DSP (Disability support pension) help?

[ArtLover1997]

hey uh, first post here not sure what to ask or how to phrase myself

ill soon be trying to apply for DSP because for almost my whole life ive been depressed and on and off suicidal. my social anxiety isnt as bad as it could be but its up there too. i cant hold a job since both times ive tried to keep myself going ive had melt downs, panic attacks and ultimately hid away in a "depression session" as i call it (basically an intense period of time in a depression slump)

in an idiots guide to getting help way, what does centerlink need/want me to bring them?

i believe ive hit the marks for their checklist of "is she sad enough to help" but im not quite sure how to go about it

medical evidence? who do i talk to my doctor or centerlink? im so out of my depth here ive been trying to work mself up to apply all year and its a real struggle. any help around DSP and depression stuff would be wonderful if anyones willing to drop some wisdom?

thanks for even reading.

[geoff]

Hello ArtLover, and a warm welcome to the forums.

Each person you talk to at Centrelink may have a slightly different way of explaining how to apply for a DSP pension, so if you do what someone has said may not match what another person has told you.

If you have tried to get a job through an agency they may then let C/Link know, if not then you need a letter from your doctor that you have a permanent physical or mental illness that stops you from being able to work.

This can be supported by a letter from your psychologist/psychiatrist indicating your illness and what you find difficult to be able to do.

If possible can you get any letter from the employer mentioning you were unable to work for various reasons, then take these with your application to C/link.

Hope this helps you.

Geoff.

[stevo1974]

Hi ArtLover1997

I can only talk about what I went through to get the DSP, first you will need letters from your GP, a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist stating what is wrong with you and how it has impacted your daily life and that you are unlikely to get better in the next 2 years or so. You will need to prove that you have done everything possible to help your recover from your condition, therapy, medications etc.

In my case I had be seeing my GP for 15 years with anxiety problems and my Clinical Psychologist for approx 3.5 years for anxiety and other mental health problems. I would suggest if you haven't already done so have a look at the Impairment tables available at the humanservices website because they will refer to them in your application.

In my case my Clinical Psychologist thought I should score at least 30 points but on my original application I was refused, it wasn't until I applied for newstart and had to have a Employment Services Assessment, that I was able to speak to someone from Centrelink and then from there I applied for a review and finally got the DSP.

You must get all the supporting evidence from your doctors dating back as far as possible

Hope this info helps in some way

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi there ArtLover1997,

Welcome to the forum. It’s great to see you reaching out for some support in relation to accessing DSP. It can be a longish process from what I have heard from some people and it is important to get a good understanding of what is required. Your GP may be able to support you in completing the medical evidence that is required but this may also need to be supported by a psychiatrist or psychologist. The more evidence you collect, the better as Geoff has pointed out above.

I have attached a summary sheet that may help but talking with CentreLink is your best bet (if you can get through) or even a job agency. Here is the link for your review.

http://www.nssrn.org.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Disability-Support-Pension.pdf

Please reach out here if you feel comfortable as navigating the system can be challenging and there are many people on the forum who may be able to help with any specific questions you might have.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

[Eviep]

Hi

i too will soon be claiming for dsp, the thought terrifies me especially the process and dealing with Centrelink, my anxiety level goes through the roof just thinking about it. I’ve been on sickness benefits for almost 12 months now and my return to work assessment through my employer didn’t come in too well and I am seriously thinking of taking a medical retirement offered to me after 35 years in the one job my mental health has deteriorated tremendously over the last 3 years. I have suffered depression since I was a teenager I am now 54 and the bouts of crippling depression is becoming more and more regular, most mornings I don’t want to open my eyes because I don’t want to deal with world. Anyhow just wondering if anyone out there has any pearls of wisdom in dealing with all this dsp claim, should I go forward and accept medical retirement

thanks for listening

[Lady_Nova]

one of the best tips I ever got, from a CenterLink worker no less, was to always answer a question on any form or interview like it is your worst day. Include how many worst days you have in a row, per week, per month.

Write down what you worst day looks like to you.

I would include things like:
My worst day with paranoia would be the days where the walls of my home whisper and conspire against me, a normal paranoia day is just everyone watching me and making harsh judgement.
My worst anxiety day is when I am paralysed with fear because I feel like everything I could do, I will fail at, or cause someone harm, my normal anxiety is constant self talking trash to myself.
My worst depression day is me convincing myself the world is better without the burden of my existence, My normal depression day is just the crushing weight of all the things I have done wrong, didn't do, should have said, couldn't avoid, shame and guilt.

Sure we have days on low impact mental illness, but they are not a given, so make sure they know what a bad day looks like. Your health professionals should write reports exactly the same way.

Good luck and be aware that it is a very high probability that first time round you will get rejected anyway, because that is CL process to weed out those who cant be bothered buckling in for the whole ride