$153.50 Fortnightly Centrelink Payment: If you are a young Australian living with a disability, you may qualify for the Youth Disability Supplement (YDS), a fortnightly payment of up to $153.50 (as of 2025) designed to help with extra costs related to your disability. This supplement is available to those receiving Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, or the Disability Support Pension (DSP).
This additional payment is essential for young Australians who may face higher living costs due to their disability. Whether it’s medical expenses, transport, or special equipment, the Youth Disability Supplement provides financial assistance to help reduce these burdens.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Youth Disability Supplement, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, how it impacts your Centrelink payments, and important financial considerations.
$153.50 Fortnightly Centrelink Payment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | Up to $153.50 per fortnight (as of 2025) |
| Who Can Get It? | Young Australians under 22 years old on DSP, Youth Allowance, or ABSTUDY with a partial capacity to work |
| Automatically Paid? | Yes, for DSP recipients under 21; Others need assessment |
| Income & Asset Test | Applies as per the main payment (DSP, Youth Allowance, or ABSTUDY) |
| How to Apply? | DSP recipients get it automatically; others must request a work capacity assessment |
| Additional Support Available? | Eligible individuals may also qualify for Rent Assistance, Energy Supplement, and other Centrelink benefits |
| Official Website | Services Australia – YDS |
The Youth Disability Supplement (YDS) provides crucial financial support to young Australians living with disabilities. If you are under 22 and receive DSP, Youth Allowance, or ABSTUDY, you may be eligible for up to $153.50 per fortnight.
For more details and to check your eligibility, visit the Services Australia website or contact Centrelink directly.
What Is the Youth Disability Supplement?
The Youth Disability Supplement is an extra financial aid provided by Centrelink to help young people with disabilities manage their expenses. The payment is designed to bridge the gap for those who may not yet qualify for full adult Disability Support Pension (DSP) rates.
This supplement is particularly helpful for students, part-time workers, and those transitioning into the workforce, as disabilities often make it harder to earn a stable income.
It is not a standalone payment—instead, it is an add-on to other Centrelink payments such as:
- Disability Support Pension (DSP) for under-21s
- Youth Allowance (if assessed as having a partial work capacity)
- ABSTUDY (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and apprentices)
Who Is Eligible for the Centrelink Payment?
To receive the Youth Disability Supplement, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. You Must Be Receiving an Eligible Payment
The YDS is only available if you already receive one of the following payments:
- Disability Support Pension (DSP) (if you are under 21 years old and don’t have children)
- Youth Allowance (if assessed as having a partial capacity to work)
- ABSTUDY (if assessed as having a partial capacity to work)
2. You Must Be Under 22 Years Old
Once you turn 22, you will no longer qualify for the YDS. However, at this age, you may be able to transfer to the adult Disability Support Pension (DSP).
3. You Must Have a Recognized Disability That Affects Your Work Capacity
If you receive Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY, you must be assessed as having a partial capacity to work. This means you cannot work more than 30 hours per week due to your disability.
4. You Must Meet the Income and Assets Test
Like most Centrelink payments, the Youth Disability Supplement is subject to income and asset limits. If you or your partner earn above a certain threshold, your YDS amount may be reduced or cut off.
How Much Will You Get From Centrelink Payment?
The maximum Youth Disability Supplement payment as of 2025 is $153.50 per fortnight. However, the actual amount may vary depending on:
- Your main payment rate (DSP, Youth Allowance, or ABSTUDY)
- Your income and assets
It is important to note that the total amount you receive from your main payment + YDS cannot exceed the full DSP adult rate.
How to Apply for the Youth Disability Supplement
1. If You Receive Disability Support Pension (DSP)
Good news! You don’t need to apply. If you’re under 21 and on DSP, Centrelink automatically adds the Youth Disability Supplement to your payments.
2. If You Receive Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY
You must undergo an assessment to determine if you have a partial capacity to work. To apply:
- Log in to your MyGov account linked to Centrelink
- Go to your payment details and check your eligibility
- Book a work capacity assessment with Centrelink
- If approved, the YDS will be added to your payments
Impact on Other Centrelink Payments
- Income and assets tests apply: The YDS is subject to the same income and assets test as your main payment.
- No effect on Rent Assistance: If you receive Rent Assistance, the YDS will not reduce the amount.
- Impact on tax: The YDS is not taxable, so it will not affect your income tax return.
- Can be combined with other benefits: If eligible, you may still receive Energy Supplement, Concession Cards, and other disability-related payments.
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FAQs About $153.50 Fortnightly Centrelink Payment
1. Will the Youth Disability Supplement affect my other Centrelink benefits?
No, it doesn’t reduce other benefits like Rent Assistance or the Energy Supplement.
2. Do I need to report my income to get the Youth Disability Supplement?
Yes, you must report any changes in your income if you receive Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY.
3. Can I receive YDS while studying?
Yes! If you receive ABSTUDY or Youth Allowance and have a partial work capacity, you can still qualify.
4. How do I know if I have a partial capacity to work?
Centrelink will assess your medical condition and ability to work. This may involve providing medical evidence or attending an Employment Services Assessment.
5. What happens when I turn 22?
Once you turn 22, your eligibility for YDS ends, but you may qualify for the adult DSP.
