Disability Support Pension (DSP)

A Centrelink income payment for people with disability. It is separate from the NDIS, which funds supports rather than income.

What it means

The Disability Support Pension, often shortened to DSP, is an income support payment from Centrelink, which is part of Services Australia. It is for people who have a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that stops them from working. The payment is designed to provide regular income to help with everyday living costs.

It is important to know that the DSP is separate from the NDIS. The DSP provides income to help you live, while the NDIS funds disability supports and services. They are run by different parts of government and have different purposes, so one is not a replacement for the other.

In practice

A person can receive both the DSP and NDIS funding at the same time. For example, the DSP might help cover rent, food and bills, while an NDIS plan funds supports like a support worker or therapy. Getting one does not automatically mean you get the other, as they have their own eligibility rules and application processes.

To apply for the DSP, you generally deal with Services Australia and provide evidence about your condition and how it affects your ability to work. Because the rules can be detailed, many people get help from an advocate, financial counsellor or Services Australia staff. If you already have an NDIS plan, it can still be worth checking whether you are eligible for the DSP as well, since they meet different needs.

A real example

For example, Daniel has a permanent condition that means he is unable to work. He receives the Disability Support Pension, which helps him pay for rent, groceries and bills each fortnight. Separately, his NDIS plan funds a support worker and therapy, so his income payment and his disability supports work alongside each other.

Disability Support Pension (DSP) — FAQs

Can I get both the DSP and NDIS funding?
Yes. The DSP and the NDIS are separate, and a person can receive both at the same time. The DSP provides income to help with living costs, while the NDIS funds disability supports and services. Being eligible for one does not automatically make you eligible for the other, as each has its own rules and application process through different parts of government.
What is the difference between the DSP and the NDIS?
The DSP is an income support payment from Centrelink that gives you regular money to help with everyday living costs. The NDIS funds disability supports and services, such as therapy or a support worker. In short, the DSP is about income, and the NDIS is about supports. They are run separately and serve different purposes, though many people access both.
Who provides the Disability Support Pension?
The Disability Support Pension is provided by Centrelink, which is part of Services Australia. This is different from the NDIS. If you want to apply for the DSP or ask about your payment, you would generally deal with Services Australia rather than the NDIS. Their staff can explain the eligibility rules and help you understand the application process.
Who might be eligible for the DSP?
The DSP is for people with a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that stops them from working. Services Australia looks at your condition and how it affects your ability to work when deciding eligibility. Because the rules are detailed, it can help to get support from an advocate, financial counsellor or Services Australia when applying. Eligibility is decided case by case.
Does getting NDIS funding mean I automatically get the DSP?
No. Having an NDIS plan does not automatically qualify you for the DSP, and the two are assessed separately. Each has its own eligibility rules and application process. If you have NDIS funding, it can still be worth checking whether you also qualify for the DSP, since it meets a different need by providing income rather than disability supports.

Explore more NDIS resources

Official NDIS sources

Novida is an independent directory, not the NDIA. We explain each form in plain English and link you to the official copy — always download and submit the current version from the official website, as forms are updated from time to time.