How Much Is the Disability Support Pension per Fortnight? (2026)

If you, your child or your partner lives with a long-term condition that stops you working, the Disability Support Pension (DSP) can be an essential source of income. Here's how much DSP pays per fortnight right now, how the rate is worked out, and what else to know before you claim.

Quick answer: DSP rates per fortnight

For people aged 21 and over (and under-21s with a child in their care), the maximum DSP rates per fortnight are (Services Australia – Payment rates):

For a single person, the total is made up of:

• maximum basic rate: $1,135.40
• maximum Pension Supplement: $88.20
• Energy Supplement: $14.10.

These are maximum rates. Your income and assets, and your partner's, may reduce what you get.

DSP rates if you're under 21

If you're younger than 21 and don't have a dependent child, your rate depends on whether Services Australia assesses you as dependent or independent (Services Australia):

These rates include the Youth Disability Supplement. They don't include Pharmaceutical Allowance or Energy Supplement.

Good news for families: Whether a young person is dependent or independent, their parents' or guardians' income doesn't affect how much DSP they can get (Services Australia).

When do DSP rates change?

Services Australia updates DSP rates (Services Australia):

• on 20 March and 20 September each year, for people aged 21 and over and for under-21s with a child in their care
• on 1 January each year, for under-21s without children.

So the rates above apply from 20 September 2026 until the next update.

What affects how much you get?

Income and assets

DSP is means tested. You can earn some income and have some assets and still get DSP, but above certain amounts your payment reduces (Services Australia – Income and assets tests). Services Australia uses the pension income test and an assets test. Current thresholds are on the official income test and assets test pages.

If you're permanently blind, you may not be subject to the income or assets tests, unless you're claiming Rent Assistance or your partner claims an income support payment.

Your age and living situation

For under-21s, being assessed as dependent or independent matters. You may need to give proof of your living situation, relationship or work status (Services Australia).

Tax

DSP is a taxable payment once you reach Age Pension age (Services Australia – How much you can get).

Who can get DSP?

You need to meet both non-medical and medical rules (Services Australia – Who can get it).

Non-medical rules

When you claim, you must (Services Australia – Non-medical rules):

• be at least 15 years and 9 months old, and under Age Pension age
• meet the residence rules
• meet the income and assets tests.

You can start a claim from 13 weeks before you turn 16. If you're under 16 when you claim, you'll only be paid from your 16th birthday.

Medical rules

DSP is for people with a physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that is likely to persist for more than 2 years and stops them working (Services Australia – DSP). There are two sets of medical rules:

• manifest medical rules, for some severe conditions where eligibility is clear
• general medical rules, if you don't meet the manifest rules.

If you don't meet either, you can't get DSP, but you may be able to get another payment.

Not sure if you'll qualify? Services Australia has a DSP pre-claim guide to help you decide whether to claim. It won't tell you whether you'll get DSP (Services Australia).

Can you work while getting DSP?

Yes. You can do paid work for up to 29 hours a week without losing DSP, as long as you meet the income test (Services Australia – Working while getting DSP). You must:

• tell Services Australia within 14 days if you or your partner start work
• report your and your partner's income every 2 weeks, even if it's $0.

If you're under 35, you may have participation requirements designed to help you find and keep suitable work.

DSP and the NDIS

DSP and the NDIS are separate. DSP is an income payment from Services Australia. The NDIS funds disability supports. You can claim or keep using the NDIS while claiming or getting DSP (Services Australia).

What if you can't get DSP straight away?

While your claim is being assessed, you may be able to get another payment such as JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance (job seekers). You can claim JobSeeker Payment as part of the online DSP claim (Services Australia). If you can't get DSP, other payments may still be available.

Are you caring for someone on DSP? You may be able to get Carer Payment or Carer Allowance. See our guide Carer Payment vs Carer Allowance.

Frequently asked questions

How much is DSP per fortnight for a single person?

Up to $1,237.70 a fortnight for people aged 21 and over (from 20 September 2026). That's the basic rate plus the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement (Services Australia).

How much is DSP for a couple?

Up to $933.00 each, or $1,866.00 combined, per fortnight. If you're separated due to ill health, it's up to $1,237.70 each.

When is the next DSP increase?

Rates for people aged 21 and over are updated on 20 March and 20 September each year. Under-21 rates (without children) are updated on 1 January.

Does my income affect DSP?

Yes. DSP is income and assets tested, so your payment may be reduced. Permanently blind people are usually exempt from these tests.

Can I get DSP and NDIS funding at the same time?

Yes. You can claim or keep using the NDIS while claiming or getting DSP.

Do parents' incomes affect DSP for under-21s?

No. Services Australia says parents' or guardians' income won't affect how much DSP a young person gets.

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This guide is general information, not financial advice. Payment rates change twice a year. Always check Services Australia for your situation.