Kary and DSP

Today was my (hopefully) last step in the DSP (disability support pension) process. I had a 5 minute video chat with an independent doctor who was assigned to me by Centrelink. Based on what I've heard from others who have gone through this process, it is very rare to be denied benefits at this stage.

I honestly can't tell you much about the process because I can't remember it. I haven't been able to work for over 2 years due to M.E., which has slowly progressed. During that time I was able to get the JobSeeker payment, aka unemployment payments. After 2 years of being on that, I had to go through a Job Capacity Assessment. Luckily that was just a phone call with a nice person who told me that based on all of the medical information I had already submitted for JobSeeker, I was eligible to apply for DSP.

I'm very fortunate that Daniel was able to liaise with Centrelink on my behalf and fill out the bulk of my application. Not everyone has someone to advocate for them, so I'm very fortunate. Between brain fog and my very limited ability to go to the Centrelink office myself, it would have been near impossible for me to get through this process on my own. I'm also fortunate that everyone we've dealt with has been understanding and helpful. The few bureaucratic snafus we encountered were quickly corrected.

It should take a few weeks for me to receive the decision on if I've been approved or if I have to go through the appeals process. I'm cautiously optimistic. The extra income will help me pay the hidden disability tax while I go through the NDIS application process.

I do have to admit that I feel some shame about potentially getting DSP. The societal message is that if I'm not working, I don't deserve anything. As much as I think that message is bullshit, it still stings. I feel like I need to justify any assistance I receive with things like, "I've been paying taxes since I was 16," and "at least I do/did volunteer work." It's still hard to wrap my head and emotions around. I'm grateful for the help though.