Disability Support Pension Rates 2026
The Disability Support Pension (DSP) provides income support to people who have a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that prevents them from working 15 hours or more per week. From 20 March 2026, the DSP for a single person aged 18 or over is $1,200.90 per fortnight — the same rate as the Age Pension.
Current Disability Support Pension Rates
| Situation | Per Fortnight | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
Single (21 or over) Same rate as Age Pension single. Includes base rate ($1,100.30) + Pension Supplement ($86.50) + Energy Supplement ($14.10). Effective 20 March 2026. | $1200.90 | $31,223 |
Couple (each) Same rate as Age Pension couple rate. Effective 20 March 2026. | $905.20 | $23,535 |
Single (under 21, no children) Lower rate for recipients under 21 without children. | $808.70 | $21,026 |
Single (under 21, with children) For recipients under 21 with dependent children. | $866.00 | $22,516 |
Single (18–20, Youth Disability Supplement) Recipients aged 18–20 who are assessed as unable to work also receive a Youth Disability Supplement of $162.60/fn, included in this rate. | $1200.90 | $31,223 |
Rates effective 20 March 2026. Next indexation: 20 September 2026.
Eligibility
You must be aged 16 or over and under Age Pension age, have a permanent medical condition that scores 20 points or more on the Impairment Tables, and be unable to work 15 hours or more per week at or above the minimum wage.
Income Test
Free area (single): $218/fortnight
Free area (couple combined): $380/fortnight
Taper rate: 50 cents per dollar above free area
Same income test as Age Pension. Payment reduces by 50 cents for every dollar above the free area.
Assets Test
Same thresholds as Age Pension. Family home is excluded.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: 16 or over and under Age Pension age (67)
- Residency: Must be an Australian resident
- Medical: Must have a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition likely to persist for more than 2 years
- Impairment Tables: Condition must score 20+ points (or 10+ if only significant condition)
- Work capacity: Unable to work 15+ hours/week at minimum wage, and unlikely to be able to within 2 years
- Must have actively participated in a Program of Support (unless manifestly eligible)
- Income and assets tests apply (same thresholds as Age Pension)
Key Facts at a Glance
About Disability Support Pension
The Disability Support Pension (DSP) is one of Australia's most important welfare payments, providing financial security to people whose disability prevents them from supporting themselves through work. Around 450,000 Australians receive the DSP.
The Impairment Tables Eligibility for DSP is assessed using the Impairment Tables — a set of functional criteria that measure how much your condition limits your ability to work. Your condition must score at least 20 points on the tables (or at least 10 points if it is your only significant condition). The tables cover 15 body systems including musculoskeletal, mental health, neurological, and sensory functions.
The work capacity requirement In addition to scoring enough points on the Impairment Tables, you must also be unable to work 15 or more hours per week at or above the minimum wage, and be unlikely to be able to do so within the next 2 years with training or assistance.
Manifest eligibility Some conditions are so severe that they automatically qualify for DSP without needing to score points on the Impairment Tables. These include being permanently blind, having an intellectual disability with an IQ of 70 or below, and having a terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than 2 years.
DSP and work DSP recipients can work up to 30 hours per week without automatically losing their payment. However, income from work is assessed under the income test. There are also programs like Disability Employment Services (DES) and Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE) to help DSP recipients find suitable employment.
Supported Wage System DSP recipients who work in open employment may be eligible for the Supported Wage System (SWS), which allows employers to pay a pro-rata wage based on the employee's productivity compared to a non-disabled worker doing the same job.
How to Apply
Apply through myGov or at a Services Australia service centre. You will need to provide medical evidence from your treating doctor and may be required to attend a Job Capacity Assessment.
- Gather medical evidence: get a report from your treating doctor or specialist using the SA479 form
- Log in to myGov and link Centrelink, then select "Make a claim" > "Disability Support Pension"
- Complete the online claim form — this takes about 60–90 minutes
- Submit your medical evidence and any other supporting documents
- Centrelink may ask you to attend a Job Capacity Assessment (JCA) with an assessor
- Centrelink will review your claim — this typically takes 3 to 6 months
- If your claim is rejected, you can request a review by an Authorised Review Officer, then appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Disability Support Pension in 2026?
From 20 March 2026, the DSP for a single person aged 21 or over is $1,200.90 per fortnight — the same rate as the Age Pension. This includes the base rate ($1,100.30), Pension Supplement ($86.50) and Energy Supplement ($14.10). For couples, each person receives $905.20 per fortnight. Recipients under 21 receive lower rates.
What conditions qualify for DSP?
DSP is assessed using the Impairment Tables. Your condition must score 20 points or more on the tables (or 10+ points if it is your only significant condition). Common qualifying conditions include mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia), musculoskeletal conditions (back pain, arthritis), neurological conditions (epilepsy, MS), intellectual disabilities, and sensory impairments (blindness, deafness). The condition must be permanent and likely to persist for more than 2 years.
How long does a DSP application take?
DSP applications typically take 3 to 6 months to process. Complex cases or those requiring a Job Capacity Assessment may take longer. If your application is rejected, you have the right to request a review by an Authorised Review Officer (ARO), and then appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). While waiting, you may be eligible for JobSeeker Payment with a medical exemption from mutual obligations.
Can I work while receiving DSP?
Yes, within limits. You can work up to 30 hours per week without automatically losing DSP. However, any income from work is assessed under the income test and may reduce your payment. If you work 30 or more hours per week for 2 years, your DSP may be cancelled. There are also employment programs like Disability Employment Services (DES) to help you find suitable work.
Does DSP automatically become Age Pension at 67?
Yes. When you turn 67, your DSP automatically transfers to the Age Pension. The payment rate is the same ($1,200.90/fn for singles from March 2026), so your fortnightly amount will not change. You do not need to make a new claim.
What is the Impairment Tables score needed for DSP?
Your condition must score at least 20 points on the Impairment Tables to qualify for DSP. If you have only one significant condition, it must score at least 10 points. The tables assess functional impairment across 15 body systems. A score of 20 points typically means your condition has a severe impact on your ability to function in a work environment.
What happens if my DSP application is rejected?
If your DSP application is rejected, you can: (1) Request a review by an Authorised Review Officer (ARO) within 13 weeks — this is free and the ARO will look at your case fresh; (2) If still rejected, appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) — this is also free; (3) Seek assistance from a disability advocacy organisation or legal aid. Many initially rejected claims are approved on review with better medical evidence.
Can I get DSP if I have a mental health condition?
Yes. Mental health conditions are assessed under the Impairment Tables like any other condition. Common qualifying mental health conditions include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. Your condition must be permanent (likely to persist for more than 2 years) and must score 20 or more points on the relevant Impairment Table. Medical evidence from a psychiatrist or psychologist is important.
What is the difference between DSP and Carer Payment?
DSP is for people who have a disability themselves that prevents them from working. Carer Payment is for people who provide full-time care to someone else with a disability or illness. You cannot receive both payments at the same time, but you can receive DSP and Carer Allowance simultaneously if you also provide care to someone.
What medical evidence do I need for a DSP claim?
You need a completed SA479 form (Treating Doctor's Report) from your treating doctor or specialist. The report should describe your diagnosis, treatment history, functional limitations, and prognosis. Additional evidence from specialists (psychiatrists, neurologists, etc.) strengthens your claim. The more detailed and specific the medical evidence, the better your chances of approval.
Related Payments
Always verify current rates at the official Services Australia website.
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