How does Centrelink expect us to pay for two DSP evaluation on Newstart?

[Lurkette]

I'm on Newstart and I'm at least partially disabled due to mental health probs. I wanted to be evaluated to determine if I'm disabled enough to get the DSP. To get the DSP I need two evaluations from Clinical Psychologists. My GP is no help (knows almost nothing about mh probs). I called around on my own to find clinical psychologists. Each evaluation has the low-low price of 3-4 thousand dollars each. Medicare doesn't cover any of this. I called Centrelink and they said they don't have any programs to cover the cost and they don't have any suggestions.

This is the first time I've run into a literally impossible situation (no one can pay 6-8 thousand dollars when all they have is Newstart) What am I supposed to do?

[Tweet-Heart]

Lurkette are you in Melbourne?

if so go to Victoria Legal Aid tell them you want to apply for DSP and they will help you. If you qualify for a grant of legal aid from them then they can pay for the reports and liaise with your treating medical team.

If so there are clinical psychologists that will do the DSP report for free or at a subsidised costs.

If you're GP is not helping find another one who will and who will support you to get DSP.

What do you think of these ideas?

[Tweet-Heart]

what state are you in champ?

let me know and I will try and give you more tips?

if you can't work, study or re-train for more than 15 hours then you should apply for DSP.

[Lurkette]

I'm in the ACT. Everyone here is a rich public servant. Doctors/psychs don't want to talk to poor people because we can't pay. Almost no one bulk bills even with a concession card.

My GP is real good with general stuff. I'm real scared and my first post made my GP sound bad. He's been trying to get me into programs but I keep getting stuck on wait lists that never move. He doesn't know many specialists that bulk bill. There's a few and he refers me where he can. Living on Newstart means I can't afford $20-$50 gap fees any time I step into someone's office.

I went to Legal Aid a few months back for help with a different problem and, and they told me not to come back unless I have a court date for something.

[Tweet-Heart]

Hi Lurkette

Ok I would go back again and apply for a legal aid grant. I have checked their website and there is a means and merits test. It wouldn't hurt to apply.

What they are telling you is incorrect they can fund Civil matters.

DSP doesn't require 2 evaluations it requires a diagnosis and report from a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist and GP.

Go to Victoria Legal Aid's website there is a template letter you can give to your GP to complete.

Your GP may be wanting to refer you to a Program of Support through a Disability Employment Services provider.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Lurkette,

Thanks for your post.

There is another option - I tried to apply for the DSP too so I'm sadly too familiar with the process.

What you can do, is make an appointment with a clinical psychologist - just a normal appointment. With a MHCP you should be able to either get bulk billed or pay a small gap.

Then once you are in the appointment you can talk about the DSP and why you feel like it's relevant/important/necessary etc. They'll then offer to write a report. The report will go to Centrelink, but it's not a full evaluation. The one that I got was only after one initial consultation, and I paid about 300$ for it.

It's also important that you can get any other letters from any other people that you've seen throughout your life for dealing with mental health probs - the important thing for Centrelink is that your condition is fully diagnosed, treated (managed as best as possible) and unlikely to get better for the next three years.

Happy to answer any questions that you have as it's a very tedious process. I was unsuccessful but I do know the system well.

[MysticMark]

Hi Lurkette, best of luck with the DSP. I am going through it myself.

Hi romantic_thi3f,

Is it true that Centrelink by default declines one application?

I would like to know the process for review and/or appeals etc?

I just want to do my research, be prepared and give it my best shot.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi MysticMark,

No - although they are ruthless in going through applications, especially with mental health. From my experience they have the idea that the majority of mental health conditions can be cured with good treatment, so anything holding you back from work/study is only temporary.

There are a few stages in going through the DSP (from memory I think it was 3 but I could be wrong). The more stages you go through the closer you are to being successful. As you can probably expect the questions etc get more intense, wanting to know how these conditions impact your life.

If you are unsuccessful, you can appeal - generally the first appeal is with Centrelink directly, and if you're not satisfied (still rejected) you can then appeal with the Tribunal, which is independent. That decision is final.

Here's some more information on what they look for - https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/find-legal-answers/centrelink/disability-support-pension

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/disability-support-pension/eligibility/how-we-assess-your-disability-or-condition

[geoff]

Hi Lurkette, if you have a look at this site by copy and pasting it

-https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/.../how-we-assess-your-disability-or-co it says, to decide if your disability or condition is fully diagnosed we assess if:

-a qualified medical professional examined you
-you have medical evidence about your disability or medical condition

If you think that you have met the six criteria and that Centrelink's rejection of your claim is wrong, you can ask Centrelink to have their decision reviewed by an authorised review officer.

Geoff.

[Doolhof]

Hi All,

This is so topical for me right now! My Dr recommended I put in for a DSP. We filled in the 30 page document, took it to Centrelink with a folder full of information.

Asked the lady at the desk which documentation were we required to attach, she said none. We questioned her and said I had the information, could she scan it with the documentation. No.

Received a phone call a couple of months later saying the claim had been rejected. Not enough relevant information. Told the lady on the phone the lady at Centrelink would not accept the documentation. She told me how I could refute the unaccepted claim.

Another lady from Centrelink phoned telling me a totally different way to refute the decision. I was told to go and talk to someone at Centrelink. I told her the closest office is 60 kilometres away. I wasn't going to drive there, sit for two hours only to be told they can't help me!

No wonder they have a security guard in Centrelink!

I also asked how do I gather evidence when my Dr will not supply me with a form for a MRI for my back. The physio says he will not do another report and all the psychologist reports I have apparently don't count!

The psychologist I saw in an emergency last year has told me she will now be charging me a $100.00 gap...even with a mental health care plan. Psychology assistance or food and electricity?

Sorry for the rant, I am totally fed up with trying to get help and assistance and have decided I might as well be a raving lunatic as it is cheaper!

Cheers from a disillusioned Dools

Another la