How much can my partner earn if I’m on the Disability Support Pension (DSP)?

Summary:

• Your partner can work and earn income while you’re on the Disability Support Pension (DSP).

• Their income does not automatically stop your DSP, but it can reduce how much you’re paid.

• Centrelink looks at your combined income per fortnight, not just your partner’s wages.

• If your partner’s income changes often, your DSP payment can also change.

• Support is available if you’re thinking about work and want to protect your payment.

Understanding partner income and the DSP

If you’re on the Disability Support Pension (DSP), it’s common to worry about how much your partner can earn, and if it will affect your DSP payment. 

You might be asking:

• Will my DSP stop if my partner works?
• Is there an income limit we need to stay under?
• What happens if their pay goes up or down?

The short answer is this: your partner can earn income, and you may still keep your DSP.

What matters is how much you earn together and how that income is assessed.

This article explains how much your partner can earn while you’re on the Disability Support Pension, how the income limits work, and the key factors that may affect your payment and eligibility.

What is the Disability Support Pension (DSP)?

The Disability Support Pension is a payment from the Australian Government for people with a permanent disability, injury, or a health condition that significantly limits their ability to work.

How do I know if I am eligible for the DSP?

To receive DSP, you need to meet medical rules and non-medical rules, including income and assets tests. If you have a partner, their income is included in the income test. 

Centrelink may also ask you to do a job capacity assessment. These help work out how much you can earn while receiving the DSP.

In some cases, you may also need to take part in a program of support to remain eligible.

Does my partner’s income affect my DSP?

Yes, but it doesn’t mean you automatically lose your payment.

Centrelink applies a partner income test, which looks at:

• Your income

• Your partner’s income, combined over each fortnight.
  
  

If your combined income is below certain limits, your DSP stays the same. If it’s above those limits, your DSP reduces gradually.

How partner income is assessed (simple explanation)

Centrelink doesn’t consider a single yearly amount.

Instead, they:

1. Add together your income and your partner’s income each fortnight.

2. Compare that amount to the DSP income thresholds.

3. Reduce your DSP payment if your combined income is over the free area.

This means even if your partner earns a full-time wage, you may still receive a part DSP payment, depending on how much they earn.

Partner income thresholds for the DSP (fortnightly)

The figures below are from Services Australia as of January 2026. 

The income test looks at your situation as either a single person or a member of a couple.

If you’re single

If you’re not considered part of a couple, only your own income is assessed.

Income-free area

• Your DSP does not reduce if you earn up to $218 per fortnight.

Reduction rate

• Your DSP reduces by 50 cents for every dollar over $218 per fortnight.

If you’re in a couple (living together or apart due to ill health)

If you have a partner, Centrelink assesses your combined income. This applies whether you:

• Live together, or

• Live apart due to ill health.

Income-free area

• Your DSP does not reduce if your combined income is up to $380 per fortnight.

Reduction rate

• Your DSP reduces by 50 cents for every dollar over $380 per fortnight.

Transitional income rules (some pensioners)

Some people are assessed under transitional income rules. These apply to certain pensioners who were receiving DSP before the earlier rule changes.

Under transitional rules:

• The income-free areas are the same, but

• DSP reduces at 40 cents per dollar instead of 50 cents.

This applies to:

• Single people, and

• Couples living together or apart due to ill health, who meet the transitional criteria.

You can check your personal situation via the income test on the Services Australia website. 

Real-life examples

Sometimes examples make things clearer.

Example one: partner earning part-time income

Sam receives the DSP. Their partner works part-time and earns $700 per fortnight.

• Combined income is over $380 per fortnight

• Sam’s DSP reduces slightly

• Sam still receives a part DSP payment

Example two: partner earning a full-time wage

Alex receives the DSP. Their partner earns $2,500 per fortnight.

• Combined income is much higher

• Alex’s DSP reduces significantly

• Alex may still receive a small DSP payment, depending on other factors

Example three: income changes fortnight to fortnight

Taylor’s partner works casual hours.

• Some fortnights, income is low → DSP is higher

• Other fortnights, income is higher → DSP reduces

• DSP payments can go up and down as income changes

What happens if my partner earns too much?

If your combined income goes over the cut-off point:

• Your DSP payment reduces to $0

• You may still remain eligible for DSP

• Your payment can restart automatically if your income drops again

This means you don’t always need to reapply from scratch. 

To learn more about the specific cut-off points for different age groups for singles and couples, please refer to the Income Test page on the Services Australia website. 

Get support with Inclusive Employment Australia from APM

If you’re living with a disability, injury, or a health condition and want to work, Inclusive Employment Australia can support you to reach your goals.

When you connect with Inclusive Employment Australia through APM, you may receive help with:

• Career advice
• Finding suitable job opportunities
• Writing resumes and job applications
• Understanding the DSP and work rules
• Building employment skills
• Accessing funding for transport, uniforms, or equipment
• Workplace adjustments
• Mental health support

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or want to talk through your options, you can contact APM to find out how we can support you on your job search.

Frequently asked questions – The Disability Support Pension (DSP) and partners 

Does my partner’s income stop my DSP completely?

Not usually. Your partner’s income can reduce how much DSP you receive, but it doesn’t automatically stop your payment. DSP only stops if your combined income reaches the cut-off point. 

If income later drops, your DSP may start again without needing a new claim.

What if my partner’s income changes often?

If your partner’s income goes up or down, your DSP payment may also change from fortnight to fortnight. This is common for casual or variable work. 

Reporting income accurately and on time helps make sure your payment is adjusted correctly.

What if we’re living together but not married?

Centrelink may still assess you as a couple, even if you’re not married. This is based on factors like your living arrangements, finances, and level of support for each other. 

If Centrelink considers you a couple, your combined income will be assessed.

Does it matter if we live apart?

If you and your partner live apart due to ill health, Centrelink usually still assesses you as a couple. In this case, the same combined income rules generally apply.

Can I still work if my partner is working?

Yes. Both you and your partner can work while you’re on the DSP. Centrelink looks at your combined income, not who earns it. 

Depending on how much you earn together, you may still receive a full or part DSP payment.

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.

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