Disability Support Pension for Anxiety

Anxiety disorders — including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia — can qualify for the Disability Support Pension if they are severe enough to prevent you from working 15 or more hours per week. Many anxiety claims are initially rejected, so understanding the assessment process is critical.

Last verified: 20 March 2026

DSP Payment Rates (2025-26)

Status	Rate per fortnight
Single (21+)	$1,116.30
Couple (each, 21+)	$841.40

Rates include base pension and Pension Supplement. Under-21 rates are lower. Energy Supplement is additional. Current from 20 March 2026.

Impairment Tables Assessment

Anxiety is assessed under Impairment Table 5 — Mental Health Function. You need at least 20 points overall with a minimum of 8 points from this single table. For anxiety, assessors look at your ability to cope with social interactions, concentrate on tasks, manage daily routines, and function in a workplace. A rating of 10 points on Table 5 typically requires evidence of severe functional impairment despite treatment.

Evidence Needed

*Psychiatrist or clinical psychologist reports detailing diagnosis, treatment history, and prognosis
*Evidence the condition has been treated for at least 2 years (medication, therapy, or both)
*Functional impact statements — how anxiety affects daily tasks, leaving the house, social interaction, and work
*Hospital or emergency department records if applicable
*GP records showing ongoing treatment and medication history
*Reports from any allied health professionals (occupational therapist, social worker)

Application Tips

*Get a detailed report from a psychiatrist (not just a GP) — Centrelink gives more weight to specialist evidence
*Focus on functional impact, not just diagnosis — describe what you cannot do, not just what you have
*Document your worst days, not your best — many claims fail because people describe their good days
*Keep a symptom diary for 3-6 months before claiming to demonstrate ongoing severity
*Ensure your condition is described as fully treated and stabilised — meaning further treatment is unlikely to significantly improve your condition within 2 years
*If you have comorbid conditions (e.g., depression alongside anxiety), claim points from multiple impairment tables

Disability Medical Assessment (DMA)

If your claim is not clear-cut, you will be referred for a Disability Medical Assessment (DMA) with a government-contracted doctor. For anxiety, the DMA typically involves a clinical interview lasting 30-60 minutes. The assessor will ask about your symptoms, treatment, daily functioning, and work capacity. Be honest about your limitations — do not minimise or exaggerate. The DMA doctor rates your impairment and their report is used by the Centrelink decision-maker.

Partial Capacity to Work

If you are assessed as having a partial capacity to work (between 8-14 hours per week), you will not qualify for DSP but may receive JobSeeker Payment with modified mutual obligations. If your capacity is assessed at 0-7 hours per week, this strongly supports a DSP claim.

Appeal Rights

If your DSP claim is rejected, you have the right to appeal. First, request an internal review by an Authorised Review Officer (ARO) within 13 weeks of the decision. If the ARO upholds the rejection, you can appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART, formerly AAT) within 13 weeks. New medical evidence can be submitted at each stage. Around 40% of DSP appeals at the ART are successful. Free legal help is available from Legal Aid and disability advocacy organisations.

Income & Assets Tests

DSP is subject to both an income test and an assets test. Singles can earn up to $204 per fortnight before their payment is reduced (50c per dollar above). Single homeowners can have up to $314,000 in assets for the full payment. Couples have a combined income free area of $360/fn and assets limit of $470,000 (homeowner).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get DSP for anxiety?

Yes, but only if your anxiety is severe, has been fully treated and stabilised, and prevents you from working 15+ hours per week. You need 20+ impairment points with at least 8 from Mental Health Function (Table 5). Many anxiety claims are initially rejected — specialist evidence from a psychiatrist is critical.

How many impairment points does anxiety get?

Anxiety is assessed under Impairment Table 5 (Mental Health Function). A mild anxiety disorder may score 0-5 points, moderate anxiety 5-10 points, and severe anxiety with significant functional impairment 10-20 points. You need at least 8 points from this table and 20 points overall.

What evidence do I need for a DSP anxiety claim?

You need specialist evidence (psychiatrist or clinical psychologist), at least 2 years of treatment history, functional impact statements describing how anxiety limits daily tasks and work, and evidence the condition is fully treated and stabilised.

How long does a DSP anxiety claim take?

A DSP claim typically takes 3-6 months to process. If a Disability Medical Assessment is required (common for anxiety claims), it may take longer. Appeals through the Administrative Review Tribunal can add 3-12 months.

What if my DSP anxiety claim is rejected?

You can request an internal review by an Authorised Review Officer (ARO) within 13 weeks. If that fails, you can appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART, formerly AAT) within 13 weeks of the ARO decision. Around 40% of DSP appeals at the ART are successful.

Related tools & calculators

Benefits Check DSP Calculator Income & Asset Test Assets Test Thresholds Payment Rates 2025-26 Deeming Rates Rent Assistance Carer Payment

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 and thresholds current from 20 March 2026.

Disclaimer: This page provides general information about DSP eligibility for anxiety. Individual circumstances vary. Always consult Services Australia and seek medical advice specific to your situation.