DSP recipient employment services

• Have a disability, injury, or health condition – confirmed in a current Employment Services Assessment (ESAt).
• Can work less than 30 hours per week – now and in the future, even with support.
• Live in Australia – as a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder.
• Are the right age – at least 14 and younger than Age Pension age, and of legal working age in their state or territory.
• Are not studying full-time – unless Services Australia approved it at the time of referral.
• Have Inclusive Employment Australia recommended – in a current and valid ESAt.
• Are not already working above their employment benchmark – based on usual weekly hours.

Based on a salary of $26.44 per hour, before tax, and weekly DSP payment of $600.45 ($1,200.90 per
fortnight).*

* Based on the March 2026 maximum fortnightly DSP payment for a single person 21 or older with or without children, or younger than 21 with a child in your care. Rate includes maximum Pension Supplement and Energy  Supplement. Your or your partner’s income and assets may affect your payment rate.
** DSP payment reduced due to earning over $113 per week. The hourly rate shown is the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, which applies from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Many jobs are covered by an award that sets a higher minimum rate. Minimum wage and DSP payments are reviewed each year, in line with the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review and Services Australia indexation.

These figures show that you’re always better off financially if you earn an income. You’ll also benefit from earning superannuation, connecting with colleagues, contributing to society and finding fulfillment and purpose in what you do. You may also be eligible for a Low Income Health Care Card. This is a concession card to get cheaper health care and some discounts if you’re on a low-income. Find out further information on the Services Australia website: servicesaustralia.gov.au/low-income-health-care-card 

For more on DSP income test visit Services Australia. 

In most cases you can earn up to $218 per fortnight from paid work and continue to receive your full DSP.

• For most single pensioners aged over 21, if you earn more than $218 per fortnight through paid work, your DSP payment is reduced by 50 cents for every dollar you earn over $218.
• In most cases you can work up to 29 hours a week and continue to receive part of your DSP.

 For more on DSP income test visit Services Australia. 

• If you work 30 or more hours per week continually, or your total income goes over the cut off point for more than 12 fortnights in a row, your DSP will be suspended for up to 2 years.
• If your DSP is suspended, the payment is held open for up to two years in case you need to access it again. You can contact Centrelink if this happens and tell them about your change in employment. Your payments will then  start again.
• If your DSP is suspended, due to your employment income or working 30 or more hours a week, you may still be able to use your Concession Card for up to two years.

You can learn more about the DSP rules on the Services Australia website:  

www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disability-support-pension.  

CoAct Support Coordination is a new service designed to help NDIS participants get the most out of their plans with the right supports in place.

If you’re looking for guidance navigating the NDIS, connecting with providers, or making sense of your NDIS plan, we can help. Find out how Support Coordination works by calling our team on 1800 226 228 or email [email protected].