Pension age (67)
2. Be an Australian resident and in Australia when you claim
3. Have a physical, intellectual, or psychiatric impairment that is:
   • Fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised
   • Permanent (expected to last for at least 2 years)
   • Causing a 20-point or more rating on the Impairment Tables
4. Be unable to work 15 hours or more per week at or above minimum wage due to the disability, now or within the next 2 years
5. Meet the income and assets tests

The Impairment Tables

Centrelink uses the Impairment Tables to assess how much your disability affects your functional capacity. Each functional area is assessed and given a rating:

You need to score at least 20 points on a single table (not combined across tables) to qualify for DSP. The tables cover areas including:

• Functions requiring physical exertion and stamina
• Upper limb function
• Lower limb function
• Spinal and other musculoskeletal function
• Mental health function
• Functioning related to alcohol and drugs
• Digestive and reproductive function
• Hearing and other functions of the ear
• Visual function
• Neurological and behavioural functions

The Program of Support (POS) Requirement

Most DSP applicants under the age of 35 (and some older applicants) must first complete a Program of Support (POS) — an employment assistance program — before being eligible for DSP.

Exemptions from the POS requirement apply if you:

• Are manifestly eligible for DSP (e.g., very severe disability with a rating of 20+ points on a single table and unable to work)
• Are terminally ill
• Are a carer or have been incapacitated for the majority of the past 18 months

Income Test

DSP uses the same income test as the Age Pension:

• Income free area: ~$204/fortnight (single)
• Reduction: $0.50 per dollar above the free area
• Employment income: can earn up to ~$300/fortnight (pension period earnings credit) without reduction

If you work 30 hours or more per week in open employment at award wages, you lose your DSP automatically. You can work up to 30 hours without losing the pension.

Assets Test

Same thresholds as the Age Pension:

How to Apply

1. Log in to myGov → Centrelink → Apply for payment → Disability Support Pension
2. Complete the online claim — you will need medical reports from your treating doctor(s)
3. Your doctor must complete a Treating Health Professional report on your condition
4. Centrelink may refer you to a Job Capacity Assessment (JCA) — an assessment by an independent health professional to determine your work capacity
5. Centrelink makes a decision and advises you in writing

The process can take several months. If you are rejected, you can seek a review by an Authorised Review Officer, and then appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) if still dissatisfied.

FAQ

How long does a DSP application take? Processing times vary significantly — it can take 3–12 months. If you need income support while waiting, consider applying for JobSeeker Payment (with any mutual obligation requirements adjusted for your medical situation).

Can I receive the DSP if I am working part-time? Yes — you can work up to 30 hours per week in open employment and still receive DSP. Working 30 hours or more per week at award wages may affect your eligibility.

What is the difference between DSP and Carer Payment? DSP is for the person with the disability. Carer Payment is for the person who provides care to someone with a disability. They are separate payments — a carer can receive Carer Payment while the person they care for receives DSP.

See also: Carer Payment | NDIS Guide | Centrelink Payments Guide

For advice tailored to your situation, contact a social worker or disability advocate. Services Australia’s DSP line is 132 717.