$1,051.30 Disability Support Pension October 2025: Eligibility, Schedule & New Rates

If you’re on the Disability Support Pension (DSP) in Australia, you’re probably watching your bank balance closely this year. The base payment sits at $1,051.30 per fortnight until 19 September 2025. From 20 September 2025, it jumps to $1,079.70, thanks to routine indexation. That’s not a one-off bonus — it’s a permanent adjustment to keep up with the cost of living.

This payment is a lifeline for thousands of Australians who are unable to work due to a long-term medical condition or disability. Here’s the full breakdown of how the DSP works, who qualifies, and what the September increase means.

Disability Support Pension Overview

Detail	Information
Payment amount (till 19 Sep 2025)	$1,051.30 per fortnight
Payment amount (from 20 Sep 2025)	$1,079.70 per fortnight
Frequency	Every two weeks
Eligibility age	15 years, 9 months – under 67 years
Authority	Centrelink / Services Australia
Portal	Services Australia – DSP
Payment schedule	Based on individual claim approval date

Payments are automatic — you don’t need to reapply each time the rate changes.

Who Is Eligible for DSP in 2025?

The Disability Support Pension isn’t open to everyone. You must meet strict medical, residency, and financial tests.

General rules:

• Must be at least 15 years and 9 months, and under 67 years.
• Must be an Australian resident (generally 10 years, with at least 5 continuous).
• Must pass income and asset limits.
• Medical condition must be:
  • Diagnosed, treated, and stabilised.
  • Likely to last 2 years or more.
  • Scored at 20+ points on the impairment rating system.
• Must be unable to work 15 hours or more a week for at least the next 2 years.

Automatic DSP eligibility if:

• You’re permanently blind.
• You have a terminal illness with less than 2 years to live.
• You require nursing home-level care.
• You have an IQ under 70.
• You receive a special-rate DVA Disability compensation.

Who Gets the $1,051.30 (soon $1,079.70)?

• Single people aged 21+.
• Singles under 21 with a dependent child.
• Married couples living apart due to illness (each can get the full rate).

Couples living together generally get a lower combined rate.

Payment Schedule

DSP payments don’t land on the same day for everyone. Your fortnightly schedule depends on the date your claim was approved.

To check your dates:

1. Log into your MyGov account.
2. Link it with Centrelink.
3. Go to Payments and Claims → view upcoming payments.

This way, you’ll see the exact day funds hit your account.

The September 2025 Increase

Centrelink reviews payments in March and September each year to keep them aligned with inflation. That’s why the DSP rate rises on 20 September 2025.

Date Range	Base Rate Per Fortnight
Until 19 September 2025	$1,051.30
From 20 September 2025	$1,079.70

This is the base rate only. Many recipients also receive:

• Energy Supplement
• Rent Assistance
• Pharmaceutical Allowance

These top-ups depend on your circumstances.

Managing Your DSP Online

Through MyGov, you can:

• Track payment history.
• View upcoming dates.
• Upload updated medical evidence.
• Update personal details like address or bank info.

If you’re concerned about eligibility or think you may qualify for extra supplements, MyGov is the first place to start.

Why This Matters

For people unable to work long term, every dollar counts. This September rise might seem small — about $28.40 more per fortnight — but over a year it adds up to nearly $740 extra. That could mean covering rising utility bills, paying for medication, or simply breathing easier about rent.

FAQs