How to apply for the DSP | IEA

Applying for the Disability Support Pension (DSP) can feel like a big process, especially if you’re already managing a disability, injury, or health condition.

This guide is for people with a permanent condition that affects their ability to work, who want a clear, practical explanation of how to apply for the DSP, what evidence is needed, and what to expect along the way.

You’ll learn:

Who the DSP is for (and who may not be eligible)
How to prepare before you apply
What good medical evidence looks like
What happens after you submit your claim
What options you have if your claim isn’t approved

You don’t need to figure this out on your own. Help is available at every step.

A person using a wheelchair seated at an outdoor table in a community setting, representing everyday life and the importance of accessing income support such as the Disability Support Pension in Australia.

Summary: How to apply for the DSP

The DSP is for people with a permanent disability, injury, or a health condition that significantly limits their ability to work.
You must meet both non-medical and medical eligibility criteria.
Most applications are made online through myGov, linked to Centrelink.
Strong medical evidence that explains functional impact, not just diagnosis, is critical.
You may be asked to attend assessments or provide more information after applying.
If your claim isn’t approved, other payments or support options may still be available.

Who should apply for the Disability Support Pension?

You may consider applying for the DSP if:

You’re aged 16 or over and under the Age Pension age, and
You have a fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised condition, and
Your condition affects your ability to work at least 15 hours per week, even with support.

Some people may not be eligible yet. This can happen if their condition is still being treated, or if Centrelink thinks work or retraining may be possible with support.

This guide can help you understand whether applying now is right for you and how to go through the steps of applying.

Step 1: Check your eligibility first

Before applying, it’s important to understand whether you meet DSP eligibility rules.

There are two main parts:

Non-medical criteria

These include:

Age
Residency
Income
Assets

Medical criteria

These focus on:

How your condition affects daily function and work capacity
Whether your condition is permanent and stabilised
Your impairment rating, assessed using the Impairment Tables

Services Australia provides a DSP pre-claim guide that can help you self-check eligibility before applying.

You can also learn more about DSP eligibility in our article, Who is eligible for the Disability Support Pension?

A person with a lower‑limb prosthesis walking along a footpath, illustrating independence and mobility while navigating eligibility and support options for the Disability Support Pension.

Step 2: Set up myGov and link Centrelink

Most people apply for the DSP online.

To do this, you’ll need:

A myGov account
Your account linked to Centrelink

If you’ve used Centrelink before, you’ll need your Customer Reference Number (CRN). You may also need to confirm your identity online.

If you can’t apply online, you can request a paper claim form from Services Australia and submit it by post or in person.

Step 3: Prepare your medical evidence (this matters most)

Many DSP claims are delayed or declined due to insufficient or unclear medical evidence.

Good medical evidence:

Comes from your treating health professionals (GPs, specialists, psychologists).
Explains how your condition affects what you can do, not just the diagnosis.
Describes limitations on work, stamina, concentration, mobility, or reliability.
Confirms your condition is fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised.

Common mistakes to avoid

Submitting very old reports.
Providing letters that list diagnoses but don’t explain the functional impact.
Missing information about work capacity or daily limitations.

Example: Someone with fluctuating mental health may still qualify if their reports clearly explain how symptoms regularly limit their ability to work consistently, even during better periods.

Step 4: Gather other supporting documents

Alongside medical evidence, you may need documents about:

Financial details: bank accounts, income, superannuation.
Employment: payslips, tax returns, work history.
Living arrangements: housing or asset information.
Study or training: current or past courses.

You can upload documents through:

Your Centrelink online account
The Express Plus Centrelink app
Post or in person at a service centre

Centrelink may contact you later if more information is needed.

Step 5: Check if a Program of Support applies

Some people may need to complete a Program of Support before qualifying for DSP, particularly if they don’t meet the 20-point impairment requirement on one table.

Programs of Support help people:

Explore suitable work options
Build skills and confidence
Access ongoing employment support

Inclusive Employment Australia, delivered by APM, is one such program.

You may not need a Program of Support if:

You meet the manifest medical rules, or
You score 20 points or more on a single impairment table

Step 6: Submit your DSP claim

To apply online:

Log in to myGov
Select Centrelink
Go to Payments and claims → Make a claim
Choose Disability Support Pension
Answer all questions and upload documents

Paper claims can be lodged by mail or in person.

Step 7: Track your claim and attend assessments

After submitting your claim, you can track progress through myGov.

Centrelink may ask you to:

Provide more documents
Attend a Job Capacity Assessment
Attend a Disability Medical Assessment

This is normal and doesn’t mean your claim will be declined.

Processing times vary, so it’s important to prepare for some waiting.

Person seated in a wheelchair using a laptop at a table, with a notebook and coffee nearby.

What happens if your claim is approved?

If your DSP claim is approved:

Payments usually start from the date in your approval letter.
The amount depends on income, assets, and personal circumstances.

While receiving DSP, you’ll need to:

Report income changes
Tell Centrelink if your situation changes

What if your DSP claim isn’t approved?

If your claim isn’t successful:

You can request a review or appeal.
You may still qualify for other payments, such as JobSeeker.
You may be asked to complete a Program of Support.

Other supports may include:

Inclusive Employment Australia
NDIS-related supports (where applicable)
Community or advocacy services

What to do next

After reading this guide, your next steps might include:

Checking eligibility using Services Australia tools
Speaking with your GP or specialist about medical evidence
Gathering documents before applying
Reaching out for employment or application support

If you’d like help with the DSP or Inclusive Employment Australia, you can get in touch with us or register online.

Frequently asked questions: Applying for the DSP

I don’t have a MyGov account. How do I set one up?

You can set up a myGov account online in a few simple steps:

Go to the myGov website and select Create an account.
Enter your email address and confirm it using the code sent to you.
Add a mobile number or set up secret questions for account security.
Create a password and finish setting up your account.

Once your myGov account is created, you’ll need to link it to Centrelink to apply for the Disability Support Pension.

If you’ve used Centrelink before, you’ll usually need your Customer Reference Number (CRN).

If you don’t have internet access or need help, Centrelink can assist over the phone or at a service centre.

How long does the DSP application process take?

Timeframes vary. Some claims take several months, especially if assessments or extra evidence are required.

Do I need to stop working to apply for DSP?

Not always. Eligibility depends on work capacity, not whether you’re currently employed.

What if my condition changes after I apply?

You can provide updated medical evidence if your condition worsens or changes.

Can someone help me apply?

Yes. Centrelink, advocates, and employment support services such as APM can all support you through the process.

Where can I find official DSP information?

Visit Services Australia’s Disability Support Pension pages for the most up-to-date guidance.

Resources and further reading

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Inclusive Employment Australia in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au