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, the undersigned, are calling on the Australian Government to urgently increase the Disability Support Pension (DSP) to a level that allows people with disability — including those with serious mental health conditions — to live with dignity, security, and choice.

At present, the maximum basic DSP rate for a single adult is $1,079.70 per fortnight.

By contrast, Australia’s median income is around $2,792 per fortnight (ABS, August 2024). 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 $1,396 per fortnight, or 50% of median income, as recommended by economic and disability advocacy bodies. This would mean an increase of just $316.3 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 $212 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 $1,396 per fortnight
• A raise to the income-free threshold from $212 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 though I had more than enough evidence from 10+ hospital admissions, a GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical psychologist, recovery workers, social worker, housing support worker, and post discharge suicide prevention & community mental health services.

It wasn't until a year and half later when my application was finally approved after an appeal - which required more documents from a counsellor, psychiatrist, housing support worker, and me constantly visiting Centrelink, sobbing and pleading with the workers to reconsider because I was homeless, too ill to work, and couldn't find anywhere affordable to live.

Even with the DSP, I continued to live in poverty. I'd spend 50% of my income just on rent. 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. 

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 or email me at hyejiheidilee@gmail.com if you're comfortable. Every story adds strength to our cause.