How much can I earn on the Disability Support Pension (DSP)?

Summary:

• You can work and earn income while receiving the Disability Support Pension.

• Your DSP reduces gradually if you earn over the income-free area.

• If you earn more than the cut-off point, your DSP reduces to $0 for that fortnight.

• You must report income every fortnight and tell Centrelink about changes.

Can I work for wages and still receive the Disability Support Pension (DSP?) 

Yes, you may be able to work and earn money while receiving the Disability Support Pension (DSP). 

This guide explains how much you can earn on the DSP, how income limits work, and what happens if you earn more than the threshold. 

It also explains the rules you need to follow if you’re working, and where to get support if you’re ready to explore employment.

What is the Disability Support Pension?

The Disability Support Pension is an Australian Government payment for people living with a disability, injury, or a health condition that stops them from working, or limits how many hours they can work.

To receive DSP, you must be an Australian resident aged between 16 and 67 years old, and must meet both medical rules and non-medical rules, including income and asset tests.

You will also be required to provide medical evidence about your condition, which may include statements and assessments from health professionals.

Centrelink may assess your income, assets, and capacity to work to determine how much you can earn while receiving DSP.

Depending on your situation, you may also need to take part in a program of support, such as Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) delivered by an employment service provider such as APM. These programs help people prepare for work, find suitable jobs, and access workplace supports.

To learn more about how much Disability Support Pension pays, read our article: How much does the Disability Support Pension pay in Australia?

Can I earn money while on the DSP?

Yes. You can work and earn income while receiving the DSP, as long as you meet the income test.

In most cases:

• You can work up to 29 hours per week.

• Your DSP is assessed based on how much you earn each fortnight, not how many hours you work.

If you earn over certain limits, your DSP payment reduces gradually.

How much can I earn alongside the DSP? Income limits and cut-off points

The income test looks at how much you earn per fortnight. 

If your income goes over the cut-off point in a fortnight, your DSP payment will be $0 for that fortnight.

Your cut-off point may be higher if you receive Rent Assistance or the Work Bonus.

Your cut-off point may be lower if you do not live in Australia.

The figures below reflect the September 2025 update from Services Australia and are up to date as of January 2026.

If you’re single

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

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

• If you earn $2,575.40 or more in a fortnight, your DSP reduces to $0 for that fortnight.

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

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

• Your DSP reduces by 50 cents for every dollar over $380 (combined).

• If you’re living together and your combined income reaches $3,934 per fortnight, DSP is reduced to $0.

If you’re living apart due to ill health and your combined income reaches $5,094.80 per fortnight, DSP is reduced to $0. 

Real examples of earning on the DSP

Example one: single person

Jordan is single and earns $200 per fortnight. Their DSP is not affected as it is under $218. 

Example two: single person earning more

Sarah earns $400 per fortnight. Their DSP is reduced by 50 cents for each dollar over $218. 

• Income-free area: $218
• Amount over the free area:  $400 − $218 = $182
• Reduction rate: 50 cents per dollar
• DSP reduction: $182 × 0.50 = $91

Result:  Sarah’s DSP payment is reduced by $91 for that fortnight.

Example three: couple with combined income

Nick does not work and receives DSP. They live with their partner, who earns $900 per fortnight. Because their combined income exceeds $380, Nick’s DSP is reduced. 

However, as their combined income remains below the cut-off point of $3,934 per fortnight, Nick remains eligible for DSP and may receive a part payment.

Does my partner’s income affect my DSP?

Yes. If you have a partner, Centrelink usually assesses your combined income, even if:

• You’re not married, or
• You live apart due to ill health.

Your partner’s income can reduce how much DSP you receive, but it does not automatically stop your payment. 

To learn more about this read our article: How much can my partner earn if I am on the Disability Support Pension?

How income is assessed

Most types of income are assessed, including:

• Wages and salary
• Self-employment income
• Investment income
• Some superannuation payments

Some income is not assessed, including most Australian Government payments. 

Income is assessed per fortnight, which is why regular reporting is important.

Reporting and work rules

To keep receiving DSP while working, you must:

• Report your income every fortnight, even if it’s $0
• Tell Centrelink if your circumstances change
• Meet participation requirements if you’re under 35

Reporting on time helps avoid overpayments and debts.

Thinking about work?

If you’re living with a disability, injury, or a health condition, support is available.

Inclusive Employment Australia can help you:

• Explore work options
• Find suitable jobs
• Build skills and confidence
• Understand how work affects DSP

APM can support you to register for Inclusive Employment Australia or help you find other supports that suit your situation.

Feel free to contact us for more information.

Frequently asked questions - How much can I earn on DSP?

Can I work more than 29 hours?

In most cases, working more than 29 hours per week may affect your DSP eligibility. Always check with Centrelink before increasing your hours.

Does my partner’s income affect my DSP?

Yes. Centrelink usually assesses your combined income if you’re in a couple.

What happens if I earn too much?

If you earn over the cut-off point, your DSP reduces to $0 for that fortnight. Your payment may restart if your income drops below the cut-off again.

How often do I need to report earnings?

You must report income every fortnight, even if you didn’t earn anything.

Am I better off working?

In many cases, yes. Most people are financially better off when they earn income, even if their DSP reduces.

Looking for work?

If you're living with a disability, injury, or health condition, support is available to help you reach your goals.

You might be eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia, a government-funded program which helps people find and keep a job.

To find out if you're eligible or discuss your options with a professional, get in touch with the team at APM. We can help you register for Inclusive Employment Australia or find alternative supports and services that are right for your situation.

Disclaimer

Figures in this article were last updated January 2026. For the latest figures and information, please visit the Services Australia website.

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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