The Albanese government has put an end to a disability support pension (DSP) proposal that would have made it more difficult for claimants with drug and alcohol-related illnesses to access pensions.

A spokesperson for the Department of Social Services confirmed the development as part of the budget process.

‘The reversal of this measure is a clean slate on this issue, as the department continues its review of the disability support pension impairment tables,’ they said.

A similar move gained ground in 2018 under the former Coalition government, but it was rejected by the Senate.

But despite this plan being scrapped, the Albanese government is still being pressured to act on problems with the structure of the DSP.

In 2021, a Senate inquiry found ‘serious flaws’ with the disability support pension system, which led to recommendations of improvements such as allowing applicants to qualify for DSP with an accumulated 20 points and not 20 points under one assessment table.

For an applicant to qualify, they must satisfy strict requirements such as obtaining a 20-point ‘severe’ rating under one table.

The government has backed down on a proposal that would have endangered the access of those with drug and alcohol-related issues from disability support. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Cottonbro Studio

The government uses various tables to assess applicants for DSP, which covers many bodily functions such as brain function, digestive and reproductive function, and limb function.

The inquiry, led by Greens senator Janet Rice (we’ve included a useful video at the end of the article), also pushed for the review of a rule requiring a condition to be ‘fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised’ over concerns it holds back many people with systemic access issues from getting aid.

Now, the Albanese government has proposed new impairment tables as part of once-a-decade reviews on rules governing disability pension eligibility.

‘The proposed changes to the Impairment Tables are to improve consistency, address advancements in medical technology and terminology, provide clearer guidance and improve accessibility.’ the Department of Social Services said.

‘The changes aim to ensure there is better clarity around eligibility for the Disability Support Pension.’

Other key changes are requirements for health conditions to just be ‘diagnosed, reasonably treated, and stabilised’ to qualify for DSP.

Persons with conditions like cancer are also expected to have easier access to DSP, while those with mental health conditions must first obtain evidence from registered psychologists.

A 2021 Senate review found many points for improvement in Australia’s disability guidelines. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Anas Aldyab

But the new tables have received mixed reactions, with some concerned they are still preventing many people in need of financial aid from accessing disability aid.

For one, Rice claimed the changes were ‘a few minor tweaks’ that ignored her Senate panel’s findings in 2021.

One key criticism from her was that the rule on illnesses being ‘diagnosed, reasonably treated, and stabilised’ should have been scrapped outright as it still presented a hurdle for those with disabilities.

This is an opinion shared by Kristin O’Connor, a DSP recipient and spokesperson of the Antipoverty Centre.

‘If it’s functionally impairing you, why should you need to have those criteria fulfilled?’ she asked.

Others also saw the need for improvement despite the welcome changes.

‘Too often the word “unable” appears in the suggested reforms, rather than “experiences severe difficulty in performing”,’ said Ian Turton of the Illawarra Legal Centre.

‘These are meant to assess their ability to work. In the workplace, the issue isn’t the ability to do something once off and then rest. It’s “can this person sustain tasks like this in a work-based environment?”’

‘Some of the tables are still an “all or nothing” test. I’ve seen Centrelink lawyers say, “This client picked up a pen, which means they can lean forward and pick up a light object”, which is one of the tests in the tables. There are too many gotcha moments in the changes.’

Australian Council of Social Service Chief Executive Cassandra Goldie meanwhile found a few things to celebrate in the revised impairment tables, such as improved recognition of disabilities and conditions, including neurodiversity.

‘Ultimately, however, amendments to the impairment tables can only go so far,’ she said.

‘The real issues with access to DSP will still need to be addressed.’

Key Takeaways

• The Albanese government has backed down from a proposal that would have made it harder for people with drug and alcohol-related conditions to get access to the disability support pension.
• Advocates have had mixed reactions to the proposed revisions, which have been criticised by welfare groups for blocking many people from government support.
• But advocates say the language in some of the new impairment tables would be problematic for some applicants.

DSP varies on a case-to-case basis, but the maximum basic rate for a single person aged 21 and above without a child per fortnight is currently $936.80.

Figures from the Department of Social Services earlier revealed that around 358,000 Australians, about 43.1%, on JobSeeker payment only had a ‘partial capacity to work’ for 15-30 hours weekly.

These people included those with various ailments, including cancer, musculoskeletal or connective tissue diseases, and mental health conditions.

What is your reaction to this story? What other changes do you think could be done so more people with disabilities can access the disability support pension?

Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!

Source: YouTube/Australian Greens​

 

[justjo]

The Albanese government has put an end to a disability support pension (DSP) proposal that would have made it more difficult for claimants with drug and alcohol-related illnesses to access pensions.

A spokesperson for the Department of Social Services confirmed the development as part of the budget process.

‘The reversal of this measure is a clean slate on this issue, as the department continues its review of the disability support pension impairment tables,’ they said.

A similar move gained ground in 2018 under the former Coalition government, but it was rejected by the Senate.

But despite this plan being scrapped, the Albanese government is still being pressured to act on problems with the structure of the DSP.

In 2021, a Senate inquiry found ‘serious flaws’ with the disability support pension system, which led to recommendations of improvements such as allowing applicants to qualify for DSP with an accumulated 20 points and not 20 points under one assessment table.

For an applicant to qualify, they must satisfy strict requirements such as obtaining a 20-point ‘severe’ rating under one table.

View attachment 9428

The government has backed down on a proposal that would have endangered the access of those with drug and alcohol-related issues from disability support. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Cottonbro Studio

The government uses various tables to assess applicants for DSP, which covers many bodily functions such as brain function, digestive and reproductive function, and limb function.

The inquiry, led by Greens senator Janet Rice (we’ve included a useful video at the end of the article), also pushed for the review of a rule requiring a condition to be ‘fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised’ over concerns it holds back many people with systemic access issues from getting aid.

Now, the Albanese government has proposed new impairment tables as part of once-a-decade reviews on rules governing disability pension eligibility.

‘The proposed changes to the Impairment Tables are to improve consistency, address advancements in medical technology and terminology, provide clearer guidance and improve accessibility.’ the Department of Social Services said.

‘The changes aim to ensure there is better clarity around eligibility for the Disability Support Pension.’

Other key changes are requirements for health conditions to just be ‘diagnosed, reasonably treated, and stabilised’ to qualify for DSP.

Persons with conditions like cancer are also expected to have easier access to DSP, while those with mental health conditions must first obtain evidence from registered psychologists.

View attachment 9427

A 2021 Senate review found many points for improvement in Australia’s disability guidelines. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Anas Aldyab

But the new tables have received mixed reactions, with some concerned they are still preventing many people in need of financial aid from accessing disability aid.

For one, Rice claimed the changes were ‘a few minor tweaks’ that ignored her Senate panel’s findings in 2021.

One key criticism from her was that the rule on illnesses being ‘diagnosed, reasonably treated, and stabilised’ should have been scrapped outright as it still presented a hurdle for those with disabilities.

This is an opinion shared by Kristin O’Connor, a DSP recipient and spokesperson of the Antipoverty Centre.

‘If it’s functionally impairing you, why should you need to have those criteria fulfilled?’ she asked.

Others also saw the need for improvement despite the welcome changes.

‘Too often the word “unable” appears in the suggested reforms, rather than “experiences severe difficulty in performing”,’ said Ian Turton of the Illawarra Legal Centre.

‘These are meant to assess their ability to work. In the workplace, the issue isn’t the ability to do something once off and then rest. It’s “can this person sustain tasks like this in a work-based environment?”’

‘Some of the tables are still an “all or nothing” test. I’ve seen Centrelink lawyers say, “This client picked up a pen, which means they can lean forward and pick up a light object”, which is one of the tests in the tables. There are too many gotcha moments in the changes.’

Australian Council of Social Service Chief Executive Cassandra Goldie meanwhile found a few things to celebrate in the revised impairment tables, such as improved recognition of disabilities and conditions, including neurodiversity.

‘Ultimately, however, amendments to the impairment tables can only go so far,’ she said.

‘The real issues with access to DSP will still need to be addressed.’

Key Takeaways

• The Albanese government has backed down from a proposal that would have made it harder for people with drug and alcohol-related conditions to get access to the disability support pension.
• Advocates have had mixed reactions to the proposed revisions, which have been criticised by welfare groups for blocking many people from government support.
• But advocates say the language in some of the new impairment tables would be problematic for some applicants.

DSP varies on a case-to-case basis, but the maximum basic rate for a single person aged 21 and above without a child per fortnight is currently $936.80.

Figures from the Department of Social Services earlier revealed that around 358,000 Australians, about 43.1%, on JobSeeker payment only had a ‘partial capacity to work’ for 15-30 hours weekly.

These people included those with various ailments, including cancer, musculoskeletal or connective tissue diseases, and mental health conditions.

What is your reaction to this story? What other changes do you think could be done so more people with disabilities can access the disability support pension?

Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!

Source: YouTube/Australian Greens​

After my son passed away in 2013, I sank into deep depression and anxiety and eventually my body just screamed pain all day everyday. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It took 5 years of constantly submitting forms for the DSP. I had a mountain of paperwork from specialists and psychologists, but they kept denying. I never gave up and was finally granted DSP after 5 years. Because I could walk unaided and I looked "normal" there was no reason for me not to work. Also, I'm in my 60's. No one would hire me.v

 

[TomDevine55]

I don't feel that drugs and alcohol are a dissabillity. The person chose to take those. People that can never work again due to back problems, (due to no fault of their own)that can't sit or stand for a period of time greater than 15mins should be able to get onto dissabillity payments, not anyone that continues to consume drugs and/or alcohol.

What they also cosdier a disability is those that sit on the computers playing games and get payed foe it by our taxes.

 

[Jenni W]

I completely understand the blackness and not being able to foresee anything. I loved working and even now I help my parents and their friends with tech stuff or getting onto telstra with complaints etc.

You’re case is definitely one that you NEED to be on DSP! The stress from having to get those medical certificates is making your mental health issues worse. I know because I went through that!

As you mentioned the psychologist appointments. Yes you get some little rebate but you still need to pay that upfront. I can’t afford that. I’m limited to “free” mental health services due to being in a regional area. Also being a single middle-aged female without children, there’s no support services for us. We fall through the cracks. I have tried the free counselling but I couldn’t do it. Having agoraphobia as well, I find it hard to gel with people, if I don’t feel comfortable, I can’t open up!
Although I’m doing great on here!

I had to go through several medications before they found the correct one for me so I agree you should try and find a psychiatrist. They’re generally more expensive and It stupidly takes forever to get in for your initial appointment.

I wish you well Suzanne, and I really hope the government pulls their heads outta their wazoos to realise people like you need DSP More so than alcoholics or addicts. Nobody put a gun to their head and made them drink or take drugs, it was their choice!

Whereas people like us, we don’t have a choice x

Drug and alcohol addiction are illnesses like any other disease and all deserve equal weight for DSP

 

[RobD]

I do agree that drug and alcohol problems cause great disability to the user, having a 50 year old son with drug problems.
However, I think the point that people are making is that was the choice of the user.In the case of my son, he has caused great stress and mental anguish in my life, thinking that every knock on the door could be the police to tell me he is dead.
Meanwhile, his sister (disabled) struggles on with her life and has been cursed with oral cancer 3 times.

Sorry, but I find it hard to sympathise with addicts, this was their choice.

Addiction is not a choice. This is a fact.
Addictive disorders are covered in the DSM5.
In ICD 11 under substance use disorders. Addiction also includes behavioural disorders including gambling.
DSM 5. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th edition published by the American Psychiatric Association.
ICD 11. International Classification of Diseases 11th revision. World Health Organisation. The global standard for diagnostic information.

 

[Riorita]

The Albanese government has put an end to a disability support pension (DSP) proposal that would have made it more difficult for claimants with drug and alcohol-related illnesses to access pensions.

A spokesperson for the Department of Social Services confirmed the development as part of the budget process.

‘The reversal of this measure is a clean slate on this issue, as the department continues its review of the disability support pension impairment tables,’ they said.

A similar move gained ground in 2018 under the former Coalition government, but it was rejected by the Senate.

But despite this plan being scrapped, the Albanese government is still being pressured to act on problems with the structure of the DSP.

In 2021, a Senate inquiry found ‘serious flaws’ with the disability support pension system, which led to recommendations of improvements such as allowing applicants to qualify for DSP with an accumulated 20 points and not 20 points under one assessment table.

For an applicant to qualify, they must satisfy strict requirements such as obtaining a 20-point ‘severe’ rating under one table.

View attachment 9428

The government has backed down on a proposal that would have endangered the access of those with drug and alcohol-related issues from disability support. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Cottonbro Studio

The government uses various tables to assess applicants for DSP, which covers many bodily functions such as brain function, digestive and reproductive function, and limb function.

The inquiry, led by Greens senator Janet Rice (we’ve included a useful video at the end of the article), also pushed for the review of a rule requiring a condition to be ‘fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised’ over concerns it holds back many people with systemic access issues from getting aid.

Now, the Albanese government has proposed new impairment tables as part of once-a-decade reviews on rules governing disability pension eligibility.

‘The proposed changes to the Impairment Tables are to improve consistency, address advancements in medical technology and terminology, provide clearer guidance and improve accessibility.’ the Department of Social Services said.

‘The changes aim to ensure there is better clarity around eligibility for the Disability Support Pension.’

Other key changes are requirements for health conditions to just be ‘diagnosed, reasonably treated, and stabilised’ to qualify for DSP.

Persons with conditions like cancer are also expected to have easier access to DSP, while those with mental health conditions must first obtain evidence from registered psychologists.

View attachment 9427

A 2021 Senate review found many points for improvement in Australia’s disability guidelines. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Anas Aldyab

But the new tables have received mixed reactions, with some concerned they are still preventing many people in need of financial aid from accessing disability aid.

For one, Rice claimed the changes were ‘a few minor tweaks’ that ignored her Senate panel’s findings in 2021.

One key criticism from her was that the rule on illnesses being ‘diagnosed, reasonably treated, and stabilised’ should have been scrapped outright as it still presented a hurdle for those with disabilities.

This is an opinion shared by Kristin O’Connor, a DSP recipient and spokesperson of the Antipoverty Centre.

‘If it’s functionally impairing you, why should you need to have those criteria fulfilled?’ she asked.

Others also saw the need for improvement despite the welcome changes.

‘Too often the word “unable” appears in the suggested reforms, rather than “experiences severe difficulty in performing”,’ said Ian Turton of the Illawarra Legal Centre.

‘These are meant to assess their ability to work. In the workplace, the issue isn’t the ability to do something once off and then rest. It’s “can this person sustain tasks like this in a work-based environment?”’

‘Some of the tables are still an “all or nothing” test. I’ve seen Centrelink lawyers say, “This client picked up a pen, which means they can lean forward and pick up a light object”, which is one of the tests in the tables. There are too many gotcha moments in the changes.’

Australian Council of Social Service Chief Executive Cassandra Goldie meanwhile found a few things to celebrate in the revised impairment tables, such as improved recognition of disabilities and conditions, including neurodiversity.

‘Ultimately, however, amendments to the impairment tables can only go so far,’ she said.

‘The real issues with access to DSP will still need to be addressed.’

Key Takeaways

• The Albanese government has backed down from a proposal that would have made it harder for people with drug and alcohol-related conditions to get access to the disability support pension.
• Advocates have had mixed reactions to the proposed revisions, which have been criticised by welfare groups for blocking many people from government support.
• But advocates say the language in some of the new impairment tables would be problematic for some applicants.

DSP varies on a case-to-case basis, but the maximum basic rate for a single person aged 21 and above without a child per fortnight is currently $936.80.

Figures from the Department of Social Services earlier revealed that around 358,000 Australians, about 43.1%, on JobSeeker payment only had a ‘partial capacity to work’ for 15-30 hours weekly.

These people included those with various ailments, including cancer, musculoskeletal or connective tissue diseases, and mental health conditions.

What is your reaction to this story? What other changes do you think could be done so more people with disabilities can access the disability support pension?

Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!

Source: YouTube/Australian Greens​

I agree BIG changes needed.....thorough check required for these so called disability ....lot of these people could push a pen ......could work.....too many abusing the system.....

 

[Suzanne rose]

What they also cosdier a disability is those that sit on the computers playing games and get payed foe it by our taxes.

I think those are the ones that are on the dole and living at home.

If you can work why wouldn't you want to? You can't survive for long on centrelink payments

What I'm receiving on jobseeker every fortnight , (I hand in a medical certificate every 12 weeks ) I made double of that in 1 week. I know if I was well enough to work I wouldn't hesitate

 

[Stinker]

As a person who has suffered from ovarian cancer and breast cancer, I found it very hard to get the DSP. My Oncologist tried a couple of times and was knocked back.
I finally told my Oncologist to go on line, and download all the information.
He did so and when he filled the form out the next time I was accepted, I also received a phone call from Centrelink informing me that I was accepted, and apologising.
I am now on the Old age Pension, and still alive.
It doesn’t matter what disables you, sickness (mental or physical) or addiction (alcohol or drugs) and cannot work you should be able to get the DSP.

Stinker.

 

[Penny4]

As a person who has suffered from ovarian cancer and breast cancer, I found it very hard to get the DSP. My Oncologist tried a couple of times and was knocked back.
I finally told my Oncologist to go on line, and download all the information.
He did so and when he filled the form out the next time I was accepted, I also received a phone call from Centrelink informing me that I was accepted, and apologising.
I am now on the Old age Pension, and still alive.
It doesn’t matter what disables you, sickness (mental or physical) or addiction (alcohol or drugs) and cannot work you should be able to get the DSP.

Stinker.

Very pleased you survived ovarian cancer as it's such a silent killer for women.
I remember when my son was 21 and diagnosed with thyroid cancer and couldn't work while getting treatment.
He wasn't able to get Govt payments because he had $ in his bank account. At that time, people needed to be broke to get Jobseeker.

 

[Nana Zorak]

my son-in-law is a 3 times cancer survivor who has to be on New start, as he has too many reasons why he can't work 15 hours a week (ie) he can't allow his core temperature to rise as he has lost all the lymph nodes in his left arm to cancer also he can't work in the sun due to melanoma. He also had a mass on a kidney that resulted in the loss of his kidney to cancer. So why can't he access the higher rate?

 

[BRIAN KK]

If you can't hold down employment because of the effects of any illness then you should get DSP. Long term alcohol or drug abuse including cigarettes etc, can have devestating effects on the body but let's face it they are a choice , so are self inflicted, but they are legal substances. What is in excuseable is DSP approval to those who are still inflicting themselves with any of these substances including substitutes. Even this scenario differs, as if you can't breathe properly thru smoking you usually don't qualify for DSP wether you've stopped or not. Copd, cancer etc.. should be no brainers and qualify automatically. Your quality of life which really means your day to day capability is impaired for whatever reason and you should qualify provided you've taken all the steps you can to avoid further damage. Cancer may go into remission, copd may be stable but the damage is done, you'll have your good days and you'll have your bad days, these diseases won't magically dissapear. It is called DISABILITY support payment isn't it??

 

[Chicky]

A family member of mine was told by Centrelink that she was to crazy to get the Pension, she was attacked at work sexually the first time then violently the second time. She has been diagnosed with Compounded PSTD.
They still won't put her on a pension. this is another example a young fella I know who is on marijuana went into Centrelink and when the person who was interviewing him found out he likes the marijuana he actually asked him if he wanted to be put on the pension the young man said know he actually wanted a job instead. which I might add he found one for himself after waiting a very long time for help.
Look I know it would be a very Job but have some compassion in the right place.

 

[Suzanne rose]

As a person who has suffered from ovarian cancer and breast cancer, I found it very hard to get the DSP. My Oncologist tried a couple of times and was knocked back.
I finally told my Oncologist to go on line, and download all the information.
He did so and when he filled the form out the next time I was accepted, I also received a phone call from Centrelink informing me that I was accepted, and apologising.
I am now on the Old age Pension, and still alive.
It doesn’t matter what disables you, sickness (mental or physical) or addiction (alcohol or drugs) and cannot work you should be able to get the DSP.

Stinker.

 

[Maude64]

Good for people going through debilitating cancers etc, drug and alcohol however need to be monitored closely with consideration that people are genuinely trying to get sober even though it's a life long disease. Too many staying on methadone and other treatments for years and still using.

I have applied for DSP, I have severe arthritis in my spine and feet, also mild in my hips and have had room knee replacements, and have also torn tendons in my shoulders and have been knocked back as well. I can still shower and dress myself so I don't qualify.

 

[lollyman7]

After years of being on sickness benefits due to a damaged dorsal nerve condition, and having to endure 3 failed operations at 3 of Adelaide's major hospitals plus attending Adelaide Royal Hospitals Cronic Pain Clinic I was thrown back onto unemployment benefits In 1991 I approached Centrelink for help in starting a business from home-instead I was sent to the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service where I was required to lift a 30kg weight within a milk crate by an Occupational Therapist who was sub-contracted for $500 to conduct the test.. Knowing failure to comply would result in a suspension of benefits for 13 weeks I complied as I could not survive with a wife and 3 children without any benefits for 13 weeks. My back collapsed immediately but I was told I lifted the weight the wrong way and was told to continue lifting the weight The pain ensuring would not allow me to sleep for days-which I reported to them. My doctor at the time was shocked that I was even asked to perform such a reckless procedure by a Centrelink clerk. My ongoing pain was so severe it sent me into a deep depression and eventually lost my marriage and home. I then had a letter published in the Adelaide Advertiser outlining the problems only to find out a day later that Centrelink had deleted all my data including my medical procedures. When I approached the Commonwealth Ombudsman about the deletion he said there was nothing he could do about it. I then went to a lawyer who had to sue the sub-contracted Occupational Therapists as the Commonwealth Rehabilitation washed its hands regarding the matter. At the court, the matter was settled between the layers for $16,000. Unfortunately, I must have picked the wrong layer as he decided to pocket the whole settlement and when I complained to the Law Society they said the lawyer told them I wasn't interested in the money, I only wanted to prove a point! All this happened in 1991 and I still suffer the pain from that ill-advised test-Fortunately I had enough doctors attest to my pain and I was placed on the disability pension as a result of government incompetence. So I can easily empathize with disabled folk who are denied access to a disability pension.

 

[Ezzy]

Those who think that drug and alcohol addiction are not disabilities and are self inflicted are very very wrong. I used to be judgemental on these issues until I was personally affected in my family. There is very little help out there. Thank God for the Salvation Army and their rehab and 12 steps program who eventually saved us from this misery.

You fortunately took positive action & sought help for your condition but alcohol & drug addiction does not happen by chance, does it?

Would you agree that some people may use drinking & drugs as a means to an end, a way to 'get away from the stresses of life' so they don't have to accept responsibility for their actions, & eventually forget why it was that they started getting drunk? There is always an option to seek help as you did.

As a Salvationist l have seen the 12 steps programme in practice & enjoyed participating in their mid- week evening meetings occasionally. I can sympathize with these people but know they must accept responsibility for their actions & seek help so as not to be a burden on family & 'The System' as a whole.

 

[Suzanne rose]

After years of being on sickness benefits due to a damaged dorsal nerve condition, and having to endure 3 failed operations at 3 of Adelaide's major hospitals plus attending Adelaide Royal Hospitals Cronic Pain Clinic I was thrown back onto unemployment benefits In 1991 I approached Centrelink for help in starting a business from home-instead I was sent to the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service where I was required to lift a 30kg weight within a milk crate by an Occupational Therapist who was sub-contracted for $500 to conduct the test.. Knowing failure to comply would result in a suspension of benefits for 13 weeks I complied as I could not survive with a wife and 3 children without any benefits for 13 weeks. My back collapsed immediately but I was told I lifted the weight the wrong way and was told to continue lifting the weight The pain ensuring would not allow me to sleep for days-which I reported to them. My doctor at the time was shocked that I was even asked to perform such a reckless procedure by a Centrelink clerk. My ongoing pain was so severe it sent me into a deep depression and eventually lost my marriage and home. I then had a letter published in the Adelaide Advertiser outlining the problems only to find out a day later that Centrelink had deleted all my data including my medical procedures. When I approached the Commonwealth Ombudsman about the deletion he said there was nothing he could do about it. I then went to a lawyer who had to sue the sub-contracted Occupational Therapists as the Commonwealth Rehabilitation washed its hands regarding the matter. At the court, the matter was settled between the layers for $16,000. Unfortunately, I must have picked the wrong layer as he decided to pocket the whole settlement and when I complained to the Law Society they said the lawyer told them I wasn't interested in the money, I only wanted to prove a point! All this happened in 1991 and I still suffer the pain from that ill-advised test-Fortunately I had enough doctors attest to my pain and I was placed on the disability pension as a result of government incompetence. So I can easily empathize with disabled folk who are denied access to a disability pension.

Omg what a horrible experience, I hope you have gotten on top of the pain

 

[Suzanne rose]

Drug and alcohol addiction are illnesses like any other disease and all deserve equal weight for DSP

I'm sorry drugs and alcohol are a personal choice then it becomes an illness if you don't have the will power to get off it

I had friends that upgraded from pot to heroin and most never got off it and a few died
It was their choice to use it and it was my choice not too

Two off my sisters chose to use heroin

one of those was only 12 when she became addicted, she was in rehab , was clean for 2 years then was addicted again, she is now 53 and is still a junkie ..her choice

The other started using at the age of 21, had six kids which were all taken from her . She is now 55 and is addicted to ice. This was her choice

I have helped them and helped them but they don't want to give up. Meanwhile both are receiving pensions.

My daughter inlaw was born to a heroin addict and had hid from my son that she was using , she managed to get off it with the help from my son but after a couple of years she was using again , she is now addicted to ice. My son has sent and paid for rehab 5 times, one in Thailand which cost him $25,000 . She has just completed another 6 week stint in rehab. Each time she goes back on it it's her choice.

Drugs and alcohol is a person's choice unless someone held a gun to their head

My pain and suffering isn't my choice

 

[Ezzy]

I worked for many years and loved my job . But after surgery gone very wrong I suffer pain in my stomach and back and the worst thing is severe depression and anxiety.

I was one of those who use to think why can't someone control their mind and thoughts.

After my surgery in November 2019, I went from a person who helped others, worked hard and enjoyed life. Now I've gone to someone who sometimes just can't get out of bed, who cries for no reason, who sees nothing but blackness, there you go I'm shaking and crying now.

I've been seeing a psychologist for over a year at a cost of $180, I get a certain ammount each year under Medicare but unless I've hit the threshold I am still out of pocket $80.

I had to stop work beginning of 2021 due to the chronic infection in my stomach and depression, I went on jobseeker which I have to give a medical certificate every 3 months

My psychologist told me on Wednesday to apply for disability payment that she will do my forms. I'm on Lyrica for nerve pain and Escitalopram for depression.
Both my GP and psychologist want me to see a psychiatrist to get stronger medication.

I haven't applied for DSP as people have told me it's hard to go on although my brother who is 4 years younger than me , he is 57 has been on it for 5 years due to being an alcoholic .

This is the first time I've been on centrelink, I've always worked and paid my taxes and became the breed winner 15 years ago.

They need to fix this and give it too the people who need it

I can attest & sympathize with what you have been through & are still undergoing. I started seeing a Psychologist when l was about 4 or 5 y.o. & have seen all types of councillors in this medical bracket up to about 5 years ago. Their cost is prohibitive with little rebate.

While doing an apprenticeship l didn't wan't to do because 'You need a trade behind you', according to my parents, had a mental breakdown & was hospitalised for the first time. The second hospitalization was approx 18 months after marriage & several jobs. Over a period of 24 months l estimate l worked just 12 months. This caused depression as the only bread earner needing more treatment.

In 1982, against my better judgement & with a lot of luck l was employed in a very stressful job as a Prison Officer for 6 years & 9 mos, eventually giving this away after much sick time off, very frequent counseling & when l received a certificate for 6 mos. sick leave. My next job with the Water Authority saw my specialist medical visits continue & numerous injuries including a strain of both shoulders, snapped tendon in a finger & many more. Eventually l was said to be unable to do the work & granted a work package (not worth having). I was only 47 y.o. ( now 70 y.o. ). A small self employed business seemed good after the Water Auth, but after 12 mos & forking out $10,000 incl solicitor fees trying to sue a scrupulous real estate agent l fell into a heap. This prompted another hospital stay after making known my intentions to suicide.

Several operations were paid for by workers comp. for previous injuries. Sickness Benefit later changed to DSP, but not until l had applied, been refused & lodged an objection against the decision, which was overturned. All the time with pain & emotional illness. Years later my wife obtained a Carer's Allowance for me.
Without support from an understanding wife l know where l would have been several years ago.

Like other people here l didn't choose to be ill or in pain, applied for benefits l believed l was entitled to receive & had to put up with the b.s. of someone employed by Centrelink who only had a set of guidelines to make a decision & without any medical experience. One of our writers stated that reports from 2 Specialist were not enough to acquire benefits genuinely entitled to.
I have commented on the post by "lonelyasacloud" with regard to alcoholism & do not believe that this category & drug addiction have any right at all to be on DSP at the exclusion of those who are genuinely unable to work through non-self inflicted injuries or pain. People with pain usually try to find a solution, other than benefits for their debilitating problems.

The Federal Govt. need to get their head out off the sand or their bum, whichever it is, & take a long hard look at the genuine people who need (help) benefits & not the provocation of being told they are well enough to work when they clearly can not!!!

 

[Jen77au]

What they also cosdier a disability is those that sit on the computers playing games and get payed foe it by our taxes.

Those people need to be pulled out and made to help with the flood victims and natural disasters. Our SES crews in Australia at these times are often exhausted. If they don’t want to help their fellow Australians then stop their payments. Obviously the people who are on benefits but being refused DSP, is another matter. They obviously can’t do it. But so many people have figured why work when minimum wage is equal or less than the dole.

 

[Jen77au]

Drug and alcohol addiction are illnesses like any other disease and all deserve equal weight for DSP

I understand that too. However why should they get priority over someone with an obvious physical disability like a few people in our forum. Do they not matter?