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Post by snooks on Oct 20, 2018 18:17:22 GMT 7
Hi Guys
I don't post often but I browse through from time to time and it's great to see some old faces here and especially sounding as well as they can be
Some guys were talking last week at a social event I went to and one of them had just been reviewed on his DSP and was being forced to look for work. he has been on the DSP for a long time, is aged around 53 or so. I actually advised him to google this board but he doesn't seem to have joined, from what I have seen. I don't know his full name so I can't dig much deeper. But he has un-nerved me and I thought rather than stew on the subject and worry more and more, I would come here and ask because I know in here I will get factual answers based on experiences and proven cases.
I am now age 57 and I was granted DSP in March 2017, only 18 months ago. I went through the normal procedures and their Doctor did his examination and I was found Manifestly qualified (20 points) for lower back injury. Also 10 points @ 2 x 5 for other complaints. Ability to work less than 5hrs pwk if i recall correctly. Since then I have developed a Cardiac problem and that's not even taken into account at this stage.
My question is "When would I be looking at being reviewed". These people were saying so & so got reviewed and this happened and that happened but it was all hearsay, I know half was crap but it got in my mind and has bugged me alll week. I don't need the worry but I just can't stop worrying.
When do you estimate a review would be possible? I'm guessing at it being at least 5 years after being granted, especially at my age. certainly not the near future and I have only been on the DSP 18 months. Going back to Newstart would destroy us financially and times are incredibly hard now. So if you can just answer the question as honestly as you can, I understand it is only a "guesstimate".... but at least I may be able to cease worrying for a while.
Thanks guys
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Post by kimmy on Oct 20, 2018 21:56:03 GMT 7
Hello Snooks. As a recent recipient, my guess also is that you may not be reviewed in the near future. Am not sure if you are on opiates for chronic pain, but if you are, and you regularly see your doctor for monitoring your condition, then I doubt that you would be employable due to the effect of medications. Furthermore, you may not pass a medical examination for a job on account of the back impairment and the other illnesses you are coping with. Unfortunately, a gradual onset of depression runs parallel with a back issue so this creates a vicious cycle of trying to manage and maintain overall well being. So, perhaps you may never be considered for future employment; to be frank, unemployable. I cannot ensure that you won’t ever be reviewed, however I am going to suggest and guess that your condition may not warrant the likelihood of an assessment because of the prognosis.Prior to receiving dsp, there was most likely substantial medical evidence that supported the nature of your injury and the incapacity it has caused you hence your eligibility for the payment. Painkillers for chronic pain impact liver, kidney and brain functions. Consequently long term use may cause other issues relating to overall physical and mental health. I apologise for coming across as gloomy and I don’t want to make you feel that there is no hope for you, but perhaps my view of your situation may provide some insight into the reality that people with your condition have to face daily. I merely intend to express that there are a number of problems that a person suffering from back issues has to deal with. I understand, as a result of researching the dilemmas of the condition, back pain is so chronic that the excruciating level of the pain is similar to cancer pain. A close relationship with you GP is essential in maintaining both ongoing physical and mental functioning. If there is ever a review of your condition , then your GP would most likely be competent enough to provide full details of your condition. As long as all of the boxes are ticked in your favour then you should remain eligible. Best try not to get too anxious and think too much about a situation that may never eventuate because you are quite fragile and this can impact your well being. I think it is crucial that you refrain from worrying any further due to the fact that your condition requires much perseverance on your part. The reality of trying to cope with everyday basic needs is overwhelming and a tragedy in itself. I can ensure you that you will be provided with helpful information from fellow dsper’s on this site. This board is an ideal source for you to reach out and receive support. All the best Snooks. Regards Kimmy
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Post by snooks on Oct 21, 2018 3:18:59 GMT 7
Hi Kimmy. Thank you for your opinion. I agree whole heartedly with your comments and even though they are frank and gloomy, I need to hear the truth and they pretty well match my thoughts. I appreciate your honest, thank you for providing it. It probably is depression and in fact my GP started me on some "anxiety pills" in March. He just doesn't know i have come off them yet because when I discussed it with him he was very vocal that I stay on them. I took them for two months, but I hated them so much I weaned myself off them and have ceased taken them. I have refilled the percription twice and then just flushed the pills, it sounds silly but they had shocking side effects. I do get a bit down here and there but I know myself I am not "depressed" as such, it was just a stay in hospital that got to me. I spent 4 days in hospital in the Respiritory Ward and saw how sick those poor fellahs are and it scared the crap out of me because as incredible as it may sound, I was misdiagnosed by a *****ing idiot and told that I had lung cancer, that they had not found the mass as yet but it would be so far advanced that it would be untreatable and there was nothing they could do". It actually ended up a serious heart condition and not lung cancer but the heart is well controlled at the moment. I was so happy to "get a heart condition" as against cancer....... so i probably have a damn good reason for being depressed (lol). It developed over suffering Sleep Apnea for over 30 years and being unable to sleep wearing a mask and using cpap machines. The heart became enlarged, Artirial Fibrillation and pulmonary Edema So my only hope is losing weight which I have done and am still doing. Since Mark I am down from 157kgs to 128.6kgs last week. I snore a lot less but the issue is still there, though not as bad. BP and all stuff like that are awesome and I am off Diabetes Insulin injections now, relying only on pills which is also way better. The Artiral Finrillation was corrected by them stopping the heart for 30 seconds and then they zap you to bring you back in sinus rythm. They zapped me twice at max voltage but got me back and then the worry was blood clots being thrown that would cause a stroke or major heart attck, because my body will not accept blood thinners. But that did not happen so dodged a bullet again, because they estimated a 30%-40% chance of one of them happening. So I am actually in an ok frame of mind but the back is still stuffed. Yes I take panadieve forte, endone etc and numerous other meds, I now don't have a license because the RTA cancelled it on me because I failied the RTA Medical Driving Review a year ago. I was a heavy vehicle driver and subject to yearly inspections. The SA and poor eyesight just got too bad. I have wandered on and on and waffled on with with too much which has probably bored you to death. Thanks again for your thoughts, I realize the chances of a review are small but I just wanted someone else to say that rather than me thinking that. I cant see a review happening for five years after being granted it 18 months ago, especially at my age. Hopefully we are right because CL sounds like it is still a nightmare to deal with. I will be around here and there, I do not post often but I do drop by occasionally and check out how the group is going. This board, Banjo and the members are worth their weight in gold. Nice to see you all again
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2018 6:44:55 GMT 7
snooks I'll get back to read kimmy response but the short answer is; anyone can get reviewed at anytime however, given your recent approval and level of disability, (points wise) if you were to be reviewed, I don't think you'd lose DSP. Cheers bear P.S. Ol' mate who unnerved you; having been on it for a long time was possibly a factor in his review, rather than age; especially if he was granted prior 2012
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Post by nomadic on Oct 21, 2018 7:18:20 GMT 7
as usual bear is spot on. Unlikely to be reviewed considering how recent you got it and age.They are more likely to review long timers because it was easier to get DSP 20 years ago than under today's harsh rules. My feeling is anyone on it after 2012 should be fine. BUT as usual the big BUT!.
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Post by nomadic on Oct 21, 2018 7:21:31 GMT 7
I should have said also I can feel a tiny bit of optimism in changes regarding welfare overall. Greens are on our side and with Wentworth showing libs are almost dead in the water then maybe, JUST MAYBE, things will improve. Can't get any worse i guess. Touch wood.
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Post by kimmy on Oct 21, 2018 9:10:09 GMT 7
Hi all.
I think it is important that dsper’s attempt to connect with Independents or the Green Party because these groups empathise with those in society facing everyday health struggles as well as other issues.
People such as Snooks who have been granted dsp should not have to give a second thought about being reviewed because the medical condition has been deemed permanent. The illness has been diagnosed, treated and stabilised and this meets the criiteria for dsp eligibility.
I have recently joined the Green Party because I am fed up with numerous aspects of political behaviour within the Government. I intend to voice my opinion about the unfair treatment of vulnerable dsp recipients and seek solutions for those who are dissatisfied with outcomes regarding their situations. For example, dspers should have the freedom to travel abroad and receive their income.
Cheers
Kimmy
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Post by mspurple on Oct 21, 2018 12:38:50 GMT 7
If anyone else needs to do a medical review to keep their license can I suggest you do not use the RTA OT for this test. A little well hidden fact is that nearly no-one passes the RTA OT driving assessments. Provide your own OT by contacting a driving instructor and finding an OT who works privately doing assessments, this is an option even if they do not tell you so......these OT's are so much fairer when doing your driving assessment. They are wanting certain peoples off the roads regardless of actual driving ability, it is more about you fitting a certain criteria. Those over 70 for example are being targeted and I believe it is less than 5% who keep their driving license if they go with the RTA assessors.
Just thought I would share as I have heard this happening to a few people now who had no idea they could pick their own OT to do their assessment and now have no license.
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Post by snooks on Oct 21, 2018 12:43:04 GMT 7
It's hard to understand the political side of things, given i know nothing about politics as such. The funny thing is that really, I am in a group that should be very aware of poitics and try and use that to our advantage, for the DSP people as a whole. I will make a special point of trying to learn a bit because it is smart to support the people that show the most interest in our well being. Thanks for all your comments guys. I know that nothing is certain but I do feel a whole lot better since I asked the question Sometimes things just go round and round your mind and drive you crazy but I am confident that I feel better after discussing it. Thanks to all
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Post by tasjo on Oct 21, 2018 15:26:49 GMT 7
Snooks... My opinion for what it's worth... With impairment points of 20 on a single table and additional points elsewhere I believe a review would be unlikely. As others have said, any DSP recipient can be reviewed at any time, particularly of your impairments are 'adjusted' in the tables. I believe the next 'focus area' will be those who have been granted DSP solely for addiction, but if they have other conditions I feel they too are likely to retain their DSP. Most horror stories I have seen or heard are either new applicants or those granted prior to the 2012 impairment tables. To reduce the stress my main focus is on maintaining contact with my medical team, if anything my current DSP grant was at a time that I was less disabled than now. I think it's extremely important to do this because if you all of a sudden cease 'reasonable' treatment then I suspect a review would be a lot harder. The best any of us can do is stay informed and be able to produce supporting evidence of our continued disability. My personal experience both with myself and having had a parent on DSP (in England when I was growing up) is that there is often a view that those with disabilities need reviewing 'just in case' they could go back to work. But understanding the criteria and ensuring you present it in a way that Centrelink can understand can often make a massive difference.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2018 4:40:09 GMT 7
From what you said the guy who was 57 and lost his DSP got his pre new medical tables in 2012 while you got it after , IF you were reviewed l'm pity sure its 99% likely you would pass as you got your DSP after the new rules in 2012 , also because its almost certain you would pass l doubt you will be reviewed ever at all unless you did something that could trigger a review like part time work, its people like me the got my DSP pre 2012 that need to worry if l get reviewed,its a scarey thought that my health is probably twice as bad now as when l got my DSP ten years ago but its possible l could lose it if reviewed. But l think you are worrying about nothing especially as we should see the end of the liberals soon who have the harshest welfare polcies, hopefully we will have the next 10 years labor government and they will leave us alone
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Post by snooks on Oct 22, 2018 5:28:33 GMT 7
@ Wombat 79, I would love a part time job now. Something I could actually do even if only for an hour or two a day. But now i can't drive I can't get there and even if I could, realistically what I can do can vary so much from day to day. One day I could probably be ok for an hour but the next day, probably not even get there due to being too sore, or fuzzy on meds. It does get very boring sometimes. I love being on the PC but you can only do so much and only sit down at the desk for so long......you just have to adapt and try and keep your mind occupied. I am feeling better now that I have posted in here and see I have been foolish in worrying for no real reason. Sure, the guy who got in my head had a bad limp, he used a walking cane, he probably had pain. It was caused through a motor bike accident of some sort. But I do remember thinking that he complained about losing the pension, well, he could have worked in an office, he could certainly have done many things because apart from not walking perfectly, well he seemed ok. I do concede that I can't tell his pain level and stuff like that but it seemed like he could do many things that I couldn't and I was only at the event for about an hour before I had to leave. He spoke of some fish he and his sons had caught and being away at Christmas where they stayed in a Caravan Park, enjoyed the beach with Grandkids and stuff like that. I know from experience that sand is very very difficult for me to walk on due to the instability and if sI at down in a chair at the beach, gheeze....GreenPeace would be needed to lift me up because standing up on sand is impossible. So perhaps he just got caught out, his ailment(s) didn't meet the new DSP Impairment table. Nope, i just thought too much and panicked myself and I am feeling way better in my mind now
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Post by tasjo on Oct 22, 2018 5:51:30 GMT 7
Snooks... I'm not sure if this is relevant to you or not but if you used to work have you checked if you have either income protection or TPD insurance on any super funds? I try not to compare myself with other DSP recipients, but just keep myself prepares in case of a review. I've often had people question why I can't work, my disabilities are largely invisible to people who haven't known me before everything changed. I'm really glad we could reassure you, and if in the unlikely event you were reviewed the biggest thing is not to panic and gather the information you need.
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Post by snooks on Oct 22, 2018 6:55:51 GMT 7
Snooks... I'm not sure if this is relevant to you or not but if you used to work have you checked if you have either income protection or TPD insurance on any super funds? I try not to compare myself with other DSP recipients, but just keep myself prepares in case of a review. I've often had people question why I can't work, my disabilities are largely invisible to people who haven't known me before everything changed. I'm really glad we could reassure you, and if in the unlikely event you were reviewed the biggest thing is not to panic and gather the information you need.
Hi Tasjo,
What I have done is thought and though and panicked myself. Realistically, I can see that i'm not as mobile as i was even 18 months ago when i was reviewed and now with the devloping heart condition, even less. Though thankfully I am substantially skinnier so thats a plus.
I was basically self employed, technically a Contractor. I do have Super Funds and have been claiming the hardship max of $10k pa for the last two years and that has helped us enormously. Without that, I don't know how we survived.
TPD it's hard to explain, but even though I had the policy 9 years or so, it had not been reviewed and as such, you get a percentage of your wage, (which had not been updated) so by the time we fought to win a percentage of a wage that would be so small, I was financially better off on the pension. It was also a nightmare to fight them with no Legal Body willing to take on the case unless I paid up front, which I could not do. I thoughts you paid if you win, but no one would do that (lol). So if they had no confidence, how could I?
But thanks for thinking of that and it's great to chat, it has been a while
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Post by latindancer on Oct 22, 2018 7:05:31 GMT 7
Hi Snooks, I wouldn't fret too much about being reviewed. The older you are, the less likely it will happen. I think they are targeting people under 40 yrs old. I was put on DSP at age 45 and now 63, have never had a review....but having said that, I have a poor work history.
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