Rates of Disability Support Pension (DSP) 008-03070000

There are different rates of DSP depending on:

• the customer’s age, for example: under 21 years or 21 years and over
• their marital status
• whether they have dependent children
• whether they are considered independent

The rate of DSP is adjusted annually in line with Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases:

• for customers under 21 years on 1 January
• for customers 21 years or over (or under 21 with dependent children) in March and September

DSP for customers aged under 21 may be paid at a dependent or independent rate.

Independence status may affect the:

• maximum basic rate of DSP
• income and assets limits
• payment of rent assistance

Note: customers aged under 21 years of age who have a dependent child in their care are eligible for the 21 and over (common) DSP pension rate from the date the child entered their care. This is different from the independent rate.

See Assessing payment rates and independence for Disability Support Pension customers under 21 years.

DSP customers under 21 years of age are not subject to the Parental Income Test (PIT).

For more information, see Assessing payment rates and independence for Disability Support Pension customers under 21 years.

YDS is added to the basic payment rate for customers under 21 years of age who are not eligible for a dependent child rate.

The rate of YDS is adjusted annually on 1 January in line with Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases.

For more information about the current rate of payment, see Rates and Thresholds.