Complex PTSD and the DSP

mkc · ‎17-10-2018

Has anyone had any experience with applying for DSP because of Complex PTSD? I am an institutional abuse survivor and despite a psychiatrists letter and psychologists reports I have been denied. I cannot function in the world at all and desperately need help.

PamelaR · ‎17-10-2018

Hi Mkc and welcome to our community forums

Having Complex PTSD is the pits isn't it? Thankfully much of mine was buried for many years so I was able to function reasonably well. Once I started remembering my life went downhill and I went on WorkCover for 3 months. Subsequently I retired.

Did you ask Centrlink for a copy of the Disability Medical Assessment report. You can do this through a Freedom of Information application. Also, you can ask for a Review or Appeal Centrelink's decision.

Much of this information is available from their webpage -

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/enablers/reviews-and-appeals-centrelink-decision/34671

I've not applied for a DSP, other forum members have and I'm sure will give you their experience. In the meantime, you may like to do a search of our forums - the search field is at the top of the webpage. Enter keywords, e.g. Disability Support Pension.

Hope some of this helps.

Kind regards

PamelaR

PandorasLocksmith · ‎23-11-2018

Hi mkc,

i have cPTSD and depression and dissociative disorders. My psychiatrist chose to use depression as the reason for my dsp application. I was also anorexic when I applied for the dsp. I was approved on the basis of depression. I'm also an institutional abuse survivor.

All my workers gave me good advice to fill your dsp application out as if it were your worst day. Not as if its when you're at your best. Because you most need it when you are at your worst.

Also, I'd keep trying to apply for the dsp if you fail once or twice. A friend of mine was just approved for it on her 3rd attempt. She had success when she accessed a social worker to help her apply for it.

I hope this helps. I wish you the support you need to survive and even thrive at times.

Pandora's Locksmith.