Provided is a sheet material discrimination apparatus including: an impact force applying member for colliding with the surface of a sheet material, an impact force receiving member for receiving the impact force applying member through the sheet material, a detecting unit for outputting an electric signal corresponding to an impact force received by the impact force receiving member, and a cushioning material for absorbing the impact force transmitted to the detecting unit, wherein a support member having a bending rigidity higher than the bending rigidity of the detecting unit with respect to the impact force is arranged between the detecting unit and the cushioning material.