DSP Increase September 2026: Disability Support Pension New Rates & Eligibility

by Nasser ZreikaAug 21, 2026Centrelink & Age Pension

The Disability Support Pension (DSP) is rising from 20 September 2026, as part of the government’s twice-yearly Centrelink indexation round. Because DSP is paid at the same maximum rate as the Age Pension, the increase mirrors the pension rise. Here’s exactly what’s changing, who’s eligible for DSP, how the income and assets test works, and how to apply.

Quick answer: From 20 September 2026, the single DSP rate rises $36.80 to $1,237.70 a fortnight ($1,866.00 combined for couples). DSP is for people aged 16 to Age Pension age with a permanent, fully diagnosed and treated condition rated at least 20 points under Centrelink’s Impairment Tables, who can’t work 15 or more hours a week.

DSP Payment Increase From 20 September 2026

DSP, along with the Age Pension and Carer Payment, is paid at the same maximum rate under Centrelink’s pension rate table. This maximum rate already includes the base pension rate plus the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement. From 20 September 2026:

Single DSP recipients: up $36.80 a fortnight, to $1,237.70
Couples (combined, both on a pension-rate payment): up $55.60 a fortnight, to $1,866.00

The increase is applied automatically — you don’t need to contact Centrelink or reapply to receive the new rate.

Maximum DSP Payment Rates (Per Fortnight)

Note: These are the new fortnightly rates effective 20 September 2026, including the base pension, pension supplement, and energy supplement.

Recipient Status	Fortnightly Rate	Estimated Annual Amount
Single (no children)	$1,237.70	~$32,180
Partnered (each person)	$933.00	~$24,258
Couple Combined (total for both)	$1,866.00	~$48,516
Couple Separated Due to Illness (each)	$1,237.70	~$32,180

What Is the Disability Support Pension?

The Disability Support Pension is Centrelink’s main income support payment for people who are unable to work because of a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition or disability. Unlike some other support payments, DSP is not means-tested on your ability to look for work — it’s assessed on medical evidence, functional impact and your income and assets.

DSP Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for DSP, you generally need to meet all of the following:

Your condition is assessed at 20 points or more under Centrelink’s Impairment Tables, with at least one impairment rated 20 points on its own
Your condition is fully diagnosed, treated and stabilised, and is expected to persist for more than two years
You’re unable to work 15 or more hours a week at award wages (or be retrained to do so) within the next two years, because of your condition
You’ve generally taken part in a Program of Support, unless you’re exempt — for example, due to a terminal illness, permanent blindness, or a condition assessed under the ‘manifest grant’ provisions
You’re aged 16 or over and under Age Pension age
You meet Australian residency rules — generally 10 years of residence, including at least 5 continuous years, with some exceptions for humanitarian entrants and international social security agreements

If you’re permanently blind, different rules apply — you may qualify for DSP without being assessed against the income and assets test.

DSP Income and Assets Test

DSP uses the same income and assets test thresholds as the Age Pension. Under the current income test settings, the fortnightly income free area is $226 for singles and $396 (combined) for couples — you can earn up to this amount before your payment starts to reduce. Above the free area, your payment reduces according to Centrelink’s standard pension income test taper.

How the September Deeming Rate Rise Affects DSP

Alongside the rate increase, deeming rates — which Centrelink uses to estimate income from your financial assets such as savings, shares and account-based pensions — are also rising from 20 September 2026:

Lower deeming rate: up from 1.25% to 1.75%, on financial assets up to $66,800 for singles and $110,600 for couples (combined)
Upper deeming rate: up from 3.25% to 3.75%, on financial assets above those thresholds

If you receive a part DSP and hold financial assets above the threshold, the higher deeming rate could increase your assessed income and reduce the net benefit of the September rate rise. If you receive the full DSP rate, this change generally won’t affect your payment.

DSP for People Under 21

If you’re under 21 and don’t have a dependent child, you may be paid at a different, youth-specific rate that includes the Youth Disability Supplement rather than the standard adult DSP rate. Because these rates vary by age and living arrangement, check your MyGov Centrelink account or speak with Centrelink directly for your exact rate.

How to Apply for DSP

Start your claim through your MyGov account linked to Centrelink
You’ll typically need a completed Treating Doctor’s Report and supporting medical evidence from your treating health professionals
Centrelink may require a Job Capacity Assessment to confirm your work capacity
In limited circumstances, DSP claims can be backdated — ask Centrelink whether this applies to your situation

What Happens to DSP When You Reach Age Pension Age?

If you’re already receiving DSP when you reach Age Pension age, you can generally choose to remain on DSP rather than transfer to the Age Pension. Because both payments share the same maximum rate and similar income and assets tests, there’s usually no financial difference either way — but your other entitlements or concession arrangements could vary, so it’s worth checking with Centrelink or a financial adviser before deciding.

FAQ’s on DSP Increase September 2026

Is the DSP increase automatic?

Yes. Like the Age Pension, the DSP rate rise from 20 September 2026 applies automatically — you don’t need to reapply or notify Centrelink.

Can I work and still receive DSP?

Yes, within limits. You can work up to a certain number of hours and earn income up to the income-test free area without affecting your payment, and DSP includes provisions such as the Work Bonus to encourage supported work. Your payment reduces above the income-free threshold under the standard pension income test.

Does the DSP increase apply to Carer Allowance or Mobility Allowance too?

No. Carer Allowance and Mobility Allowance are separate payments with their own indexation schedules and are not part of this September pension rate increase.

How does this compare to the Age Pension increase?

It’s identical in dollar terms, because DSP and the Age Pension share the same maximum rate table. See our full Centrelink payment increases guide for how every other payment type is changing in September 2026.