Lived Experience Forum

[Cin]

Hello,

I am just wondering if anyone has had a successful claim for DSP for MI please?

[Cin]

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

[Former-Member]

@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 😊

[Cin]

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

[ShiningStar]

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 

[Cin]

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. 

[ShiningStar]

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-...

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-...

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 

[Cin]

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. 

[Judi9877]

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

[Cin]

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