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Post by portaloo on Apr 25, 2014 22:24:40 GMT 7
Hey everyone. I've been reading tonnes of your posts about DSP over the past few days. Thanks for the information and active participation by you very knowledgeable folk. =)
I have a deteriorating vision impairment so applied for DSP a couple of months ago. I'm about to undergo my JCA, or at least I think that's what my interview is for. Recently someone from CL told me it would be a good idea to add the Ophthalmologist Report (form SA013) to my medical evidence before attending, even if I considered myself not to be totally blind. So off I went to have my eyes retested, and my specialist said that I am in fact legally blind according to CL's definition.
I submitted the form and now I'm left wondering if I need to do the JCA? I reviewed the legislation on FAHCSIA which stated that the permanently blind didn't need to meet the CITW criteria, as they were manifestly qualified for DSP. But I also read some posts on this forum about a blind 'poet' who was called in for a random JCA. It seems odd that this would happen given the CITW rule doesn't apply in that situation.
Also, I have a second question: I wonder if being legally blind entitles one to IP of their DSP (i.e. no future job prospects)? For info, I am an Australian resident, and was born and raised here.
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Post by Banjo on Apr 26, 2014 7:05:55 GMT 7
Welcome to the board portaloo. Basically, if Centrelink have called you for a JCA you would be advised to go. I'm not sure about the assessment process for vision impairment or the terminology (legally blind). Take a look at the impairment tables so you know what to expect. www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2011L02716/Html/Text#_Toc310259519As your disability appears to be in a single category I cannot see that you would have a problem getting 20 points towards Unlimited Portability if you qualify for the DSP. We're basically a support group here, we have no one qualified to form an opinion on the level of people's disability. You can only go through the process and get back to us if you feel you have been unfairly treated. Good luck and keep in touch.
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Post by portaloo on Apr 26, 2014 10:50:21 GMT 7
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Post by Denis-NFA on Apr 26, 2014 13:32:12 GMT 7
Greetings portalooI think you are correct in your summation because your condition, blindness, is specifically written into The Act. You will still have to undertake a JCA because that is Centrelink's process and I do not believe that they have any other mechanism to give what will be a rubber stamp to your situation. Given that your impairment determines that you have a CITW you should be a 'sure thing' to be granted Unlimited Portability (IP) and it would probably be simpler if you could include that application with your JCA but you will need to organise with Centrelink. However, I would suggest that you still acquaint yourself with whatever the Impairment Tables have to say about Vision Impairment prior to your JCA. All the best.
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Post by Banjo on Apr 28, 2014 20:35:44 GMT 7
We had a case recently where someone received a Manifest Grant of the DSP. They applied for UP immediately and were asked to attend a JCA. When the person's carer complained and explained the circumstances it was immediately canceled with an apology.
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Post by portaloo on Apr 28, 2014 21:39:00 GMT 7
We had a case recently where someone received a Manifest Grant of the DSP. They applied for UP immediately and were asked to attend a JCA. When the person's carer complained and explained the circumstances it was immediately canceled with an apology. Thanks, that's useful information. I called CL and asked if I could apply for UP during the JCA, and they responded to the effect that UP isn't considered until a DSP application has been approved... Fair enough, but I'll still bring it up during my interview, as I don't want to have to go in for a second JCA.
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