Centrelink Disability Support Pension

The government provides financial assistance to those who have a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition through the Disability Support Pension scheme.

What is the Disability Support Pension?

The government provides financial assistance to those who have a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that stops you from working through the Disability Support Pension (DSP) scheme. Being the recipient of the DSP entitles you to a Pensioner Concession Card giving you concessional rates on your expenses such as medical bills, utility bills and public transport.

How does it work?

You must meet both medical and non-medical rules to be eligible.

Medical rules

A full list of the medical rules can be found at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au.<... rules

You need to meet all the non-medical rules to get DSP. These rules are:

  • You’re between 16 and Age Pension age when you claim
  • You meet the residency rules.
  • You meet the income and asset tests.

‍Rates of payment differ for singles, couples, couples separated by illness, with or without dependents. Payment rates also vary if you are under 21 and don’t have dependent children. The rate will then depend on your relationship and dependency status. All other recipients will receive the normal DSP rates.

The amount of your pension will then be determined using the income and asset means testing. The lower of the two test results will be your pension payment. The payment will also include the Pension Supplement and the Energy Supplement.

Centrelink reviews the payment rates on March 20 and September 20 each year. Payments are made fortnightly to your nominated bank account. In limited situations, you may apply to have your payments made weekly

Refer to www.servicesaustralia.gov.au for details on current pension rates of payment.

What are the benefits?

  • Access to the pension will help to supplement ongoing living and medical costs.
  • You may be entitled to other payments and benefits, which include remote area allowance and rent assistance. Your Doctor may provide bulk-billing visits.
  • You will also receive discounts on other costs dependent on your location.

What should I be thinking about?

  • The DSP amount you receive is reviewed on a regular basis. If your financial circumstances change, your payment could be impacted.
  • DSP payments are tax-free income if you are under-Age Pension age. DSP payments form part of your assessable (taxable) income over Age Pension age. You may receive a Senior Tax Offset to reduce tax payable.
  • You will be subject to a number of qualification tests and conditions based on your age, home ownership, marital status as well as the Income and Asset means test.
  • You must notify Centrelink of any significant changes or extended overseas travel (more than 6 weeks), within 14 days, for a review of your entitlements.
  • Centrelink payments are subject to legislative change which may impact your entitlement in the future. A review of your income requirements will be needed should this happen.
  • If you are permanently blind, you may not be means tested and would be entitled to the full payment rate for DSP.

Important information regarding this information


This information is of a general nature. It does not consider your personal objectives, needs or situation. It does not represent legal, tax or personal advice and should not be taken as such. If it has been provided to you with a Statement of Advice (SoA), you should rely on the personal advice in the SoA.

Care has been taken to provide up to date and accurate information relating to the subject area however BR Advice Pty Ltd (ABN 30 612 056 523, AFSL 488655), Blue Rock Private Wealth Pty Ltd (ABN 95 166 927 055, AFSL 452733), Blue Rock Private Wealth (Melb) Pty Ltd (ABN 48 652 202 698, ASIC AFS No. 1298365) and their representatives make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness.

Published: September 2022.

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