What is the Disability Support Pension 20-point requirement?

If you’re living with a disability, injury, or health condition, trying to claim the Disability Support Pension (DSP) can be challenging. 

It may seem confusing at times, with lots of hoops to jump through to learn if you’re eligible. One of these hoops is doing an impairment assessment and meeting the 20-point requirement.

In this article, we’ll discuss what exactly the Disability Support Pension 20-point requirement is, and what you can expect to do if you don't meet the minimum requirements. 

What is the 20-point requirement?

To find out if you can receive the Disability Support Pension, Services Australia (Centrelink) will assess your impairment as a part of the general medical rules for DSP. This is to establish how much your disability, injury or health condition affects your day-to-day capabilities.

Your impairment is assessed using the Impairment Tables on the Department of Social Services website.

These tables are used to assess diagnosed conditions and how these conditions can affect your ability to work. This information is then used to assign an impairment rating, which is where the 20-point requirement comes in.

The impairment rating you receive during your assessment is what is used by Centrelink as a part of the general medical rules for DSP claims.

To meet the general medical rules for DSP, you need to get an impairment rating of 20 points or more on a single impairment table.

If you meet the 20-point requirement, your ability to work will be assessed next.

If your total impairment rating is less than this 20 points, there is no need to worry - you can still meet the eligibility criteria in other ways.

What if you don’t meet the 20-point requirement?

If your total impairment rating is less than 20 points, you will have to do a program of support to be eligible for the Disability Support Pension.

What are programs of support?

Programs of support help people living with a disability, injury or health condition get ready for and find work opportunities.

Programs of support include a variety of services and support, including:

• Career counselling: Services focused on overcoming job challenges and finding the best opportunities for you.

• Training and experience: Programs of support may include opportunities for upskilling to help you become more suitable for your ideal job.

• Employment services: Programs of support can offer assistance in job searching, resume building, and interview preparation.

You will need to be in a program of support for at least 18 months in the three years before applying for the Disability Support Pension.

There are a range of programs of support available out there, including with APM Employment Services who deliver the Disability Employment Services program across Australia.

How APM Employment Services can help you find work

If you’re looking for a program of support to help you get a job, or qualify for the DSP, speak to us.

APM Employment Services helps people who are living with a disability, injury or health condition find and keep meaningful work. APM provides a vast range of support options for participants, including:

• Personal employment plans: When you join APM, you will have an employment consultant who will work with you to create an employment plan unique to you to help to achieve your job goals.

• Training and upskilling: APM Employment Services provides opportunities for you to complete training and learn skills that will help you get the job that you want.

• Ongoing support: After getting the job you want, APM will continue to support you to make sure you are happy and satisfied with long-term employment.

• Workplace modifications: APM can help to make sure that you have the equipment you need to get the job done. Equipment can range from height-adjustable desks to general changes to make the workplace more accessible.

If you have any questions or you’d like to know if you’re eligible, contact our team or register online.

If you’ve found that you don't qualify for the Disability Support Pension right away, there is no need to worry!

There are many ways for you to meet the eligibility criteria, or to even find a job that suits your needs and lifestyle.

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au