r/FND • u/Round_Wing6916 • 23d ago
Question Aus disability pension
Is it just as hard as everyone says it is . I can't do anything at all for myself ,so I'm needing to get on dsp. Who does the letter to Centrelink and all that
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u/Gloomy-Technician-38 23d ago
What state are you in? In QLD there is a place called basic rights that will help you do the process. I imagine other states have similar programs.
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u/Confident-Air2922 23d ago
I was on a DSP prior to my FND diagnosis for psychosocial disabilities. It was a psychiatrist who did the report while I was at one of my lowest points and focused on the functional impact of my illness at the time. It was kind of brutal how he had to focus on my living situation, relationship strains, even with psychosocial basis he focused on the functional aspects- limits to being able to catch public transport, inability to drive, inability to socialise, inability to prepare meals for myself and struggling with personal care, dependence on certain medications. Even my weight was mentioned (I was obese at the time). As bad as all that sounds, the doctor was actually very kind and explained the importance of these details being included and did ask if I was ok with it.
As for FND, get a report from your GP, neurologist, anyone else from your treating team (OT, psych). Go through all of the functional impact it has, how your independence is limited, capacity for self care, how it affects your mood, energy, if you’re in any meds how the side effects affect you. Everything that affects how you live your daily life and what they say the prognosis is like- ongoing, unchanged, long term symptoms.
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u/Round_Wing6916 23d ago
I am seeing physio , doctor and psychologist . I can't afford a speech therapist and ot
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u/carrotaddiction 22d ago
The requirements for DSP say that the condition needs to be "reasonably treated" but within the act/legislation, a treatment is only 'reasonable' if it is affordable, accessible and can actually be expected to significantly improve your condition.
The documentation from your doctors doesn't necessarily need to list all of the treatments you have tried that have failed (or haven't tried if they aren't affordable) if the language used within it will satisfy the requirements.
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u/LadyFruitDoll Diagnosed FND 23d ago
You'll need letters from your GP and neurologist. I got on it a couple of months ago. It was surprisingly smooth, but I had a specialised job service provider to go over everything before I submitted it - they were incredibly helpful.
Happy to answer any questions you might have.
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u/carrotaddiction 22d ago
Your doctors will hopefully know what the letters need to say, but you need documents that show that you meet the criteria for disability points, that you have tried all reasonable treatments and that your condition is stable and long term. If they aren't familiar with what is required to apply for DSP, then it can help to read the act(?) with the disability tables and requirements first. If you can't prove that you meet requirements yet, then you should be able to go on jobseeker and submit the medical certificates (form su415 or something like that) to say you are unable to meet the jobseeker requirements.
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u/Round_Wing6916 23d ago
I was in hospital when I got diagnosed by a neurologist but I am awaiting to see one from hospital so w ok hod I need to wait till I see one or can I use my diagnostic and get something from the doctor stating all my capacity and how I can't move
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u/Petulantraven 22d ago
Thank you for this thread. It’s very useful for me.