If you, or someone you care for, is living with a disability in Australia and struggling to work, you may be eligible for the Centrelink Disability Support Pension (DSP). This people-first guide breaks down the steps, tips, and support options to help you through the process—with a minimum of fuss.
What is the Disability Support Pension (DSP)?
Disability Support Pension is a regular payment for people who have a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that stops them from working. It’s there to ease financial pressure and help you maintain your independence and dignity.
Getting Ready to Claim
Think About Your Eligibility
Wondering if you should claim? Use the DSP pre-claim guide to help decide if you’re likely to qualify. This step saves time and effort.
Tip: An advocate or support person can help you at any stage—from prep to appointments.
Set Up Online Accounts
The easiest way to apply is online. To do this, you need:
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A myGov account.
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A Centrelink online account linked to myGov.
If you have a correspondence nominee, they’ll need their own accounts, too.
Heads up: If you’re turning 16 soon, you can start your claim up to 13 weeks before your birthday.
Prove Your Identity
You may need to prove who you are. This can mean providing ID at a Centrelink office or uploading documents online.
Gathering Documents
Getting your paperwork sorted early makes things so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Medical evidence: Reports and records about your condition.
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Any other supporting documents Centrelink requests (e.g., from your doctor, employer).
If you have an Employment Separation Certificate (for yourself or your partner who’s stopped or changed work), gather that too.
Remember: Missing documents may lead to delays, or your claim being rejected.
Making a Claim
If You Can Claim Online
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Log in to myGov.
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Go to Centrelink.
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Select Make a claim or view claim status, then Make a claim.
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Under Disabled, ill or injured, select Get started, then follow the prompts.
If You Can’t Claim Online
Don’t worry. You can use a paper form instead. Ask at a Centrelink office or request it via phone.
Tracking Your Claim
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll get a receipt confirming:
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Your claim has been received.
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The ID number for reference.
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An estimated completion date.
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A link to use for tracking progress.
For online claims, you can sign in and view status updates anytime. If you prefer, the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app works too.
What Happens Next?
If Centrelink needs more details or for you to attend an assessment, they’ll get in touch.
While Your Claim is Assessed
You might be able to get other payments (like JobSeeker Payment) while Centrelink reviews your DSP claim. You can apply for JobSeeker at the same time as your DSP application if you’re doing it online.
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If you’re already getting another income support payment, you won’t have to meet extra requirements (known as ‘mutual obligation’) while waiting for your DSP outcome.
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You can still choose to participate in programs to help prepare for or get back into work.
Receiving Your Outcome
Centrelink will write to you with your result:
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If approved: You’ll learn when and how much your first payment will be.
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If unsuccessful: They’ll explain why.
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If you disagree, call the Disability, sickness and carers line. If you’re still unhappy, you can request a review.
Extra Support
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Multilingual Service: Assistance is available in many languages for all Centrelink services.
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Indigenous Call Centre: Dedicated support available free of charge.
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Advocacy: You can have someone (an advocate or nominee) help at every step.
Quick Reference Table: Key Scheme Details
| Scheme | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Disability Support Pension (DSP) | Support for people with permanent disabilities impacting work ability. |
| JobSeeker Payment | You can claim JobSeeker while waiting for DSP decision (if eligible). |
Short FAQs
1. Can I apply for the DSP before I turn 16?
Yes! You can start up to 13 weeks before you turn 16.
2. Do I need medical documents to apply?
Absolutely. Medical evidence is a must.
3. What if I can’t use the internet?
No problem. You can submit a paper form or get help over the phone.
If you plan to apply, get your documents ready and set up your online access first—this makes your journey to claiming the Disability Support Pension much smoother! If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask for it—support is available every step of the way.
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