If Psychiatric illness dont make the grade

[billy4u]

Just reading a appeals case where a guy lost his DSP ,apparently under the new rules he went to see a JCA person,(job capacity assessment) he had Sziphrenia .

Anyway he appealed against his loss,they said if he takes his medication he can work up to 15 hours a week.

LOL ,i Dont know whose going to employ him?

[Banjo]

I got my regular news letter from Welfare Rights today with an interesting section on mental illness and applying for the DSP.

The Mental Health Impairment Tables – Setting a High Bar


The social work service at the Welfare Rights Centre regularly assists clients who present with mental health issues which range from mild to chronic and severe. Most often these are represented by depression and anxiety but also may include bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia and personality disorders.


Very often a person is seeking advice about their prospects on appeal relating to a rejection of a claim for the Disability Support Pension. It is important for individuals to understand that if they are claiming the Disability Support Pension (DSP) on the basis of their mental health diagnosis alone, that the impairment which they experience must be classified as “severe” and it must also be determined that they have a “continuing inability to work”.


There are 15 “Impairment tables” relating to different areas of a person’s functioning that may be relevant for a DSP claim. The complete tables are available at www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/F2011L02716. Table 5 is the table that relates to a person who has a permanent condition resulting in a functional impairment as a result of a mental health condition.


It is important to note that impairment “points” are allocated only if a condition is “fully diagnosed, treated and stabilized”. Under the new tables which came into effect from January 2012 a diagnosis by a person’s treating doctor is not sufficient; there must also be supporting evidence from a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. Furthermore, “fully treated” usually means that a person is receiving ongoing therapy and if appropriate taking medication; having attended a few sessions only is usually not sufficient. Whilst there are exceptions to this rule (for example where a person’s impairment is chronic and they lack insight) generally this applies. This latter requirement has not changed with the new impairment tables.


Whereas under the old tables a person would qualify for the necessary 20 points if their impairment resulted in a “significant interference with interpersonal and workplace relationships” with “serious disruption of work attendance or ability to work”, the new tables are more explicit and require that a person experience “severe” difficulties across a broader range of areas including: self-care and independent living, social/recreational activities and travel, interpersonal relationships, concentration and task completion, behavior planning and decision making, and work/training capacity. A person’s capacity is assessed across all of these categories and if their functioning is affected across most of these categories (at least 4 out of 6) and the impact on their functioning is severe (e.g. the person has difficulty concentrating on any task or conversation for more than 10 minutes/the person has very limited social contacts and involvements unless these are organized for the person) they may qualify for 20 points.


In short, it is more difficult for some individuals with a mental health diagnosis to qualify for DSP under the new tables which came into effect in January 2012 than previously and this is being reflected in referrals to the social work service at WRC.

[takeo19]

Im in the same boat as this guy, I have Schizophrenia and was put on dsp in 2009 after spending months in mental health unit, were I was mistreated and abused because my condition was out of control. When I was put on medication, the JCA said I could only work 0-8 hours pw, because the medication is so strong i have touble waking up in the mornings and and feel drowsy and sedate most of the day but i dont like to risk not taking it in case I lose control.. I fear if I was to have a review I would be kicked off the dsp, in that case who would employ me.

[Deleted]

Hi Takeo19: I am diagnosed with severe Generalised Anxiety Disorder and was so diagnosed by a forensic psychologist under the American 340 psychiatric impairment tables: however, I believe I have Bipolar tendencies more so, and especially if someone gets in my face! I believe schizophrenia is a far more serious condition than I present with mine. Every major psychological disorder nearly always presents exaggerated mood swings or violent turns; I don't know if this is true in your case, but it is in mine mate. While filling my forms out for the JCA and with verified supporting documents and affidavits from family and friends also; I presented my case to them! When asked by the assessor if I ever became aggressive; I could honestly answer that I was sacked from my last two jobs for fighting at work! It was corroborated in testimony and verifiable also. Even with all my many mental issues and aggression attaining a 30 point rating on mental 5 scale, it was never even brought to play, and they merely reassessed me as a full blown alcoholic for some reason; which I am not! I got copies of my assessment and its clearly stated that they did not know what to do with me. I eventually was granted Indefinite Portability, and can only suggest you play up your aggressive personality not down play it, Ok mate! Show the bastards what its really like to be mentally ill and fight for your rights and freedom Takeo, its all within your grasp mate, so go and get it and fight hard:)) Good Luck Mate... Cheetal...

[takeo19]

Thanks mate, I was put through hell in the mental hospitial and the bastards werent going to let me out, they put me in a cell when i had skitzo episode and woke up in there covered in blood. I dont know what they did to me but this doctor said your here indefinetly and then months later i was tranfered and let out, ive been on medication ever since to stop anger/episodes happening, its dangerous for me to drink to much, as i can see why they relate agression to alchohol. Ever since ive been goin OS ive felt better about myself and life, sometimes when i come back to Oz i get suicidal thoughts and its been worse since i found out about the new 6 week portiability and residency crap but im just goin to do the 6 week thing for now and if they pull any shit on me I will apply for UP later. Your right we have to fight hard now more than ever and looks like wil be in for the fight of our lives sooner or later

[Banjo]

Don't even consider having suicidal thoughts mate, can you imagine the joy at Centrelink as they cross your name off the books?

We had a member make an attempt a while back but he seems to be getting along OK now with all the guys here to talk the Centrelink and a few other problems problems through with.

[Deleted]

Hang in there Takeo: don't give the bastards a posthumous win over you, take the fight to them and never give up brother, Ok:) Cheetal