How to Claim the Disability Support Pension — And Can You Receive Both the DSP and NDIS?
How to Claim the Disability Support Pension — And Can You Receive Both the DSP and NDIS?
- October 22, 2025
Suppose you’re living with a disability and unable to work. In that case, two significant forms of support can help ease the financial burden: the Disability Support Pension (DSP) and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Both offer crucial assistance, but many wonder whether it’s possible to receive both at the same time — and how to go about claiming the DSP. In this blog, we’ll break down the process of claiming the DSP and explain how the DSP and NDIS can work together.
What is the Disability Support Pension (DSP)?
The Disability Support Pension (DSP) is a government payment provided to eligible Australians who have a permanent disability that prevents them from working or participating in work-related activities. The DSP is designed to help people with a disability meet their basic living expenses when they’re unable to work due to their condition.
To qualify for the DSP, there are several factors that need to be considered, including your age, the severity of your disability, and your ability to support yourself financially.
Eligibility Criteria for the Disability Support Pension
Here are the key eligibility criteria to determine if you’re eligible for the DSP:
- Age and Residency Requirements
- You must be aged 16 to the age pension age (currently 66 years and 6 months, but it is gradually increasing).
- You must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen who has lived in Australia for at least 10 years.
- Medical Criteria – The DSP is specifically for people whose disability is permanent and significantly impacts their ability to work. The disability may be physical, intellectual, or psychiatric. This typically requires medical evidence, such as reports from your doctor or specialist, to demonstrate how your condition affects your day-to-day functioning.
Some conditions that might make you eligible include:
- Blindness or significant vision impairment
- Severe hearing loss
- Mobility issues due to neurological or physical conditions
- Intellectual disability
- Mental health conditions that significantly impact your ability to function
- Work Capacity – You must demonstrate that you are unable to work for 15 hours or more a week in the open labour market due to your disability. This is assessed based on the impact of your disability on your ability to work, rather than the disability itself.
- Income and Asset Tests
Your income and assets must fall below certain limits. The Department of Social Services (DSS) will assess your financial situation to ensure that you need financial support.
- Other Requirements
You may also need to meet other conditions, such as:
- Not being involved in a full-time course of education unless it’s part of a rehabilitation program.
- Actively participating in medical assessments or treatments that could improve your ability to work.
How to Claim the Disability Support Pension
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you with the application process:
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before you start your application, ensure you have the following documents:
- Medical evidence from your healthcare providers (doctors, specialists, psychologists, etc.)
- Proof of your identity (such as a passport or driver’s licence)
- Financial information, such as income, bank statements, and any other sources of support.
Step 2: Apply Online or Through Centrelink
You can apply for the DSP online via your myGov account, which is linked to Centrelink. Alternatively, you can visit your local Centrelink office for assistance with the application process. During the application, you’ll be asked to complete forms detailing your medical condition, work history, and how your disability affects your daily life.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
Once you’ve submitted your application, the Department of Social Services (DSS) may require a medical assessment to determine whether your condition qualifies you for the DSP. This might include providing additional medical reports or attending a Centrelink medical assessment.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
The decision process can take some time, typically around 3 months, depending on how complex your case is. If your application is successful, you’ll receive the DSP to help cover living expenses.
If you are denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.
Can You Receive Both the DSP and NDIS?
Yes, it’s possible to receive both the Disability Support Pension (DSP) and support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). While they serve different purposes, they can complement each other to provide comprehensive support.
DSP vs. NDIS
- DSP is an income support payment designed to help cover your basic living expenses when you are unable to work due to a permanent disability.
- NDIS, on the other hand, provides funding to help people with disabilities access necessary support and services, such as personal care, therapy, equipment, home modifications, and community support. It’s designed to help people with disabilities participate more fully in society.
Although they’re separate, you can be eligible for both if you meet the criteria for each. The NDIS supports you with practical needs related to your disability, while the DSP provides income support if you cannot work.
How Do They Work Together?
Here’s how both can complement each other:
The DSP can provide financial support for your everyday living expenses.
The NDIS can fund services such as:
- Personal care (assistance with dressing, bathing, etc.)
- Disability-related health services (e.g., physiotherapy or psychology sessions)
- Mobility aids or assistive technology (like wheelchairs or hearing aids)
- Home modifications (e.g., ramps, bathroom adjustments)
- Social participation and community activities.
While you’re receiving both the DSP and NDIS, there’s no overlap — meaning, the DSP covers financial support for living expenses, while the NDIS focuses on providing practical support related to your disability. This ensures that you get the best of both worlds!
Example Scenario:
Sophie has a permanent disability that prevents her from working. She is eligible for the DSP to help cover her living expenses. Sophie also has an NDIS plan that covers the cost of personal care support and physiotherapy to help manage her condition. The two payments work together to ensure she has both the financial stability and the practical support she needs.
Key Considerations
- NDIS is not means-tested — NDIS funding is not based on your income or assets, so you can still be eligible for NDIS support even if your financial situation is not ideal.
- DSP has income and asset tests — Eligibility for the DSP is based on income and asset limits.
- Separate Applications — Receiving DSP doesn’t automatically qualify you for NDIS support. You will need to apply separately for the NDIS.
- Both Programs are Designed to Work Together — The DSP and NDIS are complementary, offering both financial support and assistance with practical needs.
Conclusion
Claiming the Disability Support Pension (DSP) can be a crucial step for people living with disabilities who are unable to work. The application process involves providing medical and financial evidence, and it may take some time, but the financial support it provides can be invaluable.
If you’re eligible for both the DSP and the NDIS, they can work together to give you a holistic safety net — financial support through the DSP and practical, disability-related assistance through the NDIS.
It’s your right to access the support that helps you live a better life, and both the DSP and NDIS programs can make that possible.
Conclusion
If you’re navigating the complexities of both the DSP and NDIS, having the right support can make all the difference. Concept Care Disability Solutions is a trusted disability care provider in Sydney, offering a range of services to ensure that your needs are met with compassion and professionalism.
Whether you’re searching for disability solutions for independent living or need expert guidance with your NDIS plan, Concept Care is here to support you. Call us on 1800 266 237 or email [email protected] to find out how we can help you thrive!