Disability Pension - Help!<object type="cosymantecnisbfw" cotype="cs" id="SILOBFWOBJECTID" style="width: 0px; height: 0px; display: block;"></object>

[megl84]

Hi All, 

I hope its ok to post here but I really need advice with applying for the disability pension. I struggle very badly with BIpolar and anxiety. I am not a stable person and I have tried every medication under the sun. I have visited drs sparsely, had a few bad incidences which has left me spending days lying under my bed rather than visit a dr. Things have been hard these last ten years, many jobs only to lose then between 3 weeks to 4 months later. I can hold anything down and on top of it my anxiety is so bad I have panic attacks about visiting my own friends. With my brain the way it is, and the side effects of medications meaning i can only take so much, I am applying for disability pension as i feel like its not fair having to live in poverty because of this. I am so stressed out because i can only organise this worth of stuff when i am having my good days. I have been on mood stabilising medication for 6 months getting terrible diarhea or constipation swings between the two. PLease can anyone give me some good advice on how to ensure i apply with my best foot forward. I would be very grateful for any advice. 

Thankyou so much x

[Paul]

Hi megl84. Hugs. Welcome to Beyond Blue forums.

It sounds like a really tough time that you're going through at the moment - I think you're really brave for wanting to stand up and apply for some help. We shouldn't live in poverty because of a mental illness - you're spot on. 

You mentioned that you have seen a few Dr's, had some bad incidents, visited them sparsely and ended up under your bed. That can't be good for your confidence 😞 definitely not good for how you feel. Have you tried visiting a psychiatrist? I found a really good psychiatrist who I see regularly, he really helps to keep my moods stable.

Stay in touch megl84, let us know how things work out with centrelink. I hope you feel better soon and your moods allow you to get things sorted out quickly so you can at least have some financial assistance.

Paul

[geoff]

dear Meg, I am so sorry for you to have to suffer from all of this, and I would think that it's been a long time, even if it's not, then that doesn't take away the illness that is controlling your life.

I wish it would be easy to get you onto a DSP, which you certainly need from you have told us but you have to keep getting doctors reports as well as psych reports, stating that because of your illness there absolutely no chance of you being able to do any work, not only now but in the future.

I'm sorry that I can't be of any more help, because every new government changes their policies, just to make it so hard for people who do need help. Geoff. x

[Elizabeth CP]

Is there anyone you trust who can help you as an advocate. It can be difficult managing Centrelink at the best of times but when you are unwell it is really hard. Have someone to back you up and help keep things in perspective is important otherwise you will give up as soon as anything goes wrong. I assisted my husband in applying foe DSP and Carers payment for myself. I had to make sure I knew exactly what they wanted and ensure that GPs etc provide what was required. I was well and able to follow through but I would not have coped if I was unwell.  I hope you can find someone who can assist. remember you have a right to receive the help you require. Good look with finding someone to help you.

[Pantheress]

Hi Meg, I'm sorry you are struggling. I may be able to assist you with some information on applying for DSP. First you need to phone centrelink and have them send you an application pack. This will contain a treating doctors report. This can be filled out by your GP or your mental health specialist. It is crucial your Dr ​state's your condition is permanent and treated. Medication does class as treatment. As does counseling, CBT. Once your doctors report is filled and returned you will be given an appointment with a JCA (job capacity assessor) this will be either a face to face appointment or by phone. Your condition then has to meet a score of 20 which comes down to the depth of understanding of your JCA. Most are very understanding and supportive. So if you have any other ailments be sure to have these included in the TDR as multiple conditions can add up to a score of 20​. I've noticed that many suffering depression and anxiety start with a back conditions. So if you have any old xrays or reports this can also be included and used as evidence of your condition. Any skin complaints, arthritis, high blood pressure, cholesterol anything you can get put down as permanent counts. If you are not approved you can appeal, however if you appeal be sure to add further documents as it will be undertaken by the same JCA. If unsuccessful you will either be transferred to a DEN provides or placed in steam 4 at a job network. DEN gives you 2 years grace with minimal requirements, however you will be required to attend every fortnight. Stream 4​ gives you 1 year grace with monthly appointments mostly conducted over the phone, however stream 4 has very high funding so this may be the time for you to explore course conducted on line that may interest you. Or failing that you can have your doctor fill out medical certificates every 3 months, however centrelink has been known to reject these and this doesn't help with your financial situation. Hope I have not overburdened you with information. Best of luck