The Disability Support Pension 2025 is an essential income support payment from the Australian Government, aimed at helping individuals whose physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition severely limits their ability to work. It is intended for people with a condition that is permanent or expected to last at least two years, and who are unable to work 15 hours or more per week in the foreseeable future.
Eligibility for DSP is not automatic. Applicants must meet specific medical and non-medical criteria to qualify. Understanding these requirements, along with the application process and what to expect after lodging a claim, can make navigating the system much easier and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
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What Is the Disability Support Pension?
The Disability Support Pension provides financial security for Australians who cannot work due to a permanent and severe medical condition. It aims to ensure that those with long-term impairments have access to a stable income and the ability to live with dignity, even when full-time or part-time employment is no longer possible.
The payment helps with living costs, and may include supplements such as Rent Assistance, the Pension Supplement, and the Energy Supplement. DSP is usually paid fortnightly and indexed twice a year, in March and September to keep up with the cost of living.
Who is Elegible for Disability Support Pension?
🧠Who Can Get the Disability Support Pension (DSP) in 2025
To receive the Disability Support Pension (DSP), you must meet both non-medical and medical eligibility criteria. Below is a simplified and updated overview based on 2025 rules from Services Australia.
🏛️ 1. Non-Medical Eligibility Rules
Before your medical situation is assessed, you must meet the following administrative requirements.
đź“Ť Residency Requirements
- You must be an Australian resident and living in Australia when you claim DSP.
- Generally, you must have lived in Australia for at least 10 years, including 5 continuous years.
- Exceptions apply for refugees, those covered by international agreements, or who became disabled while living in Australia.
🎂 Age Requirement
- You must be 16 or older and below the Age Pension age (67).
- Once you reach Age Pension age, you can transfer to the Age Pension if preferred.
đź’° Income and Assets Test
- Your payment amount depends on your income and assets.
- Your partner’s income and assets may also affect your payment.
- If your income or assets exceed the threshold, your DSP rate will reduce or stop.
- Your principal home is generally excluded from the assets test.
🧾 Claim and Identity Verification
- Complete the official DSP claim form through myGov.
- Provide proof of identity, residency, and medical documents.
- Submit all required paperwork before the deadline provided by Services Australia.
⚕️ 2. Medical Eligibility Rules
Once the non-medical criteria are satisfied, your medical condition will be assessed under medical rules.
- Your condition must be diagnosed by a qualified health professional.
- It must be fully treated and stabilised — meaning it’s unlikely to significantly improve.
- It must stop you from working 15 hours or more per week for at least the next two years.
- You must score 20 points or more under one or more Impairment Tables used by the Department of Social Services.
The Impairment Tables assess how your condition impacts your ability to function and work, not just the diagnosis itself.
⚡ The Manifest Grant (Fast-Track Approval)
You may qualify for a Manifest Grant if your disability is severe and obvious. You may be automatically eligible if you have:
- Permanent blindness
- A terminal illness (life expectancy less than 2 years)
- An intellectual disability (IQ below 70)
- The need for nursing home–level care
- Certain categories of permanent or severe impairment
đź©ş The General Medical Assessment
- Review of medical reports from doctors or specialists.
- Comparison against the Impairment Tables.
- Assessment of work capacity and ability to perform suitable tasks.
- Verification of Program of Support (POS) participation if required.
🧑‍🏫 The Program of Support (POS)
A Program of Support helps you prepare for or find work through providers like Disability Employment Services (DES) or Workforce Australia.
- You must show POS evidence if you have 20 or more points across multiple tables but not 20 points on a single table.
- You must have participated for at least 18 months in the last 3 years, or for the program’s full length.
- You are exempt if you meet Manifest Grant rules or score 20+ points on a single table.
⚙️ Summary Table – DSP Key Criteria (2025)
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Residency | Australian resident, living in Australia, 10 years total (5 continuous) |
| Age | 16 or older, below Age Pension age (67) |
| Work Capacity | Unable to work 15+ hours per week for at least 2 years |
| Impairment Score | 20+ points on Impairment Tables |
| Program of Support | Required if 20 points across multiple tables |
| Manifest Grant | Automatic eligibility for severe or terminal conditions |
🧩 Example Scenarios
→ Eligible for DSP
→ Not eligible (condition not fully stabilised)
How to Apply for Disability Support Fund
How to Apply for the Disability Support Pension (DSP) in 2025
Applying for the Disability Support Pension (DSP) in Australia involves several important steps. Before lodging your claim, it’s essential to ensure you meet eligibility criteria, have sufficient medical documentation, and understand the process. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide with the latest 2025 updates.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Use the online DSP pre-claim tools to determine whether you meet the general requirements before starting your application.
- You must be aged 16 or older and under Age Pension age.
- You must have a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that prevents you from working 15 hours or more per week for at least 2 years.
- You must meet Australian residency and income/asset tests.
Step 2: Gather Medical Evidence
Collect detailed and up-to-date medical evidence to support your claim. Your documentation should demonstrate that your condition is permanent and impacts your ability to work.
- Reports from treating doctors and specialists
- Hospital and clinic records
- Diagnostic results such as scans, tests, and assessments
- Statements about your treatment and its outcomes
- Descriptions of how your condition affects work and daily life
Step 3: Complete the Claim Form
You must complete the Claim for Disability Support Pension (SA466) form. Ensure all details are accurate and honest.
You can obtain the form directly from Services Australia.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once completed, you can lodge your DSP claim using one of the following methods:
- Online through your myGov account linked to Centrelink
- In person or by post at a Services Australia office
- Through a nominee or advocate who can act on your behalf
Step 5: Attend Assessments (if required)
You may be asked to attend one or both of the following assessments:
- Job Capacity Assessment (JCA): Evaluates how your condition affects your ability to work.
- Disability Medical Assessment (DMA): Conducted by an independent government-approved medical assessor.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
The average DSP processing time is around 80 days. During this period, Services Australia may contact you for further information or documentation.
While you wait, you may qualify for other temporary payments, such as JobSeeker Payment.
Note: Always keep copies of your submitted forms and supporting evidence. Ensure your contact information is up to date to avoid delays.
What Happens after You apply
What Happens After You Apply
After you submit your Disability Support Pension (DSP) application, it goes through several review stages. Understanding what happens next helps you stay informed and prepared while waiting for a decision.
1. Initial Review: Non-Medical Checks
Your claim is first checked against non-medical eligibility criteria. These include:
- Age and Australian residency status
- Income and asset limits
- Employment and recent work history (if applicable)
If these requirements are not met, the application may be declined at this stage. You’ll be notified in writing with reasons for the decision.
2. Medical Assessment Phase
If your claim passes the non-medical review, it moves to the medical assessment phase. This step verifies whether your health condition meets the DSP medical eligibility criteria under the Impairment Tables (2023 update).
- Job Capacity Assessment (JCA): Determines how your condition impacts your ability to work or retrain.
- Disability Medical Assessment (DMA): Conducted by a government-approved doctor, confirming the severity and permanency of your impairment.
Additional evidence may be requested from your doctors or specialists during this phase.
3. Decision and Notification
Once assessments are complete, Services Australia reviews all information and makes a decision on your DSP eligibility. You’ll receive a formal notice explaining the outcome.
- If approved: Payments usually start from the date your claim was submitted or the date you became eligible (whichever is later).
- If rejected: You’ll receive a detailed letter outlining the reasons for the decision.
Most DSP applications are processed within 80 calendar days, but complex cases or missing information can cause delays.
4. If You Disagree with the Decision
If your claim is not approved, you have several options to request a review or appeal:
- Internal Review: Request a Centrelink officer to review your claim decision. This is free and can be requested within 13 weeks of the decision date.
- Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT): If you disagree with the internal review outcome, you can appeal to the AAT for an independent review.
- New Claim: You may submit a new claim later if your medical condition or circumstances change.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure about the process or want professional help, you can:
- Contact Services Australia directly
- Seek free advocacy or legal support through the Disability Advocacy Finder
- Consult community legal centres or disability advocates in your area
Important: Make sure to check your myGov inbox and physical mail regularly for updates from Services Australia during your DSP application process.
Working While Receiving Disability Support Pension
Working While Receiving the Disability Support Pension (DSP)
Many people who receive the Disability Support Pension (DSP) can still work part-time. The program is designed to encourage participation in work while ensuring that income from employment does not unfairly reduce support for people with disabilities.
Work Hours Limit (2025 Rules)
As of 2025, you may work up to 29 hours per week without automatically losing your DSP payment, depending on your income level and assessed capacity to work.
- Working under 29 hours per week does not automatically stop your DSP.
- Your payment amount may still be affected if your income exceeds the DSP income test thresholds.
- Thresholds are indexed each March and September along with other Centrelink payments.
If You Work More Than 30 Hours
If you regularly work more than 30 hours per week or earn above the allowable income threshold for 12 consecutive fortnights:
- Your DSP may be suspended instead of cancelled, giving you flexibility to return to the payment if your work situation changes.
- If your income or hours later decrease below the limits, you can request to have your DSP reinstated without reapplying.
This suspension rule encourages recipients to explore employment opportunities while keeping a safety net in place.
Reporting Your Income
You must report all employment income to Centrelink each reporting period to avoid overpayments or debts.
- Report income through your myGov account, the Centrelink app, or by phone.
- Provide accurate information about hours worked and gross income before tax.
- Keep payslips and employer records as evidence of your earnings.
Failing to report changes in your work or income may result in Centrelink debts or penalties.
Extra Support While Working
DSP recipients who want to enter or return to the workforce can access additional services:
- Disability Employment Services (DES): Provides job matching, workplace support, and training.
- Supported Wage System (SWS): Allows employers to pay a productivity-based wage for people with disability.
- Mobility Allowance: May help with travel costs if you need to travel for work or training (replaced by the NDIS for eligible participants).
Note: Income rules and thresholds can change with each indexation period. For the latest updates, visit the official Services Australia DSP page.
Disability Support Pension Payment Rates in 2025
As of September 2025, the indexed maximum fortnightly payment rates are adjusted twice a year in line with inflation and wage growth.
You may also be eligible for Rent Assistance or additional supplements, depending on your living situation.
Disability Support Pension (DSP) Rates — 2025
| Recipient Type | Base Pension | Pension Supplement | Energy Supplement | Total Fortnightly Payment (July 2025) |
Increase from 20 Sept 2025 | New Total (from 20 Sept 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,079.70 | $84.90 | $14.10 | $1,178.70 | +$29.70 | $1,208.40 |
| Couple (each) | $813.90 | $64.00 | $10.60 | $888.50 | +$22.40 each | $910.90 each |
| Couple (combined) | — | — | — | $1,777.00 | +$44.80 | $1,821.80 |
| Separated due to ill health (each) | $1,079.70 | $84.90 | $14.10 | $1,178.70 | +$29.70 | $1,208.40 |
Note: These are the maximum fortnightly rates as published by Services Australia. Actual payments may vary depending on your income, assets, and other supplements.
If Your DSP(Disability Support Pension) Is Cancelled or Suspended
DSP may be stopped if:
- Your income or assets exceed the allowable limits.
- You start working beyond permitted hours.
- You leave Australia for an extended period without meeting portability rules.
- You fail to respond to review requests or report changes in your situation.
If cancelled, you may need to reapply. If suspended (for example, due to temporary work), you may request reinstatement once you meet the requirements again.
Disability Support Pension (DSP) Glossary of Key Terms – 2025
Understanding these key terms can help you navigate the Disability Support Pension (DSP) process more confidently. These definitions reflect the latest Services Australia guidelines for 2025.
Impairment Tables
Government-issued tables used to measure how a medical condition limits your daily living and work-related activities. You must score at least 20 points in total across one or more tables to meet DSP medical eligibility.
Manifest Grant
A fast-track DSP approval process available for claimants with clearly severe and permanent conditions, such as permanent blindness, terminal illness, or intellectual disability requiring lifelong support.
Program of Support (POS)
A structured work preparation or training program you may be required to complete before being granted DSP. It helps demonstrate that you’ve actively participated in activities to improve your ability to work.
Examples include participation in Disability Employment Services (DES) or JobAccess programs.
Job Capacity Assessment (JCA)
An assessment conducted by a government-approved officer to evaluate your capacity to work, retrain, or participate in employment. It also determines whether you need to complete a Program of Support before DSP approval.
Backdating
If approved, your DSP payments may be backdated to the date you first became eligible — not just the date your claim was finalised. Backdating depends on your submission date, eligibility evidence, and the cause of any processing delays.
Nil Rate Period
A temporary period where your DSP is suspended but not cancelled — usually due to income from work exceeding the payment limit. If your income or work hours reduce during this period, your DSP can be reinstated without reapplying.
Tip: Keep track of these terms when reading your DSP letters or online updates through your myGov account to better understand your entitlements and rights.
What You Should Do Next
- Check your eligibility using the DSP pre-claim tool.
- Prepare strong medical evidence — clear, detailed, and recent reports from your doctors and specialists.
- Participate in a Program of Support if your impairment points are spread across multiple tables.
- Submit your claim via MyGov or at a Services Australia office.
- Stay engaged — respond to requests for further information or assessments.
- Appeal if necessary — you have the right to request a review or submit new evidence.
- Report changes promptly once on DSP to maintain compliance and avoid over payments.
Conclusion
The Disability Support Pension provides essential financial assistance for Australians who cannot work due to a permanent disability or severe medical condition. While the process of applying can be detailed and sometimes lengthy, understanding the eligibility rules, required evidence, and application steps can make a significant difference.
If you believe you may qualify, gather strong medical evidence, ensure you meet residency and income criteria, and use the official claim tools to begin your application. With the right preparation, you can navigate the DSP process confidently and secure the support you deserve.
(FAQs) About the Disability Support Pension (DSP) in Australia
1. What is the Disability Support Pension (DSP)?
The DSP is a government payment that provides financial support to Australians with a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that stops them from working 15 hours or more per week for at least two years.
2. Who can qualify for the DSP?
To qualify, you must meet both non-medical and medical criteria. You must be an Australian resident under the Age Pension age, meet income and asset tests, and have a permanent, diagnosed, treated, and stabilised medical condition.
3. How many points do I need to qualify for DSP under the Impairment Tables?
You must score at least 20 points across the Impairment Tables. Each table assesses how your condition affects your ability to work. In some cases, you may qualify automatically under the manifest medical rules.
4. What are the “manifest medical rules”?
These rules allow some people to receive DSP without a full medical assessment if their condition is clearly severe and permanent—such as terminal illness, permanent blindness, or the need for nursing home-level care.
5. Do I need to complete a Program of Support before applying?
You may need to show that you participated in a Program of Support (POS), like Disability Employment Services, if you have 20 impairment points spread across multiple tables but not 20 points in one single table.
6. How do I apply for the DSP?
You can apply online through your myGov account linked to Centrelink, or by completing the paper form SA466 – Claim for Disability Support Pension. You’ll need to provide medical evidence and identification documents.
7. How long does it take to process a Disability Support Pension claim?
Processing times vary depending on your case. On average, claims take around 80 days. Make sure your medical evidence is complete to help avoid delays.
8. What if my Disability Support Pension claim is rejected?
If your claim is denied, you’ll receive a letter explaining why. You can request a review or appeal the decision, provide additional medical evidence, or reapply if your condition changes.
9. Can I work while receiving the Disablity Support Pension?
Yes, you can work up to 29 hours per week without losing your eligibility, as long as your medical condition and work capacity remain consistent with DSP rules. Your payment may reduce based on income.
10. What’s the difference between the DSP and JobSeeker Payment?
The DSP is for people with a permanent disability or condition that prevents them from working long-term. JobSeeker is for people who are temporarily unemployed or recovering and actively seeking work.
Disclaimer – Assist Info AU
Assist Info AU is an independent information platform offering general guidance on Australian government payments, including the Disability Support Pension (DSP).
We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Services Australia, Centrelink, or any government department. The information provided is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered official or financial advice.
While we aim to keep all content accurate and up to date, eligibility criteria, payment rates, and policy details may change over time. Please verify current information directly through the official Services Australia website before making any claims or decisions.