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Getting the Disability Support Pension (Easy Read)

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What is the Disability Support Pension?

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This Easy Read page is about getting the Disability Support Pension.

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It is a good idea to read this page with support.

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Hard words are in bold.

We explain what they mean.

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For more information about getting the Disability Support Pension go to:

Services Australia | How to Claim the DSP

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The Disability Support Pension or DSP is a Centrelink payment for people with disability who

  • Cannot work

or

  • Need support to work.
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The DSP can help you pay for things you need like:

  • Food
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  • Rent
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  • Bills.

Who can get the DSP?

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Centrelink says you can get the DSP if you meet the

  • Medical rules

and

  • Non-medical rules.
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The medical rules say if you have a diagnosis of intellectual disability you can get the DSP.

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This means you have an IQ test report that says your IQ score is 70 or less.

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If you do not have an intellectual disability diagnosis Centrelink may ask you more questions to check if you can get the DSP.

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To learn more about the medical rules go to:

Department of Social Services | Medical Rules

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You must also meet the non-medical rules to get the DSP.

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The non-medical rules say you must be:

  • Between 16 and 67 years old

and

  • Live in Australia
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and

  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
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Being an Australian citizen means you were born in Australia or became Australian by law.

Being a permanent resident means you are allowed to live in Australia by law.

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You must also pass Centrelink’s income and assets test.

Income is money you earn from working.

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Assets are things you own.

Like a house or money in your bank.

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The income and assets test checks you do not

  • earn too much money from work
  • own too much.
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For more information about the income and assets test go to:

Services Australia | Income and Assets Test

What information do I need to get the DSP?

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To get the DSP you will need to give Centrelink supporting evidence.

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Your supporting evidence can be things like:

  • Your IQ test report
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  • Information on how your disability affects your life.
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You can get supporting evidence from:

  • Your doctor
  • Your school or special school
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  • Your psychologist.

A psychologist is a doctor who studies the mind.

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You may also need to tell Centrelink:

  • Your bank account details
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  • Where you live
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  • How much money your parents make if you are under 21
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  • How much money your partner makes if you have a partner
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  • Your Tax File Number if you have one

A Tax File Number is a special number the Government gives you to keep track of money for work.

How do I get the DSP?

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The easiest way to apply for the DSP is online through Centrelink on your MyGov account.

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MyGov is a website where you can keep track of your Government services like Centrelink and Medicare.

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If you do not have a MyGov account you will need to set one up first.

Go to:

MyGov | Create Account

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If you cannot get the DSP using MyGov you can fill in a paper form instead.

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To get a paper form you can:

  • Go in to a Centrelink office

or

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  • Download it from the Centrelink website and print it yourself.
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To find a Centrelink office near you go to:

Services Australia | Find Us

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To download a copy of the form go to:

Services Australia | Claiming the DSP form

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It is a good idea to ask for support to apply for the DSP.

This could be a family member or friend or a support worker.

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Advocates also support people to get the DSP.

To find an advocate go to:

Disability Gateway | Advocacy Finder

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Make sure you have all your supporting evidence ready when you apply.

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To find out more about what supporting evidence you need go to:

Services Australia | Supporting Documents for DSP

What happens next?

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It can take a long time for Centrelink to tell you if you can get the DSP.

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Centrelink will tell you by sending you:

  • A letter in the mail

or

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  • A message to your MyGov account.
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Centrelink may ask you for more supporting evidence to help them decide if you can get the DSP.

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You can ask someone you trust for help to get more supporting evidence.

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Not everyone with a disability can get the DSP.

If you cannot get the DSP Centrelink will let you know by:

  • Calling you

and

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  • Sending you a letter.

Centrelink will tell you why they decided you cannot get the DSP.

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If you do not agree with Centrelink’s decision you can ask for a review.

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This means Centrelink will check your supporting evidence again and make a new decision.

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For more information about reviews:

Services Australia | Explanations and Formal Reviews

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