What is the Disability Support Pension 20-point requirement?

If you’re living with a disability, injury, or health condition, the Disability Support Pension (DSP) may be one option available to support you financially.

One of the most important parts of the DSP eligibility process is meeting the 20-point requirement. This requirement is often misunderstood, but it plays a central role in how Centrelink decides who can access the DSP.

This article explains what the 20-point requirement is, how it’s assessed, what happens if you don’t meet it, and what support options are available to help you navigate the process.

Summary: Understanding the DSP 20-point requirement

• To qualify for the Disability Support Pension, most people must score at least 20 points under the government’s Impairment Tables.

• Points are based on how your condition affects your daily function and ability to work, not just your diagnosis.

• You may reach 20 points through one condition or a combination of conditions, depending on how they’re assessed.

• If you don’t meet 20 points, you may still be eligible through other pathways, such as completing a Program of Support or meeting specific exemptions.

• Having the right medical evidence and support can improve your chances of a successful DSP application.

What is the 20-point requirement?

When you apply for the Disability Support Pension, you are assessed to determine whether you meet the general medical rules for DSP.

As part of this process, your condition or conditions are assessed using the Impairment Tables, which are set by the Australian Government.

The Impairment Tables look at:

• How your condition affects your ability to function day to day.

• How your condition affects your ability to work, now and into the future.

• Whether your condition is fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised.

Each table relates to a different area of function, such as physical, mental health, or intellectual function. Based on this assessment, Services Australia assigns you an impairment rating, measured in points.

To meet the standard DSP medical criteria, most people must receive 20 points or more under the Impairment Tables.

The 20-point requirement is about function, not diagnosis

A key thing to understand is that DSP eligibility is not based on diagnosis alone.

You can have a diagnosed disability or health condition and still not receive 20 points if Services Australia determines that the functional impact is lower.

The assessment focuses on questions like:

• How does your condition limit what you can do each day?

• How does it affect your ability to work at least 15 hours per week, even with support?

• How consistent and ongoing are these impacts?

This is why two people with the same condition may receive very different impairment ratings.

Do the 20 points need to come from one condition?

Not always.

In many cases, to meet the standard medical rules, the 20 points must come from a single Impairment Table, meaning one condition has a severe impact on your functioning.

However, some people have multiple conditions that together significantly affect their ability to work. In certain situations, points from different conditions may still be considered, depending on how the assessment is applied and whether other eligibility criteria are met. 

This is where clear medical evidence and professional guidance can make a real difference.

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

If your impairment rating is less than 20 points, you may still be able to qualify for the Disability Support Pension through other pathways.

One common pathway is completing a Program of Support.

What is a Program of Support?

A Program of Support helps people living with disability, injury, or a health condition prepare for, find, and maintain work, where possible.

These programs recognise that some people may not meet the 20-point requirement right away, but still face significant barriers to employment.

A Program of Support may include:

• Help understanding your work capacity and options.

• Support with job searching, resumes, and interviews.

• Training or skill development suited to your goals and abilities.

• Ongoing assistance to manage barriers at work.

In most cases, you need to have actively participated in a Program of Support for at least 18 months within the past three years before applying for DSP under this pathway.

How Inclusive Employment Australia can support you

Inclusive Employment Australia supports eligible people living with disability, injury, or a health condition to explore work options and overcome barriers to employment.

If you’re completing, or considering, a Program of Support, Inclusive Employment Australia can help by offering:

• Personalised employment support tailored to your needs and goals.

• Guidance through government requirements, including Program of Support participation.

• Practical help with resumes, interviews, and job searching.

• Ongoing support if you start work, so you’re not navigating challenges alone.

For some people, this support helps move closer to DSP eligibility. For others, it opens the door to work that fits their health, capacity, and lifestyle.

Getting the right evidence and support matters

Many DSP claims are impacted by how well medical evidence explains functional impact, rather than the condition itself.

Having clear, up-to-date specialist reports from your treating professionals and understanding how Services Australia assesses impairment can improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Support services such as those from APM can also help you understand your options, whether that’s DSP, employment support, or a combination of both.

You’re not alone in this process

If you’ve found that you don’t qualify for the Disability Support Pension right away, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

There are multiple pathways, and with the right information and support, you can make informed choices about what comes next, whether that’s employment support, DSP, or both.

If you’d like to understand your options or see if you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia support, you can reach out to our team for guidance.

Frequently asked questions about the DSP 20-point requirement

Who conducts the impairment assessment?

The impairment assessment is managed by Services Australia (Centrelink) as part of your Disability Support Pension claim.

Your claim is reviewed by a Services Australia assessor, who uses the Impairment Tables to assess the information submitted with your application. 

In some cases, Centrelink may also refer you to an independent, government-contracted health professional for a one-off assessment to help inform their decision.

What are the 20 points needed to get the DSP?

The 20 points come from the government’s Impairment Tables and reflect how much your condition affects your daily functioning and ability to work, not just your diagnosis.

Can I get DSP with multiple conditions?

In some cases, yes. While many people need 20 points from one condition, others may qualify through different eligibility pathways depending on their circumstances.

What if my condition is permanent but I don’t get 20 points?

You may still qualify for DSP through a Program of Support or other exemptions, depending on your situation.

Do mental health conditions count toward the 20 points?

Yes. Mental health conditions are assessed under specific Impairment Tables and can contribute to meeting the 20-point requirement if they significantly affect function and work capacity.

About this article

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