DSP Rate Increase Now Active: The Disability Support Pension increased on March 20, 2026. Singles now receive $1,200.90/fortnight and couples receive $905.20 each. Deeming rates also increased to 1.25% and 3.25%. All rates on this page reflect the March 2026 indexation. The next scheduled increase is September 20, 2026.

DSP Payment Amounts 2026: $1,200.90 Singles, $905.20 Couples (March Increase Live)

The Disability Support Pension (DSP) pays $1,200.90 per fortnight for singles and $905.20 each for couples as of March 20, 2026. You can earn $218/fortnight without penalty, hold assets up to $579,500 (non-homeowner single), and deeming rates have increased to 1.25% and 3.25%. Next increase: September 20, 2026. This guide covers exactly what you will receive, how to calculate your payment with income or assets, whether DSP stops at 65, and when bonus payments arrive.

Official DSP payment breakdown

Payment Component	Single	Couple (each)	Source
Total Maximum Payment	$1,200.90	$905.20	Services Australia
Includes base pension, pension supplement, energy supplement	Yes	Yes	DSP Rate Structure
Annual Amount	$31,223.40	$23,535.20	Based on fortnightly rate
Next Increase Date	September 20, 2026	September 20, 2026	Bi-annual indexation

All rates verified against Services Australia official payment rates as of March 2026.

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DSP increase March 2026: what changed?

The Disability Support Pension rates increased on 20 March 2026, following the biannual CPI indexation review by Services Australia. The March 2026 increase was a 1.88% rise driven by CPI (the September review uses the MTAWE wage benchmark). Here is exactly what changed:

Payment rate increase (March 2026):

• Singles: +$22.20 per fortnight, now $1,200.90 ($31,223.40 per year)
• Couples: +$33.40 per fortnight combined ($16.70 each), now $905.20 each, $1,810.40 combined
• Annualised, that is an extra $577.20 for singles and $868.40 for couples over the next 12 months

Asset test threshold increases:

• Full-pension asset limits and part-pension cut-offs were indexed upward (see the DSP asset test section below for current amounts)

Deeming rate increases:

• Lower deeming rate: increased from 0.75% to 1.25%
• Upper deeming rate: increased from 2.75% to 3.25%
• Threshold: first $64,200 of financial assets (singles)

The deeming rate changes mean Centrelink assumes your savings and investments earn more income than before, which can reduce your pension even if your actual returns are lower. For most recipients, the payment increase offsets the deeming change. But if you hold significant financial assets, the net effect may be smaller than the headline increase suggests.

Next increase: September 20, 2026. All DSP recipients receive automatic rate adjustments, no action required on your part.

Source: Department of Social Services and Services Australia

Current DSP payment rates

Following the March 2026 increase, current maximum rates for Australians unable to work due to permanent disability:

Single Recipients (21 years and over):

• Maximum Payment: Up to $1,200.90 per fortnight (including all supplements)
• Includes base pension, pension supplement, and energy supplement

Partnered Recipients (21 years and over):

• Maximum Payment: Up to $905.20 per fortnight each
• Combined Couple Maximum: Up to $1,810.40 per fortnight

Annual Payment Amounts:

• Single: Up to $31,223.40 per year
• Couple: Up to $23,535.20 per year each

Note: DSP rates are indexed on March 20 and September 20 each year based on CPI, wages, and cost of living measures.

Under 21 payment rates

Recipient Type	Maximum Fortnightly Payment
Under 21 with dependent child	Up to $1,200.90 (adult rate)
Under 21 without dependent child	Up to $604.70 (varies by living situation)

Note: On 1 January each year, Services Australia updates the rates specifically for those younger than 21 without children.

Does DSP stop at 65?

No, the Disability Support Pension does NOT automatically stop at age 65. This is one of the most common questions about DSP, and the answer is straightforward.

The Age Pension age in Australia is currently 67, not 65. Your DSP continues right through to age 67 without interruption. Here is what happens as you approach Age Pension age:

The transfer process:

1. About 13 weeks before you reach Age Pension age (67), Services Australia sends you a letter
2. You choose whether to stay on DSP or transfer to Age Pension
3. You must respond. If you do not reply, Services Australia may stop your DSP payments
4. If you transfer, your payment rate usually stays the same or similar
5. You continue receiving pension-level benefits and healthcare concessions

Why some people stay on DSP after 67:

• DSP has no mutual obligations or job search requirements
• Some DSP-specific concessions may differ from Age Pension concessions
• Familiarity with existing payment arrangements

Why some people transfer to Age Pension:

• Overseas travel: Age Pension allows up to 26 weeks before payment is affected, compared to just 28 days on DSP
• No medical reviews: Age Pension has no ongoing medical review requirements
• More flexible work: No 15-hour-per-week work limit

Factor	DSP	Age Pension
Overseas travel	28 days/year before affected	26 weeks before affected
Medical reviews	May be required	No medical reviews
Work limits	Must work under 15 hours/week	More flexible work hours
Payment rate	Same ($1,200.90 single)	Same ($1,200.90 single)

No gap in payments. The transition is seamless. You do not need to reapply from scratch, and your direct deposit arrangements continue.

Source: Services Australia - Prepare to transfer to Age Pension if you get DSP

DSP bonus payments 2026

DSP recipients may receive Economic Support Payments when announced by the federal government to help with cost of living pressures. These one-off payments are separate from your regular fortnightly pension.

As of April 2026, no new bonus payments have been announced for 2026. Bonus payments depend on federal budget decisions and are not guaranteed each year.

Recent bonus payment history:

• 2025: $250 Economic Support Payment (December)
• Previous years: Payments ranged from $250 to $750 depending on circumstances

Who qualifies when bonus payments are announced:

• Current DSP recipients on the payment date announced by government
• Payments made automatically, no application required
• Usually paid within 2 weeks of announcement

Where to check: Services Australia publishes official bonus payment announcements. The May 2026 federal budget may include new cost of living payments.

Additional ongoing supplements

Rent Assistance (if eligible):

• Single: Up to $215.40 per fortnight
• Couple: Up to $203.00 per fortnight combined

Pharmaceutical Allowance:

• Single: $7.30 per fortnight
• Couple: $7.30 per fortnight each

Remote Area Allowance (if applicable):

• Varies by location and family size
• Additional support for remote living costs

How much can you earn on DSP?

Income test thresholds

Income Free Area (per fortnight), March 2026:

• Single: $218 per fortnight
• Couple (combined): $380 per fortnight

Reduction Rates:

• 50 cents reduction for every dollar earned over income free area
• Pension reduces gradually until cut-off point

Work Bonus (Age Pension age only)

The Work Bonus allows an additional $300 per fortnight of employment income to be excluded from the income test. However, this only applies to DSP recipients who have reached Age Pension age (currently 67+).

Work Bonus details:

• Up to $300 per fortnight for employment income only
• Unused amounts bank up to $11,800
• $4,000 starting credit for new eligible recipients
• Not available to DSP recipients under Age Pension age

If you are under 67 and receiving DSP, only the standard income free area ($218 single / $380 couple) applies to your income test.

Source: Services Australia - Who can get the Work Bonus

How much can my partner earn?

If you are partnered, your partner’s income is also taken into account under the DSP income test. The combined income free area is $380 per fortnight. If your combined income exceeds this limit, your DSP payment will be reduced by 50 cents per dollar over for each of you.

DSP asset test 2026

Current asset limits (March 2026)

Your Situation	Full Pension Limit	Payment Stops At
Single, homeowner	$321,500	$714,500
Single, non-homeowner	$579,500	$972,500
Couple, homeowner	$470,000 combined	$1,075,500
Couple, non-homeowner	$728,000 combined	$1,333,500

What counts as assets?

Included Assets:

• Bank accounts and savings
• Shares and managed funds
• Investment properties
• Vehicles over $8,300 value
• Boats, caravans, artwork
• Business assets
• Superannuation (if you have reached preservation age)

Exempt Assets:

• Principal place of residence
• Up to $8,300 vehicle value
• Personal effects and household goods
• Funeral bonds up to limits
• Some superannuation (depending on age)

Asset test calculation

How the Asset Test Reduces Your Payment:

• If your assets exceed the limit, your pension reduces by $3 per fortnight for every $1,000 over the threshold
• Your principal home is exempt from the asset test
• More generous limits for non-homeowners

Deeming rates (March 2026)

Deeming rates affect DSP recipients with savings, shares, or other investments. These rates increased on March 20, 2026:

Deeming Rate	Previous Rate	Current Rate (March 2026)
Lower rate	0.75%	1.25%
Upper rate	2.75%	3.25%
Threshold (singles)	$60,400	$64,200

Centrelink assumes your financial assets earn income at these rates, which can reduce your pension amount even if your actual returns are lower.

Source: Department of Social Services

How long does DSP last?

Permanent vs temporary conditions

Permanent Disability:

• DSP continues indefinitely while eligible
• Subject to regular reviews
• No automatic cut-off date

Temporary Conditions:

• Generally not eligible for DSP
• May qualify for other payments
• Reassessment when condition changes

Regular reviews

Medical Reviews:

• Scheduled based on condition
• Can be every 1 to 5 years or longer
• May require updated medical evidence
• More common for recipients under 35

Participation Reviews:

• Assess work capacity
• May require participation in programs
• Could affect payment continuation

DSP eligibility: how do you qualify?

Medical criteria

Impairment Requirements:

• Diagnosed, treated, and stabilized condition
• Prevents working 15+ hours per week
• Permanent or likely to persist for 2+ years
• Must score 20+ points on Impairment Tables

Common Qualifying Conditions:

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Mental health conditions
• Intellectual disability
• Cardiovascular disease
• Respiratory conditions
• Neurological disorders

Non-medical criteria

Age Requirements:

• 16 years or older
• Under Age Pension age (currently 67)

Residency Requirements:

• Australian resident
• 10 years continuous residence, or
• 5 years with intention to remain

Work Capacity Assessment:

• Cannot work 15+ hours per week
• No current capacity for retraining
• All reasonable job opportunities considered

How to apply for DSP

Step 1: Gather required documents

Medical Evidence:

• Medical reports from treating doctors
• Specialist assessments
• Hospital discharge summaries
• Test results and imaging

Identity Documents:

• Birth certificate or passport
• Medicare card
• Tax file number declaration

Financial Information:

• Bank statements
• Income documentation
• Asset valuations
• Investment details

Step 2: Complete application

Online Application:

• Through myGov and Centrelink online
• Upload documents electronically
• Track application progress

Paper Application:

• Available from Centrelink offices
• Can be posted or submitted in person
• Requires original documents

Step 3: Medical assessment

Job Capacity Assessment (JCA):

• Appointment with assessor
• Review of medical evidence
• Determination of work capacity
• Impairment rating assessment

Step 4: Decision and payment

Processing Timeframes:

• 8 to 16 weeks typical processing
• May take longer for complex cases
• Backpay from date of claim if approved

Appeal Options:

• Request internal review
• Administrative Appeals Tribunal
• Time limits apply for appeals

DSP advance payment

If you are receiving the Disability Support Pension, you may be eligible for an advance payment. This allows you to receive a portion of your future DSP payments as a lump sum.

Eligibility for Advance:

• Depends on how long you have been receiving DSP
• Whether you have repaid previous advances
• Your current circumstances

How to Apply:

• Through myGov
• Via the Centrelink app
• By contacting Centrelink on 132 717

DSP payment calculator

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Manual calculation method

Step 1: Determine Base Rate

• Single: $1,200.90 per fortnight (total including supplements)
• Partnered: $905.20 per fortnight each (total including supplements)

Step 2: Apply Income Test

• Subtract income over free area ($218 single / $380 couple)
• Apply 50% reduction rate
• Include Work Bonus if at Age Pension age ($300/fortnight for employment)

Step 3: Apply Asset Test

• Calculate excess assets over limits
• Apply $3 per $1,000 reduction
• Use lower of income/asset test results

Step 4: Check Additional Payments

• Rent Assistance if eligible (up to $215.40 single)
• Pharmaceutical Allowance ($7.30)
• Remote Area Allowance if applicable

DSP vs other Centrelink payments

Quick comparison (March 2026)

Payment	Single Rate (per fortnight)	Mutual Obligations	Medical Requirements	Age Limit
Disability Support Pension	$1,200.90	No	Yes, permanent disability	16 to Age Pension age
JobSeeker Payment	$772.60	Yes	No	22 to Age Pension age
Age Pension	$1,200.90	No	No	67+
Carer Payment	$1,200.90	No	Carer requirements	16+
Youth Allowance (Disability)	Varies	Reduced	Yes	16-21

JobSeeker comparison

DSP Advantages:

• Higher payment rate ($1,200.90 vs $772.60, a difference of $428.30 per fortnight)
• No mutual obligations (no job search requirements)
• Pensioner Concession Card included (better than Health Care Card)
• More stable long-term support

Age Pension comparison

Similar Features:

• Same payment rate ($1,200.90 per fortnight for singles)
• Same income and asset tests
• Healthcare concessions
• Rent assistance eligibility

Key Differences:

• Age requirements (DSP under 67, Age Pension 67+)
• Medical criteria for DSP only
• Work capacity assessments for DSP
• Age Pension allows longer overseas travel (26 weeks vs 28 days)

Support for DSP recipients

Healthcare support

Pensioner Concession Card Benefits:

• Bulk-billed GP visits
• Subsidized medications
• Reduced medical costs
• Dental and optical concessions

Mental Health Support:

• Psychology sessions
• Psychiatrist consultations
• Mental health care plans
• Community support services

Employment support

Disability Employment Services:

• Voluntary participation
• Job search assistance
• Workplace modifications
• Employer education

Australian Disability Enterprises:

• Supported employment
• Skills development
• Flexible work arrangements
• Gradual workforce participation

Financial counselling

Free Services Available:

• Budget planning assistance
• Debt management advice
• Concession applications
• Emergency relief referrals

Frequently asked questions

How much is the disability support pension per fortnight in 2026?

The Disability Support Pension for a single person in 2026 is up to $1,200.90 per fortnight, including base pension, pension supplement, and energy supplement. Partnered recipients receive up to $905.20 each per fortnight. These rates apply from March 20, 2026.

What are the disability pension rates for 2026?

Single recipients receive $1,200.90 per fortnight ($31,223.40 per year) and partnered recipients receive $905.20 each per fortnight ($23,535.20 per year each) in 2026 following the March 20 increase. These are the maximum amounts including base pension, pension supplement, and energy supplement.

When is the next DSP increase?

The next Disability Support Pension increase is scheduled for September 20, 2026. DSP rates are indexed twice yearly (March 20 and September 20) based on CPI, wage growth, and pensioner living costs. All increases are automatic and you do not need to apply.

Does disability pension stop at 65?

No, the Disability Support Pension does NOT stop at age 65. The Age Pension age in Australia is currently 67, not 65. About 13 weeks before you reach 67, Services Australia writes to you asking whether you want to stay on DSP or transfer to Age Pension. You must respond or your payments may stop. If you transfer, your payment rate usually remains the same or similar.

How much can I earn before it affects my disability pension?

You can earn $218 per fortnight (income free area) without affecting your DSP. Above this, your pension reduces by 50 cents for each dollar over. The Work Bonus ($300 per fortnight, banking up to $11,800) only applies to DSP recipients who have reached Age Pension age (67+). If you are under 67, only the $218 income free area applies.

How much money can I have in the bank while on disability pension?

Current asset limits (March 2026):

• Single homeowner: $321,500
• Single non-homeowner: $579,500
• Couple homeowner: $470,000 combined
• Couple non-homeowner: $728,000 combined

Your principal home is exempt. If your assets exceed limits, your pension reduces by $3 per fortnight for every $1,000 over the threshold.

Are there disability pension bonus payments in 2026?

No new bonus payments have been announced for 2026 as of April 2026. DSP recipients have previously received Economic Support Payments of $250 to $750. These depend on federal budget decisions. Check Services Australia for official announcements. The May 2026 federal budget may include new cost of living payments.

How much is DSP for couples per fortnight?

Couples each receive up to $905.20 per fortnight on the Disability Support Pension. Combined, a couple can receive up to $1,810.40 per fortnight. These rates apply from March 20, 2026.

What are the DSP deeming rates in 2026?

From March 20, 2026, the lower deeming rate is 1.25% (on the first $64,200 of financial assets for singles) and the upper deeming rate is 3.25% (on assets above that threshold). These rates increased from the previous 0.75% and 2.75%.

How much can your partner earn before it affects my disability pension?

If you have a partner, the combined income free area is $380 per fortnight. If your combined income exceeds this amount, your disability pension will be reduced by 50 cents per dollar over for each of you. There is no separate limit for your partner’s income alone.

How much does the disability pension pay annually?

Single recipients can receive up to $31,223.40 per year and partnered recipients can receive up to $23,535.20 per year each. This is based on maximum fortnightly rates from March 20, 2026.

When are disability pension payments made?

Disability pension payments are made every second Thursday. Your specific payment date depends on when your claim was processed and your Customer Reference Number (CRN).

Can I get an advance payment on my disability pension?

Yes, DSP recipients can apply for an advance payment, which is borrowing from future pension payments. The minimum and maximum advance amounts depend on how long you have been receiving the pension and your circumstances. Apply through myGov, the Centrelink app, or call Centrelink on 132 717.

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Need Help Navigating Your DSP?

Understanding Disability Support Pension payment rates, eligibility criteria, and application processes helps ensure you receive the support you are entitled to.

Contact Services Australia on 132 717 or visit your local Centrelink office for personalized assistance with your DSP application or current payment queries.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with a qualified professional or Services Australia for advice tailored to your specific situation.

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