Disability Support Pension at Age 65
If you are 65 years old and living with a disability, you may be eligible for the Disability Support Pension (DSP). This page explains how DSP eligibility, payment rates, and tests apply specifically at age 65. At 65, you are approaching Age Pension age (67) and may have streamlined eligibility pathways.
Last verified: 20 March 2026DSP Payment Rates at Age 65 (2025-26)
| Status | Rate per fortnight |
|---|---|
| Single | $1,116.30 |
| Couple (each) | $841.40 |
Rates include base pension and Pension Supplement. Energy Supplement is additional. Rates current from 20 March 2026.
Eligibility at This Age
- *At age 65, you must have a physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that is fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised (fully treated and stabilised).
- *Your condition must prevent you from working 15 or more hours per week at or above the relevant minimum wage within the next 2 years.
- *You must score 20 or more points under the Impairment Tables, with at least 8 points from a single table.
- *You must be an Australian resident and in Australia when you claim.
- *At 65, you may have a streamlined pathway if you were previously receiving JobSeeker or another income support payment for 39 weeks or more. You may qualify with a work capacity of less than 30 hours per week instead of the standard 15 hours.
- *At 65, you are approaching Age Pension age (67). Once you turn 67, you will transition to Age Pension, which has the same payment rate but different eligibility rules. Consider claiming Age Pension at 67 as it does not require medical evidence.
Income Test
Singles can earn up to $204 per fortnight before DSP is reduced. Above that, your payment reduces by 50 cents for every dollar earned. Couples have a combined income free area of $360 per fortnight, with each partner's payment reducing by 25 cents per dollar above the threshold.
Assets Test
Single homeowners can have up to $314,000 in assets for the full DSP. Single non-homeowners: $566,000. Couple homeowners: $470,000 combined. Couple non-homeowners: $722,000 combined. Above these limits, DSP reduces by $3 per fortnight for every $1,000 of excess assets.
Work Capacity Assessment
At 65, you may qualify under relaxed work capacity rules. If you have been on income support for at least 39 weeks, you only need to demonstrate a work capacity of less than 30 hours per week (instead of the standard 15 hours). You do not need to have participated in a Program of Support in this case.
Program of Support
If you are aged 55 or over and have been receiving income support for at least 39 weeks, you may be exempt from the Program of Support requirement.
Pensioner Concession Card
As a DSP recipient, you automatically receive a Pensioner Concession Card (PCC). This provides discounts on prescription medicines (PBS), bulk-billed GP visits, reduced utility bills, and state/territory concessions on transport, rates, and vehicle registration. The PCC continues for up to 12 months after your DSP is cancelled.
Mobility Allowance
If you cannot use public transport without substantial assistance due to your disability, you may qualify for Mobility Allowance — $105.40 per fortnight (standard rate) or $148.30 per fortnight (higher rate if doing 15+ hours of work, training, or job search per week). This is paid on top of DSP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get DSP at age 65?
How much is DSP at age 65 in 2026?
What is the income test for DSP at age 65?
Do I need a Program of Support at age 65?
Can I work while on DSP at age 65?
Related tools & calculators
This tool provides general information and estimates only based on publicly available data from Services Australia and the Department of Social Services. It does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Results may not reflect your specific circumstances. Always verify with Services Australia before making decisions about your entitlements.
Sources: Services Australia, Department of Social Services. Rates current from 20 March 2026.