DSP Income and Assets Test — How Much Can You Have on the Disability Support Pension?
This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed financial adviser. Learn more.
Contents
The Disability Support Pension (DSP) uses the same income and assets tests as the Age Pension. Your payment reduces as your income or assets rise, and stops entirely if you exceed the cut-off thresholds.
Income Test
The DSP income test reduces your payment by $0.50 for every dollar of income above the income free area.
| Status | Income free area (fortnightly) | Cut-off (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | ~$204 | ~$2,502 |
| Couple (combined) | ~$360 | ~$3,822 |
What counts as income?
- Employment income (wages, salary)
- Self-employment income
- Investment income
- Rental income (net)
- Deemed income from financial assets (same deeming rates as Age Pension)
Employment income credit (Pension Period Earnings Credit)
DSP recipients who work can access a Pension Period Earnings Credit — similar to the Age Pension Work Bonus — allowing employment income of up to ~$300/fortnight to not count toward the income test.
Working 30 hours or more
If you work 30 hours or more per week in open employment at or above minimum wage, you automatically lose eligibility for DSP (this is a separate rule from the income test). You can work fewer than 30 hours without this automatic disqualification, though your income still reduces your payment under the income test.
Assets Test
Same thresholds as the Age Pension:
Lower threshold (full pension)
| Status | Asset threshold |
|---|---|
| Single — homeowner | ~$314,000 |
| Single — non-homeowner | ~$566,000 |
| Couple — homeowner (combined) | ~$470,000 |
| Couple — non-homeowner (combined) | ~$722,000 |
Upper threshold (cut-off)
| Status | Asset cut-off |
|---|---|
| Single — homeowner | ~$695,500 |
| Single — non-homeowner | ~$947,500 |
| Couple — homeowner (combined) | ~$1,045,500 |
| Couple — non-homeowner (combined) | ~$1,297,500 |
For every $1,000 of assets above the lower threshold, your payment reduces by $3/fortnight.
What is exempt from the assets test?
- Your primary home (principal residence)
- Funeral bonds up to the threshold
- Certain special disability trust assets (see below)
Special Disability Trusts
A Special Disability Trust (SDT) is a trust set up by family members to provide for the future care and accommodation needs of a person with a severe disability. Assets held in an approved SDT are exempt from the DSP assets test up to a threshold (~$795,000 in FY2025–26).
SDTs must meet specific requirements set by Services Australia and are subject to annual reporting. If you or a family member is considering establishing an SDT, seek professional legal and financial advice.
Partner’s Income and Assets
If you are partnered, your partner’s income and assets are also assessed in the means tests, even if your partner does not have a disability. The combined couple thresholds apply.
Reporting Requirements
As a DSP recipient, you must report to Centrelink if:
- You start working or change your work hours
- Your income changes significantly
- Your assets change (e.g., you receive an inheritance or sell property)
- Your partner’s income changes
Failure to report changes can result in overpayments that you must repay.
FAQ
Can I receive DSP and work part-time? Yes — up to 30 hours per week in open employment. Your income reduces your DSP under the income test, but you can still receive a part payment.
What happens if I work 30 hours in one week but not the next? The 30-hour rule is assessed per week. Isolated instances over 30 hours may not automatically cancel your DSP, but consistent work of 30+ hours at award wages will. Contact Services Australia if your work hours vary.
Does my partner’s superannuation count in the assets test? Once your partner is over Age Pension age, their super counts as an asset. If they are under Age Pension age, their super in accumulation phase is generally exempt.
See also: Disability Support Pension — Full Guide | NDIS Guide | Age Pension Income Test
For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a social worker or disability advocate. Free assistance is available via National Disability Services or your NDIS Local Area Coordinator.