To:

Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister, prime.minister@pm.gov.au

Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP,  jim.chalmers.MP@aph.gov.au

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Disability Rights Spokesperson, senator.steele-john@aph.gov.au

Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Social Services, minister.plibersek@dss.gov.au

Senator Katy Gallagher, Minister for Government Services, senator.katy.gallagher@aph.gov.au

Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services, ged.Kearney.mp@aph.gov.au

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We are calling on the Australian Government to urgently increase the Disability Support Pension (DSP) to a level that allows people with disability to live with dignity, security, and choice.

As of April 2026, the maximum basic DSP rate for a single adult is $1,200.90 per fortnight.

By contrast, Australia’s median income is around $2,872 per fortnight (ABS, 2025).

That means DSP recipients are surviving on less than 40% of the national median — well below the poverty line.

We are calling for the DSP to be raised to at least $1,436 per fortnight, or 50% of median income, as recommended by economic and disability advocacy bodies. This would mean an increase of just $235.1 a fortnight — but would mean the world to those of us forced to choose between medication and meals, rent, and recovery.

Many people with disability want to work part-time, not only for financial reasons, but to find purpose, connection, and a sense of autonomy. But the current income threshold for DSP recipients is far too low, and the partner income test unfairly penalises relationships, leaving individuals subject to financial abuse. 

The DSP starts being reduced once you earn just $218 per fortnight — barely a single shift for many. This discourages participation, traps people in poverty, and sends the message that we must choose between working a little and keeping vital support.

This is not about extravagance. It's about survival. Many DSP recipients live with invisible or fluctuating disabilities, including complex trauma, mental health conditions, and chronic illness. The costs of managing these are high — and yet the system keeps us locked in poverty.

We are calling for:

• A significant and permanent increase to the DSP base rate — to at least $1,436 per fortnight
• A raise to the income-free threshold from $218 to at least $300 per fortnight
• A change in policy so each dollar earned above the income-free threshold reduces the DSP by 25 cents instead of 50 cents
• Lift or remove the partner income test for all Centrelink payments, which disproportionately harms disabled people in relationships
• A simplified, trauma-informed application process for those with psychosocial disabilities
• Government messaging that respects, not stigmatises, people with disability and lived experience

Poverty deepens trauma. It prevents recovery. It strips away autonomy. Financial security isn’t a luxury — it’s the bare minimum we should expect in a country as wealthy as Australia.

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Years ago, my DSP application was rejected even with copious evidence from 10+ hospital admissions, and several health professionals such as a GP, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, recovery worker, housing support worker, and community mental health services.

It took another year and half, a stressful and lengthy appeal process, and more supporting documents from professionals proving that I was homeless, too ill to work, and unable to afford basic necessities like rent or groceries for my DSP application to be approved.

Even with the DSP, I continued to live in poverty. I couldn't afford to see specialists or access treatments that would improve my well-being. I sold almost everything I owned to afford to move to a cheaper place after a big rent increase. Accessing support shouldn't be so traumatising. 

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Have you been impacted by low DSP rates, restrictive income limits, or stigma around mental illness and disability?

I’d love to include your voice. Please share your story in the comments below if you're comfortable. Every story adds strength to our cause.