Common pension rates 20 September 2026
Disability Support Pension Rates
Disability Support Pension is paid at the common pension rates — the same maximum as the Age Pension. The difference between the two payments is who qualifies and how the means tests apply, not the rate.
Current rates
| Your situation | Maximum payment rate (a fortnight) |
|---|---|
| Single | $1,237.70 |
| Partnered (each) | $933.00 |
| Illness separated couple, respite care couple, or partner in prison (each) | $1,237.70 |
Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment are paid at the common pension rates — the same maximum as the Age Pension. What differs between them is the qualification rules and the means tests, not the rate.
What reduces it
DSP is means tested on both income and assets, using the same tapers as the Age Pension:
- Income test — 50 cents in the dollar over the income free area.
- Assets test — $3 a fortnight for every $1,000 of assets over the assets free area.
- Both are applied and you receive the lower of the two results.
DSP rates are also affected by whether you can work: a person assessed as able to work 15 hours or more a week does not generally qualify, which is a qualification rule rather than a rate rule.
What comes with it
The Pensioner Concession Card is issued with DSP, and for many recipients it is worth as much as the payment — cheaper medicines, concessions on rates and utilities, and bulk-billing incentives vary by state. Rent Assistance can also be added on top if you rent. See the Rent Assistance calculator.
We do not quote the income or assets free areas on this page. They are indexed on 1 July and published by Services Australia, which we cannot read — see the Age Pension page for why, and where to check them.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Disability Support Pension?
The maximum is $1,237.70 a fortnight for a single person and $933.00 each for a member of a couple — the same as the Age Pension, because both are paid at the common pension rates.
Is DSP means tested?
Yes. Both the income test and the assets test apply, and you receive the lower of the two results. The tapers are the same as the Age Pension: 50 cents in the dollar on income, and $3 a fortnight per $1,000 of assets.
Why does DSP pay the same as the Age Pension?
Because the legislation sets one common rate for a group of pensions — Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Special Needs Pension and Parenting Payment (single). The payments differ in their qualification rules, which is where the real difference lies.
Do I get a concession card?
Yes — DSP comes with a Pensioner Concession Card, which unlocks concessions on medicines and often on state and local government charges.
Are the rates the same if I am under 21?
No. Different rates apply to a person under 21 without dependent children. The table on this page is for a person 21 or over, or under 21 with a dependent child.
Related
Rates from the Department of Social Services — Social Security Guide (1.342 (21 September 2026)), checked 12 October 2026. General information only — your actual entitlement is assessed by Services Australia.