FAQ & MYTHS

This section answers some of the questions we are commonly asked about the Disability Support Pension (DSP), the assessment process and supporting evidence.

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What are the “Tables” and what are they used for?

The Tables are part of the legislation used by Centrelink to assess whether a person’s impairment is severe enough to meet the medical eligibility requirements for DSP.

Before the Tables are applied, your condition must generally be:

• formally diagnosed
• fully treated, and
• unlikely to significantly improve within the next 2 years.

Your medical evidence is then assessed against the relevant Table or Tables.

Generally, you need to have a severe impairment rating of 20 points or more under at least one Table to meet the medical impairment requirement.

There are different rules if you have completed a Program of Support (POS) within the 3 years before lodging your claim.

You must also demonstrate that your impairment results in a continuing inability to work in an unsupported environment.

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What is a Program of Support (POS)?

A Program of Support (POS) can be relevant to DSP eligibility when a person has a total impairment rating of 20 points across multiple Tables, rather than 20 points or more under a single Table.

A POS involves active participation in job-seeking or other suitable activities.

Generally, the required participation is:

• 18 months, or
• completion of the relevant program,

within the 3 years before lodging your DSP claim.

There are some exemptions from the POS requirement. However, these exemptions have specific criteria and can be difficult to establish.

It is important to understand the POS requirements before deciding whether or when to lodge a claim.

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My doctor won’t listen to me or write what I need. What can I do?

This can be one of the biggest barriers when preparing a DSP claim.

Many medical professionals are not familiar with the specific criteria and level of detail required for a DSP assessment. This does not necessarily mean they do not support you.

If possible, you may consider:

• explaining exactly what information is needed for your DSP claim
• providing your doctor or other treating professional with our resources
• explaining that you are working with an advocate who has recommended that this information be included
• considering whether another medical professional may be able to provide the appropriate evidence, if this is an option for you.

Providing your treating professional with clear information about what is required may help them understand what you are asking for and why.

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Does my condition qualify for DSP?

There is no single list of conditions that automatically qualifies a person for DSP.

A condition may be considered for DSP if it meets the relevant requirements.

Generally, the condition must be:

• formally diagnosed
• fully treated
• unlikely to significantly improve within 2 years, and
• causing a severe impact on your ability to function, as assessed under the relevant Tables.

The diagnosis itself is not enough. The assessment focuses on how your condition affects your functional capacity and your ability to work.

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What if I am waiting for surgery?

Waiting for surgery does not necessarily mean you cannot qualify for DSP.

You may still meet the requirements if, for example:

• the expected wait for surgery is longer than 2 years
• there is medical evidence that the surgery is not expected to provide significant improvement, or
• even if the surgery provides some improvement, you are still expected to have a severe impairment that meets the relevant Table requirements.

Your medical evidence should clearly explain your current situation, the expected outcome of the surgery and how your condition is expected to affect your functioning.

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Do I need to be “stabilised” for 2 years before I can claim?

MYTH: You must be stabilised for 2 years before you can claim.

No. This is a common misunderstanding.

The requirement is not that you must have been stabilised for 2 years.

The relevant requirement is that your condition is not expected to significantly improve within the next 2 years.

Being considered stabilised also involves other requirements, including that your condition has been fully treated.

In other words, the 2-year rule relates to expected improvement, not how long you have already had your condition.

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Am I exempt from job-search obligations while my claim or appeal is pending?

If you have a DSP claim pending, you may be exempt from some job-search obligations.

However, you may need to contact Services Australia and ask for the exemption to be manually activated in their system.

If your DSP claim has been rejected and you have lodged an appeal, you may need to provide a medical certificate to support an exemption.

Important: Program of Support

Be careful when considering an exemption from job-search requirements.

Your circumstances may affect whether Program of Support (POS) requirements apply to your DSP claim.

This can make a difference to the outcome of your claim.

If you are unsure, seek advice before making decisions about exemptions or participation in employment requirements.

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How long will my DSP claim or appeal take?

There is no guaranteed timeframe. Processing times can vary considerably depending on your circumstances and the type of claim or review.

Manifest claims

Manifest claims are generally fast-tracked and may be finalised within a matter of weeks.

Standard claims

Standard DSP claims can take approximately 6 months on average to be finalised.

You may wish to consider applying for JobSeeker Payment while you are waiting.

Appeals

Appeals can take considerably longer and may sometimes take up to a year.

Important: These are general timeframes only. Your claim or appeal may take more or less time depending on your individual circumstances.