Impairment Tables for Disability Support Pension
The Impairment Tables are used to determine whether a person whose qualification for DSP is being considered, meets a qualifying impairment threshold stipulated under the Social Security (Tables for the Assessment of Work-related Impairment for Disability Support Pension) Determination 2023.
How to select the appropriate Table
Firstly, does the person have a diagnosed medical condition(s) which is reasonably treated and stabilised AND the condition and the resulting impairment is more likely than not, in light of available evidence, to persist for more than 2 years?
| Table | This table is used when there is a functional impact… |
|---|---|
| Table 1: Functions requiring Physical Exertion and Stamina |
when performing activities requiring physical exertion or stamina. Conditions assessed under Table 1 are commonly associated with cardiac or respiratory impairments, fatigue or exhaustion, or other conditions affecting physical exertion or stamina. |
| Table 2: Upper Limb Function |
when performing activities requiring the use of the upper limbs. The upper limbs extend from the shoulder to the fingers. There is functional impact to a person's ability to pick up, handle, manipulate and use objects encountered in everyday life, including but not limited to, coins, pencils, cartons of liquid, zippers, computer keyboards, or touchscreens of electronic devices. |
| Table 3: Lower Limb Function |
when performing activities requiring the use of lower limbs. The lower limbs extend from the hips to the toes. There is functional impact to a person's ability to move around, including walking, kneeling, squatting, standing, standing up from a seated position, using stairs, using public transport or using a motor vehicle, and (where applicable) their ability to mobilise with the use of wheelchairs or walking aids. |
| Table 4: Spinal Function |
when performing activities involving spinal function. Spinal function involves bending or turning the back, trunk or neck. |
| Table 5: Mental Health Function |
of a diagnosed mental health condition (including recurring episodes of mental health impairment). |
| Table 6: Functioning related to Alcohol, Drug and Other Substance Use |
of a diagnosed condition resulting from excessive use of alcohol, drugs or other harmful substances (such as glue or petrol) or the misuse of prescription drugs. |
| Table 7: Brain Function |
of a diagnosed condition related to neurological or cognitive function. |
| Table 8: Communication Function |
of a diagnosed condition affecting communication functions. |
| Table 9: Intellectual Function |
of a diagnosed condition resulting in low intellectual function (a meaningful intelligence quotient (IQ) score of 70 to 85), which originated before the person turned 18 years of age. |
| Table 10: Digestive and Reproductive Function |
of a diagnosed condition related to digestive or reproductive system functions. |
| Table 11: Hearing and other Functions of the Ear |
of a diagnosed condition when performing activities involving hearing function or other functions of the ear (such as balance). |
| Table 12: Visual Function |
of a diagnosed condition when performing activities involving visual function. |
| Table 13: Continence Function |
of a diagnosed condition related to incontinence of the bladder or bowel. |
| Table 14: Functions of the Skin |
of a diagnosed condition related to disorders of, or injury to, the skin. |
| Table 15: Functions of Consciousness |
of a diagnosed condition due to involuntary loss of consciousness or altered state of consciousness, such as epilepsy, some forms of migraine, transient ischaemic attacks, or brain tumours. |
Further Information
The full legislative instrument is available on the Federal Register of Legislation.
The Social Security Guide includes further information and clarification for assessors applying the Tables. See 3.6.3 Guidelines to the Tables for the assessment of work-related impairment for DSP.
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