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Your step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Disability Support Pension

The Disability Support Pension (DSP) is designed to provide financial assistance to people living with a permanent disability that affects their ability to work. 

Navigating the application process can feel complex, but with the right support and guidance, you can successfully submit your claim. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to apply for the DSP and provide helpful resources if you're not eligible or need further assistance.

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How to apply for the disability pension

The Disability Support Pension application can be completed online, or you can fill out a paper form if that’s easier for you. 

Before submitting your claim, it’s important to gather the necessary supporting documents and medical evidence. 

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the DSP.

1. Find out if you're eligible

To be eligible for the DSP, you must be between 16 and the pension age, and living with a physical disability, intellectual disability, or psychiatric condition that impacts your ability to work.

There are both medical and non-medical criteria that you need to meet:

  • Non-medical rules: These include factors such as age, residency status, income, and assets.

  • Medical rules: These involve demonstrating how your condition or disability affects your day-to-day life and ability to work. Services Australia (Centrelink) may use assessments like job capacity evaluations, impairment tables, and income tests to determine eligibility.

Services Australia may use things like job capacity assessments, income tests and impairment tables to assess your application. 

To find out quickly if you meet the criteria to claim the DSP, you can use Services Australia’s DSP pre-claim guide.

2. Set up a MyGov or Centrelink account

The best way to make a claim is online. You will need a MyGov account to apply online. 

If you cannot apply online, you can apply using a printable form. If you don't have a printer, you can contact Services Australia to send you a form in the post.

Follow the steps below to set up your MyGov account:

  • Go to the MyGov website

  • Click on the create an account link

  • Agree to the terms and conditions

  • Enter your email address

  • Enter the code sent to your email address

  • Enter your phone number or set secret questions

Once your MyGov account is set up, you’ll need to link it to Centrelink. 

If you’ve previously made claims with Centrelink, you can use your customer reference number (CRN) to link the accounts. You may also need to prove your identity online.

If you’re unable to apply online, you can request a paper form from Services Australia - who manage Centrelink - by mail.

3. Gather your supporting documents

You will need to provide supporting documents with your application form. These documents help demonstrate how your disability, injury, or health condition impacts your life.

Common supporting documents include but are not limited to:

  • Medical: Records such as specialist medical reports, psychological evaluations, physiotherapy reports, and rehabilitation records.

  • Financial: Bank account details, tax file numbers, insurance documents, and superannuation information.

  • Study: Documentation of any education courses you are or have been enrolled in.

  • Employment: Income tax returns, payslips, and employment-related documentation.

  • Living: Housing or rental agreements, real estate details, or asset information.

You’ll need to submit these documents with your application. 

You can upload them directly to your Centrelink account, use the Express Plus mobile app, send them by mail or fax, or deliver them in person to a Centrelink service centre.

After your claim is submitted, Centrelink may request additional documents. If this happens, they’ll contact you to let you know what’s required.

You may be asked to submit extra documents after you make your claim. If this is the case, Centrelink will contact you to let you know after your claim has been submitted.


4. Check if you need to participate in a program of support

Some DSP applicants may need to participate in a Program of Support (POS) before their claim can be approved. 

This applies to individuals who don’t meet the 20-point requirement on one of the impairment tables.

A Program of Support is designed to help people find employment, access workplace services, and receive the necessary support to enter the workforce. 

APM provides Disability Employment Services (DES) as part of these programs, helping job seekers living with disability, injury, or health conditions find and maintain meaningful work.

Program of support providers include:

  • Disability Employment Services (DES): APM provides Disability Employment Services that help job seekers find and keep meaningful work. 

  • Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE): Provides supported employment opportunities to those who are living with a disability, injury or health condition.

  • Community Development Program (CDP): remote employment and community services to help build skills with activities and training.


5. Submit your DSP claim

Once you have gathered your documents, you’re ready to submit your DSP claim. 

Follow these steps to complete the online application:

  1. Login to MyGov

  2. Go to Centrelink

  3. Select Payments and Claims from the menu, then Claims, then Make a Claim

  4. Under Disabled, Ill or Injured, select Get Started

  5. Answer all the questions

  6. Follow the prompts to submit your supporting documents

If you’re using a paper form, you can submit your claim in person at a Centrelink service centre or mail it to them.


6. Track your claim’s progress

After submitting your DSP claim, you can track its progress online via MyGov. You’ll be able to see your claim ID, an estimated completion date, and track updates. 

Centrelink may contact you if they need additional information or require you to attend an assessment.

Once your claim has been fully assessed, Centrelink will notify you of the outcome and guide the next steps. If your claim is denied, you can request a review of the decision.

What happens when your claim is accepted?

If your DSP claim is approved, you’ll begin receiving payments from the date listed in your acceptance letter. The amount you’ll receive depends on factors like your age, marital status, income, assets, and living situation.

To continue receiving DSP payments, you must meet certain obligations, such as:

  • Reporting your income and your partner's income to Centrelink.

  • Notifying Centrelink of any changes in your circumstances.


What to do if your claim is not accepted

If your DSP claim is denied because your impairment score is below the required 20 points, you may still qualify after participating in a Program of Support. 

APM’s Disability Employment Services is one of these programs, designed to help you become job-ready and, if appropriate, reapply for the DSP once you meet the requirements.

If you’re not eligible for the DSP, other forms of financial assistance may be available. You can use Services Australia’s Payments and Services Finder to explore what other support programs you might qualify for. 

Additionally, an NDIS Local Area Coordinator can help you connect with local services, even if you are not a participant in the NDIS.


If you want to work, APM can help.

At APM, we are dedicated to helping people with disability, injury, or health conditions find and keep meaningful work. 

Our employment consultants work closely with you to assess your goals and guide you through every step of your employment journey. Whether you need help becoming job-ready or ongoing support in your new role, we are here to support you.

Whatever your career aspirations, we’re committed to helping you achieve them. Get in touch or register online to start your journey toward finding a fulfilling and supportive workplace.

Resources and further reading

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