If you or someone you love is on the NDIS, there’s a good chance you might also receive the Disability Support Pension (DSP), or know someone who does. The term “ disability pension increase” probably caught your eye. You may be asking: “Does this affect me (or my loved one) if they are an NDIS participant?” The short answer is: maybe. It depends on how the pieces fit together. Let’s walk through what’s changed, why it matters, and what you need to do.
What is the Disability Support Pension?
The DSP is a payment from the government to help support people whose disability makes it hard for them to work. It’s a regular payment that helps cover everyday living costs. This includes things like rent, food, bills, and transport.
It’s different from the NDIS. The NDIS gives you funding for supports and services like therapy, support workers, or assistive technology. The DSP is about income support. You can be on one, both, or neither, it all depends on your individual circumstances.
Disability Pension Increase 2025: What’s Changed?
As of this September, the DSP has gone up. This happens twice a year to keep up with the rising cost of living.
The maximum fortnightly Disability Support Pension payments are:
- If you’re single and over 21, you’ll now receive around $1,149 per fortnight, which is nearly $30 more than before.
- If you’re part of a couple, the combined couple payment is $1,732 per fortnight.
- For each person in a couple the payment is $866.10, marking an extra $22.40 per fortnight.
Remember, this is just the maximum payment you can get. Your personal amount depends on your income, savings, and living situation. But overall, most people on the DSP will notice a bit more money coming in.
What The DSP Increase Means for NDIS Participants
You might wonder: “Does being an NDIS participant change how this affects me?” It’s a great question. The DSP and the NDIS are two different systems, but they can overlap in your day-to-day life. If you receive NDIS funding and the DSP, here are some things to consider:
1. Separate Systems
DSP is about income support; NDIS is about funding for “reasonable and necessary supports.” One does not replace the other. You may receive both, or only one, depending on eligibility.
2. More support for daily costs
Since NDIS participants still face out-of-pocket costs outside their NDIS plan, the extra DSP means more breathing room for essential non‑NDIS costs (rent, utilities, groceries, transport).
3. Budgeting your supports
If your DSP increases, you may want to review your NDIS plan and your household budget. There might be scope to shift between supports, adjust service levels, or better manage discretionary spending.
4. No effect on NDIS eligibility or plan funding
The DSP increase doesn’t change the way your NDIS plan is assessed or your supports are funded. The NDIS operates independently of the DSP.
What NDIS Participants on DSP Should Do Next
- The change is automatic so you don’t need to do anything to receive your increase.
- Check your MyGov / Centrelink account to see your updated DSP rate. While the change is automatic, it’s still good to confirm.
- Update your details — if your income, assets, living arrangements or health status have changed, you need to let Services Australia know so your DSP is correctly calculated.
- Review your financial plan / budget — with extra income, you may wish to reassess your household expenditure, savings, or how much buffer you want.
- It doesn’t hurt to re-examine your NDIS plan — talk with your NDIS planner or support coordinator about whether there’s room to adjust supports or better use funds in light of your changed financial situation.
- Stay informed — DSP rates are indexed twice a year. Also, keep an eye on any policy changes (especially around NDIS reforms) that might affect your supports or eligibility.
Getting the Right Support: DSP and NDIS Together
If your disability makes it hard to work, the DSP exists to help ease that pressure and many NDIS participants find it makes a big difference. If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking, you could be missing out on extra support you’re entitled to.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, reach out, we’re here to help. Book your free, 15-minute NDIS consultation and we’ll answer all your questions directly!