DSP Approvals Down to Fifteen Percent

Before the most recent changes to the Disability Support Pension, people with lupus already struggled to get Centrelink to understand the nature of our condition.

Many were rejected.  We can turn up for the assessment looking perfectly healthy.  It makes it look like our doctors exaggerating on our medical reports.

I have to say, I'm one of the lucky ones.  The assessor saw me on a really bad day, and I could barely stand. I didn't have much trouble.  It probably also helped that my superannuation fund had already decided to put me on its disability pension.

A number of lupies I know, didn't get off so well.  Most have been forced to try to work even though they really physically can't a lot of the time.

What's the result of the new rules been? The vast majority of people applying for a disability support pension have been rejected.  Since the current government's new changes have come in, only 15 percent of applications for DSP have been approved.

That's an absolute disaster for people with invisible illnesses/disabilities.

What can we do?

Well, we can vote on Saturday. Not that that will guarantee anything, but it can give some hope that change can happen.

Apart from that, if you've been rejected for the DSP, appeal. Get  your doctor to support you.  Go visit your federal member and insist they help you.  If your doctor backed you for a DSP application, they'll back you for an appeal.  If all else fails, go to your local newspaper and tell your story. I know fatigue's a big issue, but use every bit of energy you have to demand some attention.  Just don't ever give up. 

There's also the option to check if you are eligible for a different Centrelink Payment, such as Sickness Allowance.

And for those of us who are not currently applying for the DSP - it's a good idea to let our politicians know that we're sick of disabled people being demonised as a "burden on the economy."  We have a DSP for a reason, and it should be given to all the people who really need it.

(And if we're talking "burdens on the economy" shouldn't politicians get their super under the same conditions as everyone else gets ours? Pot-kettle anyone?)