Centrelink

[Distant]

Hi guys, I’m not sure if this is a question or me just venting but here we go.

I have applied for the Disability Support Pension a handful of times and have not been successful. I first applied 2-3 years ago. I now feel like I know the criteria that needs to be met like the back of my hand but I keep getting rejected.

The criteria in a nutshell is diagnosed, treated and stabilised aswell as scoring more than 20points on the mental health chart. Centrelink doesn’t have a problem with diagnosed but this is where it gets frustrating.

My psychiatrist has stated in writing that I am being treated with reasonable treatment which includes medication and psychological therapy and any other forms of medication or therapy would be similar in nature. So, basically I am recieving the proper treatment and anything else would pretty much be the same.

Secondly he has also stated he believes my condition is now stabilized because of said treatment however I would be unable to work within the next 2 years. Which is pretty much, word for word the definition Centrelink requires.

Finally, I asked my GP, psychologist and psychiatrist to fill out the mental health chart. Each of them scoring me 20 points or above. This means out of the 6 symptoms 4 or more were marked as being sever in nature.

But I keep getting rejected for different reasons. Most recently because they don’t have proof of my treatment. Except for the letters from both my psychologist and psychiatrist stating the medication I am on and how often I get therapy. Aswell as my psychiatrist deeming the treatment to be the most reasonable and anything else being similar.

Basically I feel like there isn’t any more proof I can give them if they’re not going to take the word of psychiatrist and psychologist. If anyone has any suggestions on something I may have missed that would help me a great deal. I’ve been on Newstart for nearly 3 years and it’s beginning to take its tole on me.

[Doolhof]

Hi Distant,

I don't have any suggestions for you regarding how to receive the disability pension.

I would like to suggest that you continue to work on what ever strategies you have in place to help you deal with your current situation.

From personal experience, I know that frustration, disappointment, stress, anxiety and depression can play a huge part in how we live our lives.

Some days are so much harder than others to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Having plans in place to cope on those days helps!

Wishing you all the best, cheers from Dools

[Voxie]

Oh I hear you! My claim was just rejected but I have given them above and beyond what was required of me. Two hospitalisations, fired from my job, extensive letters from my GP, psychiatrist and psychologist. They told me I only needed a letter from my GP, plus, it was Centrelink who told me to apply. They rejected me after my assessment interview which was one week after I was out of hospital stating I'm "fine and stable". I have both bipolar and ADHD. I read the criteria for the 20 points, and I covered everything, yet they only "scored" me with 10. When I called Centrelink to discuss this yesterday the lady I spoke to told me to appeal it and wrote on behalf of me. I think we need to lose a leg or something for the government to see mental health as a very serious illness.

[Voxie]

And also, with Newstart, are you having to look for work through your recovery? I'm on Newstart with three monthly sickness certificates slapped over the top for exemption.

[Doolhof]

Hi Voxie,

I'm not sure if Distant is still connected with the beyondblue forum. I noticed your post and would like to say welcome to you.

Sorry to read you are having a difficult time with Centrelink policies and procedures. Hopefully the lady whom you spoke with is able to assist you.

I try to keep a record of whom I speak to at Centrelink and what they have said.

I hope you are able to receive the help and assistance that you need for your ongoing recovery.

All the best from Dools