DSP claim

@Former-Member Hi.. Does that mean that you have been successful in a DSP claim?

@Cin it's not an experience I've had, sorry- I was just supporting your post and hoping that you'll get some helpful responses from people who've been through this process 😊

Thank you for letting me know @Former-Member and your support.

Hi @Cin

I just wanted to reach out and offer you some support

Several years ago, I lodged an application for a Disability Support Payment (in relation to the mental health issues that I live with) and my application was approved

I would love to be able to offer you some support and as such, I just wondered if you would feel comfortable sharing a little bit more information about how I can help you

Take care,

ShiningStar

Hi @ShiningStar.. I would be so grateful of any help you could provide.

26 years ago I suffered post natal depression and all though I recovered l have suffered and been diagnosed with major depressive order pretty much ever since.

Early this year l was finally diagnosed with mixed personality disorder with cluster b traits. I am still coming to terms with this and desperately seeking help.

I have been linked with a mental health supporter who originally was positive about seeking a DSP claim but now is back peddling. I have only been seeing my current GP for about a month who whilst is very supportive and has given me a 3 month medical exemption for centrelink can't do a lot more?

I have an appointment to start seeing a psychologist next week with my GP writing a mental health plan and to see a psychiatrist in September (earliest appointment).

Any suggestions on what you would be worthwhile in regards to the DSP would be very much appreciated.

Hi @Cin

My pleasure - it’s so lovely to hear from you

Thank you so much for sharing this part of your story

I’m so sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with postnatal depression and that you’ve recently been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and a mixed personality disorder

In my experience, receiving a diagnosis can evoke a variety of powerful emotions and I can hear that you’re really wrestling with this.

As such, I just ever so gently wanted to encourage you to be patient with yourself, as it can take time to process this information

In my experience, navigating the various health care systems and finding the resources that we so desperately need can be incredibly confusing, frustrating and overwhelming and from what you shared, I think that you’re doing a wonderful job of organising the care and support that you need

That’s great that your GP is so supportive! From what you described; it sounds as though they provided you with a ‘Centrelink Medical Certificate’ to enable you to receive an exemption from addressing the mutual obligation requirements associated with the job seeker payment

Applying for the Disability Support Payment can be an incredibly overwhelming and confusing process and I’m only too happy to share some of my thoughts in relation to this

When I completed my application, I was asked to provide medical evidence from my treating mental health professionals. As such, it may be beneficial for you to have a conversation with the mental health professionals who are involved in your care, to ensure that they’re able to provide you with the necessary documentation.

Also, from my understanding, Centrelink stipulate that you need to provide medical evidence from a Psychiatrist and / or a Clinical Psychologist.

I noticed that you have an upcoming appointment with a Psychologist and as such I just wondered if they’re a Clinical Psychologist?

If they’re a Psychologist, I would strongly encourage you to contact Centrelink to determine if they will accept medical evidence from a Psychologist (instead of a Clinical Psychologist) as this may impact your application.

You can contact Centrelink’s Disability, Sickness and Carers line on: 13 27 17 Monday to Friday from 8.00am until 5.00pm 😊

I’ve also provided a link that outlines the specific criteria in relation to the medical evidence that Centrelink require, in case you would like to explore this further:

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/disability-support-pension/how-we-assess-your-claim/medical-evidence#a3

Also, another criteria that’s really important to be aware of is that you must be considered ‘fully diagnosed, treated and stabilised.’

As such, it’s crucial that the mental health professionals who are providing medical evidence address this criteria.

I’ve just provided a link that includes some additional information about this particular criteria, in case you would like to explore this further:

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/disability-support-pension/who-can-get-it/medical-rules/general-medical-rules/fully-diagnosed-treated-and-stabilised

Please reach back to me if you have any other questions, or if I can provide any additional support

I hope that this helps you a little bit

Take care of yourself,

ShiningStar

Can't thank you enough @ShiningStar for all your valuable information and support. Yes to be honest I am overwhelmed with the diagnosis, finding help and the DSP process. I find these forums incredibly helpful and I am glad that I finally reached out. I will definitely look into whether my psychologist is a clinical one or not. I am not feeling too positive about being able to gain the information that Centrelink require as I have only just started with counselling this time around. I do really appreciate you going into such detail with what I require for the claim. I guess part of me is having trouble accepting my recent diagnosis and also that it is life long.

Hi @Cin Nice to meet you!

I have 3 mental illnesses - depression, schizophrenia and Borderline Personality Disorder- and I admit that I did get approved for DSP but that was back in August 2009 so a fair while ago. I can't remember exactly how I got approved because I was in a different state and in different circumstances but I do know it was relatively easy for me back then. I do know that it is a lot harder to get DSP now with the federal government cutting down on the amount of people being eligible for it and all of the paperwork that is needed to get the benefit but I do give you my support for trying to get this payment. Good luck to you! What I know is that I doubt that I would be lucky to get DSP if I was to try now because of my conditions, despite the schizophrenia being probably my hardest illness to deal with.

The best tips I can give you is have all of your paperwork and documents ready to go, such as detailed medical reports from a psychiatrist or specialist as I do know that Centrelink can take a bad view to GP letters as they don't seem to think they are specialised mental health professionals. Any hospital admissions letters can also support your case as well if that is relevant to you. Be prepared to keep on trying as often you do get knocked back the first time for only reasons that Centrelink believe to be relevant so that is also something to be aware of.

I wish you all the best and hope you receive the payment in the future!

Judi9877

Thank you @Judi9877 for your detailed reply and support for me in my DSP claim. It is very much appreciated.

Hi @Cin

You’re welcome

I’m so pleased that you decided to reach out to the SANE forums

Sometimes the opportunity to connect with people who share similar experiences to our own, can provide a level of comfort, understanding and support that can be difficult to find elsewhere

Absolutely In my experience, coming to terms with a diagnosis can be incredibly challenging and we can often find ourselves wrestling with so many different emotions such as shock, disbelief, confusion and uncertainty.

As such, I just ever so gently wanted to reassure you that you’re always welcome to share your experiences here with us, as there will be so many people who will be able to relate to what’s happening for you

Also, if you feel that you need some additional support, you’re always welcome to contact the SANE helpline

I wasn’t too sure if you were familiar with this, but basically, the helpline is staffed by qualified mental health professionals who provide support to people who are living with complex mental health issues. In addition, they also provide support for people who are caring for a loved one who is living with complex mental health issues

I’ve contacted the helpline on several occasions and I’ve always had a really positive experience where I felt supported and understood

If you would like to contact them, their telephone number is: 1800 18 7263.

They operate Monday to Friday from 10.00am until 10.00pm AEST.

In addition to telephone support, they also provide support via web chat and email.

Sometimes it can be difficult to get through on the telephone, but if this is something that you’re interested in you could always schedule an appointment via their website - that way you can guarantee that you’ll be able to talk with someone on a day that best works for you

I’ve just provided the link to this information, in case this is something that you would like to explore further:

https://www.sane.org/counselling-support

When I was going through the process of applying for the Disability Support Payment, one of the things that really helped me, was setting aside a small amount of time during the week to read through each section of the application

Through doing so, I was able to pace myself and gather all of the supporting evidence that I needed ahead of time which helped to alleviate some of the pressure!

With this in mind, Centrelink have created a simple flow chart that outlines all of the steps that you need to complete before you lodge your application.

I’ve just provided the link to this information in case this is something that’s helpful for you:

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/disability-support-pension/how-claim

I can really appreciate your concerns in relation to being able to obtain the necessary medical evidence and when I was completing my application, this was something that I felt incredibly anxious about too.

I also felt concerned that Centrelink would question my medical evidence, as I had only been attending appointments with my Therapist for three months (which equated to a total of six appointments) when I lodged my application.

However, despite the relatively short amount of time that we had been working together, Centrelink accepted the medical evidence provided by my Therapist

Also, shortly after I submitted my application, I had to participate in an assessment interview with a Clinical Psychologist appointed by Centrelink. I’m not too sure if you’ll be required to participate in any further assessments, but if you are, I’m more than happy to provide you with some support in relation to this part of the process

Please know that you’re more than welcome to reach out to me whenever you need too

Take care of yourself,

ShiningStar