JobSeeker vs Disability Support Pension
JobSeeker and the Disability Support Pension, or DSP, can both support someone who is not working, but they are very different payments. JobSeeker is a working-age allowance with mutual obligation requirements. DSP is a pension for people whose permanent condition stops them working.
The difference in amount is large, because DSP for people 21 and over is paid at pension rates. This page explains how they compare and why the medical rules matter.
| Payment | Maximum a fortnight, incl. supplements | Basic rate | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| JobSeeker PaymentSingle, no dependent children | $833.70 | $824.90 | 20 September 2026 |
| Disability Support PensionSingle | $1,237.70 | $1,135.40 | 20 September 2026 |
At three incomes
| Income | JobSeeker Payment | Disability Support Pension | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250 | $783.70 | $1,225.70 | −$442.00 |
| $500 | $634.30 | $1,100.70 | −$466.40 |
| $1,000 | $334.30 | $850.70 | −$516.40 |
- Disability Support Pension pays $1,225.70 at $250 of income, $442.00 more than JobSeeker Payment ($783.70).
- Disability Support Pension pays $1,100.70 at $500 of income, $466.40 more than JobSeeker Payment ($634.30).
- Disability Support Pension pays $850.70 at $1,000 of income, $516.40 more than JobSeeker Payment ($334.30).
- JobSeeker Payment stops at $1,557.17 a fortnight of income, $1,144.23 lower than the $2,701.40 at which Disability Support Pension stops.
The key differences
Rate: adult DSP is paid at pension rates, the same as the Age Pension; JobSeeker is a lower working-age allowance.
Indexation: DSP for people 21 and over is indexed by the pension method that checks wages; JobSeeker only moves with prices.
Means tests: adult DSP uses both an income test and an assets test and pays the lower result; JobSeeker is mainly income tested with a pass-or-fail assets limit.
Requirements: JobSeeker has mutual obligation requirements such as looking for work; DSP requires a permanent medical condition that meets strict rules.
Supplements: adult DSP includes the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement; JobSeeker does not include the Pension Supplement.
Tax: DSP is generally not taxable while you are under Age Pension age; JobSeeker is taxable.
Who gets more
The Disability Support Pension pays more than JobSeeker for adults, often by a wide margin, because it is paid at pension rates with the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement included. A single adult on DSP receives well above a single JobSeeker recipient. The rate table on this page shows both totals, with their effective dates.
The trade-off is the eligibility test. DSP has strict medical rules about the condition being permanent and fully diagnosed, treated and stabilised, and it can be harder to qualify for. People who do not meet those rules may be on JobSeeker instead, sometimes with a reduced capacity to work recognised in their requirements.
See each payment in full
Common questions
- Why is DSP higher than JobSeeker?
- DSP for people 21 and over is a pension, paid at pension rates with the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement included, and indexed by the more generous pension method. JobSeeker is a working-age allowance at a lower rate that only moves with prices.
- Can I move from JobSeeker to DSP?
- You can claim DSP if you meet the medical and other rules, which are strict. Some people on JobSeeker with a health condition later qualify for DSP. Services Australia assesses DSP separately, including a medical assessment, so check the official DSP page for the rules.
Figures include every indexation up to 20 September 2026; each shows the date it took effect. Next scheduled indexation 20 March 2027. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 23 September 2026.