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Difference between NDIS and disability pension

maglincer
Community Member
Hi all, Ive recently been trying to apply for the NDIS because of my severe depression, general anxiety disorder, misophonia, tourettes syndrome and OCD. I basically believe I have a psychsocial disability because of them, mainly the depression and I haven't even worked in 4 or so years because of it. Basically what I would like to know is is there any difference between the NDIS and disability pension or are they basically the same thing? Would I be better off applying for one over the other? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
5 Replies 5

blondguy
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hello Maglincer

Thankyou for the helpful thread topic 🙂

I have had chronic anxiety followed by depression for approx 37 years and the criteria for being on the disability pension is becoming harder. Im sorry that I cant provide you with a answer with the difference between the two

Your health status is similar to mine and the only benefit that I am aware of is the disability pension

I am sure that someone here will be able to clarify the difference. If you have the medical reports that testify to your health condition (psychiatrists...GP's....Psychologist statements) it does improve yet not ensure the disability pension

I hope some of this has been of help to you

Can I ask you how you are actually feeling? (if thats okay) The forums are a safe and non judgemental place for you to say whats on your mind maglincer. Your well being and privacy are paramount here

Please post back when its convenient for you

my kind thoughts

Paul

blondguy said:

Hello Maglincer

Thankyou for the helpful thread topic 🙂

I have had chronic anxiety followed by depression for approx 37 years and the criteria for being on the disability pension is becoming harder. Im sorry that I cant provide you with a answer with the difference between the two

Your health status is similar to mine and the only benefit that I am aware of is the disability pension

I am sure that someone here will be able to clarify the difference. If you have the medical reports that testify to your health condition (psychiatrists...GP's....Psychologist statements) it does improve yet not ensure the disability pension

I hope some of this has been of help to you

Can I ask you how you are actually feeling? (if thats okay) The forums are a safe and non judgemental place for you to say whats on your mind maglincer. Your well being and privacy are paramount here

Please post back when its convenient for you

my kind thoughts

Paul

Hi Paul, I initially applied for the NDIS a few weeks ago but haven't been to the psychiatrist yet to determine whether I am able to work with what I have. From what I have read it is called psychosocial disability and it can fall under the NDIS (over the phone they told me other people have gotten onto the NDIS with the conditions I have, mainly depression).

As for how I feel, its near the worst Ive been, depression is making life hard even with medication and other antidepressants Ive tried but thanks for asking. Can I ask whether you were able to get on the disability pension with your conditions?

Ill see what other people have to say before proceeding with either of them (NDIS or DSP if they are even different).

geoff
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hi Maglincer, welcome to the forum and thanks Paul for replying because it is quite confusing and leaves everybody scratching their heads.

-(NDIS) is a major and complex reform to the way in which disability support is funded

-NDIS has packages of support to eligible people with disability

Still difficult to understand

-The NDIS will not replace the Disability Support Pension

-NDIS will support a better life for people with a significant and permanent disability and their families and carers.

-whereas the DSP will provide financial support if you are unable to work

-NDIS provides the support and assistance you need now which supports your unmet needs and your goals so you need to find a provider with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)

-Registered providers - all states, by group and name (XLSX 8MB) google this and it will tell you in which State to make contact

Hope this is of some help, although it's still complicated, maybe a job provider could help you if you have seen somebody.

Geoff.

maglincer
Community Member

Thanks for the reply Geoff and thanks for replying to my other thread the other day which is below.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapies/do-you-think-i-would-qualify-for-disability-pension-with-these-conditions-

I was wondering if you could tell me (if you know) what one I should apply for. I have permanent depression and other conditions (listed in the other thread) which make working very hard. From what Ive read you still have to work a bit on the disability pension is that right? Which one do you think I am more likely to be approved on? Thanks.

Hi Maglincer

Thanks heaps for posting back. I am really sorry that you havent been well. To answer your question I havent been successful (yet) in obtaining the DSP

I know that Geoff has posted above. Can I ask if his post has helped at all?

Either way I will try to get a clear cut answer to your question

Can I ask you if you have even a small support network during this difficult time?

my kind thoughts

Paul