The Disability Support Pension (DSP) is an income-support payment from Centrelink (Services Australia), separate from the NDIS. It is paid fortnightly, with the amount based on your situation and tested against your income and assets. The DSP is not NDIS funding; check Services Australia for the current rate.
The Disability Support Pension is an income-support payment delivered by Centrelink, part of Services Australia. It is intended to help with everyday living costs for people with a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that stops them from working.
It is important to be clear that the DSP is not part of the NDIS. The NDIS funds disability supports and services through a plan, while the DSP is regular money paid to the individual to help with general living expenses. A person can receive both, because they do different jobs.
The DSP is paid fortnightly. The rate you receive depends on factors such as your age, your relationship status and whether you have dependent children. Different maximum rates apply to single people and to members of a couple.
The payment is also means tested. Centrelink applies an income test and an assets test, and the test that produces the lower payment is the one that applies. Earning above certain thresholds or holding assets above set limits can reduce the amount or affect eligibility.
To qualify, you generally need to meet age and residence requirements and have your condition assessed against medical rules, including whether it is fully diagnosed, treated and stabilised. Centrelink uses impairment tables as part of this assessment.
Payment rates are adjusted through indexation, so any figure can date quickly. As at 2025-26, the maximum single rate is in the order of around $1,100 per fortnight including supplements, but this is approximate only — check Services Australia for current figures before relying on any amount.
Our plan guide explains how NDIS funding works alongside other payments so you can see the full picture.
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