Who is eligible for the Disability Support Pension? Expand The DSP is a payment for people with a longer-term illness. In order to be eligible, you need to be: at least 16 yrs old and below the current pensionable age have been an Australian resident for at least 10 yrs (with no break in residence for the last five yrs) have a permanent medical condition that prevents you from working 15 hours or more per week within the next two years under the income and assets test limits you must have an impairment rating of at least 20 points, based on the Government published impairment tables
What level of financial support is available through the DSP? Expand The maximum basic rate for a single person is $834.40 per fortnight, and the maximum basic rate for a couple is $629 each per fortnight. DSP levels taper according to income level, but if you earn over approx $2,000 per fortnight as a single person, or $3,000 per month for a couple living together, then you are unlikely to be eligible. For every dollar of income over $172 (single person) or $304 (couple), the DSP reduces by 50c. Please note that these figures may change. Visit the DSP payment rates page for updated information.
How do I apply? Expand The DSP application form is 32 pages long and can be accessed here. The Australian Unemployed Workers’ Union may be able to help you with an initial application. Contact them here.
How are applicants assessed? Expand Centrelink assesses an individual’s functionality and how the condition affects their day-to-day living. To be eligible for DSP, your condition needs to be fully diagnosed, treated and stabilised (FDTS). Your medical practitioner (and often one employed by Centrelink) will need to confirm this. This assessment is based on medical evidence/assessment, which will include: that you have tried all reasonable treatment options (and what those options were) evidence that your condition will persist for at least two years to the extent that you can’t work (or retrain to work) for at least 15 hours a week in the next two years information about the functional impact of your condition
How is functional impairment assessed? Expand The functional impact of how you are affected by ME/CFS is assessed via a set of impairment tables through which you score points according to your level of disability. Each symptom, or level of symptoms, need to be evidenced by a medical practitioner. Currently, you need to score at least 20 points to be eligible for the DSP. The impairment table ‘Functions requiring physical exertion and stamina’ is usually the most relevant for people with ME/CFS. If you score 20 points or more in a single table, you do not need to complete a Program of Support and you should be assessed as having a Continuing Inability to Work (CITW). If you score 20 points across more than one table (but do not score 20 points or more within a single table), you should be eligible for the DSP, but you will need to complete a Program of Support. You will also need to be assessed as having a Continuing Inability to Work (CITW). You may also need to attend a Job Capacity Assessment and a Disability Medical Assessment. You can access more information about the impairment tables here.
What medical evidence is needed for the DSP? Expand Supporting medical evidence for each functioning impact on the impairment table/s to a total of 20 points is the most critical factor in the outcome of your application. Supporting medical evidence can be in the form of letters from the diagnosing specialists/your current treating physicians, and documents such as test results. Documents within the last two years carry the most support for the outcome of your application. The Australian Unemployed Workers’ Union are experts in DSP and have heaps of helpful tips on their website. If you are too unwell to fill out your application, you can nominate somebody else to liaise with Centrelink on your behalf. It is extremely important to collect as much documented medical evidence from health professionals as possible. Our telehealth nurse can be helpful with this process. If you are thinking of applying for DSP, we recommend that you start to keep a journal of: all the medical professionals that you visit any supports that you need to access these appointments any assistance that you have at home (such as equipment, accessibility supports) any home and community care (HACC) services that you receive
What happens if I am rejected? Expand Centrelink may tell you that you need to get more treatment, or complete 18 months in a program of support. You will then put in a new claim, after you have completed these tasks. There is no limit to the number of DSP applications you can make. If you think that Centrelink’s rejection of your claim is wrong, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed within 13 weeks. You can write to Centrelink at the following address: Centrelink, Reply Paid 7800, Canberra BC ACT 2610. You may still be successful at accessing other supports, such as NDIS, Carers Allowance, Rent Assistance, Newstart, etc. You may also be able to apply for Newstart and ask for mutual obligations to be suspended. This enables you to apply for jobs when you feel well enough, but you’re not obliged to. You may also be granted a ‘partial capacity to work’ for Newstart/Youth Allowance, if your work capacity assessment determines that your illness or disability would prevent you from working for 30 hours per week, without ongoing support within the next two years.
Do you have any other helpful resources? Expand We have developed a fact sheet and a webinar all about how to access the DSP for people with ME/CFS. We are not currently planning any more live webinars, but you can access a recording of one of our recent webinars via vimeo. You can find out more on our Financial literacy resources page. The Australian Unemployed Workers Union has heaps of resources that you can access here. DSP Help is a free online resource called has been launched to help people navigate the complex process of accessing the Disability Support Pension (DSP). It is available nationally and is provided by Social Security Rights Victoria (SSRV), an independent community legal centre providing free legal services in relation to social security and Centrelink matters. This resource explains the DSP clearly in plain English as well as the eligibility criteria, how to get suitable medical evidence and how to approach an application. An online chatbot also helps users navigate the application process. To access DSP Help go to: dsphelp.org.au