Work

The only applicants who are automatically approved for a disability pension are these. Legally blind, I.Q of below 70 or terminally ill with a life expectancy of 2 years or less. Other than that, you have to jump through the hoops where you have to score at least 20 points on their forms. These points are "earned" based on actual physical disability, such as "Upper limb disability" which scores points on a sliding scale. Lower limbs, incontinence, partial blindness, deafness etc. However, the devil is in the detail, as each potential category states that the applicants declaration of the disability is not sufficient. There needs to be medically documented detail of the nature of the disability, when it was diagnosed, by whom it was diagnosed, and most importantly, pathology reports, x rays, ct scans and so on to verify this. There is a very detailed document on the internet. Google Centrelink Disability Pension Points, make a hard copy, then assess yourself as to what you think you would "earn" for each potential point. Then I would suggest you consult the hospital social worker to advise and assist you through the process. Of course, if your oncologist states in writing that your disease is that far advanced and that treatment is no longer working for you and that your expected time left is less than two years, then the social worker should be able to fast track the application. good luck with it all.