From October 2025, the Disability Support Pension (DSP) is getting new indexed rates, with a key focus on better support for couples and carers. The updated maximum fortnightly rate will rise to $1,051.30 for eligible single recipients, with couples and carers seeing corresponding boosts under the new payment thresholds. The change aligns with the government’s October pension indexation aimed at helping Australians handle the increasing cost of living.
What Is the DSP and What’s Changing in October 2025?
The Disability Support Pension helps Australians with permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric conditions who are unable to work full-time. It provides steady income support through regular Centrelink payments, reviewed twice yearly — in March and September (applied in October) — to match inflation and wage growth.
In October 2025, recipients will see:
- $1,051.30 per fortnight for single adults.
- $792.90 each for members of a couple (a combined total of $1,585.80 per fortnight).
- Additional supplement increases, including the Energy Supplement and Pension Supplement, automatically adjusted with the base rate.
This increase aims to give a fair boost to those facing long-term health or care challenges while keeping support aligned with national living costs.
Who Is Eligible for the DSP in 2025?
Eligibility stays mostly the same, but new income and asset thresholds will come into effect from October 2025 to reflect cost-of-living conditions. To qualify for the DSP, you must:
- Be aged 16 or over, but under Age Pension age.
- Meet medical assessment requirements proving long-term inability to work more than 15 hours per week.
- Be an Australian resident who has lived in the country for at least 10 years (with limited exceptions).
- Satisfy new income and asset test limits.
Income limits (October 2025):
- Single: up to $212 per fortnight before payment reductions.
- Couple combined: up to $376 per fortnight before tapering applies.
Asset limits:
- Single homeowner: up to $314,000.
- Single non-homeowner: up to $566,000.
- Couple homeowners: up to $472,000 combined.
- Couple non-homeowners: up to $724,000 combined.
Recipients with assets or income above these thresholds may still get a part-payment depending on their personal circumstances.
Special Focus on Couples and Carers
This year’s DSP adjustment places added emphasis on carers and partner-based support, ensuring that both people in caregiving situations receive equitable help.
Carer recipients attached to a DSP-qualified partner will also benefit from the indexed rise, with access to:
- The Carer Payment, which follows the same indexation pattern.
- The Carer Allowance top-up, remaining at around $153.50 per fortnight.
- Combining these ensures carers don’t lose financial stability while supporting a loved one.
Couples under the DSP framework will continue to have their shared income and assets evaluated jointly but will enjoy higher combined support limits following this rate update.
Payment Dates for October 2025
The updated DSP payments take effect from 20 October 2025, with the first increased amount appearing in bank accounts from that date onward. Exact payment days differ based on:
- Individual Centrelink pay cycles.
- Weekends or public holidays near the payment release.
Recipients using MyGov or the Centrelink Express Plus app will receive a message confirming their new rate once official indexing goes live.
Supplements and Add-on Benefits
Along with the base DSP rate, most recipients qualify for additional supplements automatically included in the fortnightly total:
- Energy Supplement – up to $14.10 per fortnight.
- Pension Supplement – up to $80.10 per fortnight for singles.
- Rent Assistance – up to $188.20 per fortnight depending on rent paid.
- Pharmaceutical Allowance – small extra payment for prescription expenses.
These top-ups ensure the adjusted $1,051.30 reflects not just income support but also essential cost coverage.
How to Check or Update Your DSP Details
To ensure you receive the correct October indexation amount:
- Log in to MyGov and go to your Centrelink Payment Summary.
- Review your bank account details and contact information.
- Check that your medical exemptions or carer arrangements remain valid.
- If your situation has changed (work, assets, or relationship), update them immediately to avoid delays or overpayments.
Why the Update Matters
The October 2025 DSP change is a key part of the government’s strategy to ensure economic fairness for vulnerable Australians. With rent, electricity and food prices continuing to climb, this uplift ensures payments remain realistic and dignified.
Carers and couples are among those most affected by inflation and caregiving costs, so this indexation acknowledges their contribution and addresses household financial strain.
The rising DSP rate aims to not just cover living expenses but to improve overall quality of life and independence for those dealing with long-term health barriers.