Disability Support Pension Appealing

Suzie82 said:

Zoffiel said:

I wasn't eligible for a disability pension after my last treatment left me so incapacitated that I genuinely could not work for two years. Which was, ultimately, reasonable as I did eventually get back into the workforce.
My doctor gave me a series of medical certificates which exempted me from the dread mutual responsibility obligations while I was on Newstart. Eventually this attracted the attention of the bean counters and they started to question the validity of the exemptions and I was called in for a 'please explain' meeting.
I was in such a wretched state that I ended up having a meltdown during the meeting. When it came to light that I had been in a similar situation ten years previously things changed a little--no-one had bothered to check that.
In the end, I was left on the dole but they did give me a pensioner concession card for 12 months. That made a huge difference as I was then eligible for a variety of discounts -- rego, rates, pharma, medical services etc --that really helped me drag myself through my slow and painful 'recovery' without going bankrupt.
Good luck, @Suzie82. It is is a cruel and punitive system. Please don't give up on it, no-one should be subjected to the ritual humiliation that has been put in place to make it so difficult that many simply can't endure the process. MXX

Suzie82 said:

AllyJay said:

I think the grocery list of my problems, with the appropriate written records and assessments got me over the line. I have early cataracts, peripheral neuropathy in both lower legs as well as hands....if I can't see my legs, I have no idea where they are, and hence use a four wheeled granny walker outside the home. If I managed to overcome those issues, the fact that (aside from the cancer...NED at the moment), I also have three severe autoimmune disorders. One of them requires that I take warfarin (blood thinner) daily and that my INR levels are between 3.5 and 4. That basically means the slightest injury results in severe bruising and if I went to ground or whacked  my head, a brain bleed or internal bleed were very definate possibilities. We also have the small matter of severe osteoporosis, which has blessed me with three separate rib fractures...all without a fall or injury. So if I fell, I'd either bleed or break, or both...take your pick. Then the other matter of my two stuffed shoulders came to the fore. Other members might remember this other saga, where the best I can do is perform my "demented penguin" routine. I can flap my arms from the elbows, but reaching up to scratch my head, or, heaven forbid, try to break a fall, would be impossible. But the best of the best is as follows. This shoulder (and the elbows to a lesser degree) mean that although I can only just blot the dewdrops off my daisy when going to the loo, reaching the ...ummm. back door is an impossibility. I can tickle my cheeks, but getting to the bottom of the matter, so to say, is not on. After such activities, I have to shower to sort it out. Then my long suffering husband has to help dry and dress me. I pointed out to the social worker that I thought there were few places of employment who would take on the risk or that they would have a co worker at hand to wipe my bum. I think the last was the winner.

Alliejay Oh your journey has not been nice to you at all. I am so sorry you have been through this and still going through it. I am glad you pointd out to the social worker  about limited places of empolyment and it sounds very limited to what you can do and they should take this into consideration. The last comment definately would have woken them up to the fact you are serious. I am glad you got over the line and they approved it for you. Thinking of you and thank you for sharing your journey. talke care xo

Keeping_positive1 said:

Sorry to hear of your struggle with your Disability Support Pension claim.  Services Australia (Centrelink) are not there to help you unfortunately, as they will not give you the advise you need.  Firstly, you need to ring them up and ask for a review, this is done by the ARO (Authorised Review Officer) and you have to make sure you contact them and ask for the review.  The timeframe is 4 weeks to act on asking for a review. Once this is done, and if they don't find any discrepancy from what the JCA assessed and you are still not happy with the result you can take it to AAT, first Level 1, then Level 2. 

You can put in any additional medical reports within the 13 weeks period if it is relevant at the time you first put in your application for a DSP.  Also you mentioned that you are on a waiting list for back surgery, unfortunately Centrelink expect that your health conditions are Fully Diagnosed Treated and Stabilised (FDTS), and that would be one reason they perhaps will not allocate any points on the Spinal Table.  It really stinks, doesn't it?

Also with the mental health issues, a report from a Clinical psychologist is needed or from a psychiatrist.  Centrelink will not allocate any points under Table 5 unless you have the report from a CLINICAL psychologist or a psychiatrist, a counsellor or just any counselling psychologist will not suffice.

They will not tell you that you need to do a POS (Program of Support) for 18 months BEFORE you apply and be exited from the program.  The program is essentially to help you get back into work, but if you get 20 points under one Table then you do not need to do the POS.

As @AllyJay says, a Social Worker may be able to assist you.  Also I suggest you do not give up on receiving a Disability Pension, as this will really assist you to get the allied health care that would benefit you, afterall that is really why we need a disability pension.  

If you have difficulty with public transport you may be eligible for a mobility allowance, that is independent of whether you receive a DSP or are on Jobseeker allowance. 

Best wishes with the appeal.
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