Hi, just joined the forum.

[hugh023]

Hi, my name is Hugh and I've been receiving the DSP since 2001, after a work related injury and subsequent complications after surgery.

For the majority of each year from 2003 through to Jan 2011, I spent the maximum allowed time OS in Thailand with the shortest possible stay in Oz between trips. My primary reason, was that on my first trip there, I discovered that trad Thai massage alleviated some of my problems and gave my a better quality of life. Not to mention of course, that in Isaan, my pension went a lot further.

I got caught up in a review in late 2010, where I was told that I would no longer be able to travel OS and retain my pension. Since that review, I have been living full time back here in Oz. A bit of a bummer, as I had acquired a few things in Thailand that are now gone. I just couldn't afford to ship them back here.

Since arriving back here, my health has deteriorated significantly, those 2, 3 hours massage sessions a week were holding my problems in check. Now, as I can not afford such treatment here, my only option is a life on painkillers and muscle relaxants.

In September, I underwent a medical review and am still completely eligible for the DSP. I guess that is good news.

It is my intention to apply for DSP 'portability', sometime after the new year. There really is no urgency, as it will take me sometime (close to a year) for a return to Thailand to be financially viable. I am also just a bit reluctant to start the procedure, as a knock-back would be more than disappointing. I guess, that for as long as I don't apply, I can pretend that it is still a possibility . . .

I will turn 57 next month, so I am still around 8 years from the OAP. I'd certainly like to get back there long before then, as if I continue to deteriorate at the same rate as I have, I am likely to be completely immobile by then.

So, that's where I am at the present. 

[Banjo]

Welcome to the forum Hugh.

Personally I would not take too long to apply, you know that you are fairly sure of passing the assessment, and lets face it, if you don't get away to Thailand now not getting the UP isn't going to change your situation.

The wait for the result has lengthened considerably so by the time you get it the rest of time you have to wait before you go away will pass a lot easier knowing you are a free man.

[hugh023]

Appreciated.

I'll be doing a lot of reading through the forum boards and am doing some research through the impairment tables. On the downside, all my medical records are up in Qld . . .

[Banjo]

Watch for a personal message, I'll send you the password to the closed portability forum.

[itsmylife08]

Welcome hugh023

[Deleted]

Welcome to the forum hugh023

[hugh023]

Still procrastinating.

I've been doing lots of reading and not feeling that confident re getting an indefinite portability.

There isn't a single table where I feel I could meet the 20 point level re my disability, although my spinal injury equates to 10 and the connected (nerve damage) loss of leg mobility is good for another 10. Truth be know, both the legs and back are closer to a (non-existent) 15. Other associated problems from the nerve damage add another 5 points in 2 separate tables.

This is guesswork on my part, as I really have no idea how my disability has been determined. I also have no idea as to which tables were used in the medical assessment I went through in September, as all I got back from CL was an online letter with the following statement.

"You can continue to receive Disability Support Pension. We have made this decision following your recent medical review, which showed that you still meet the medical criteria for this payment.

So . . .

Anyway, a quick question. Is it better for me to make my initial enq's re portability with the Disability or the International services people.

Note: I was one of those targeted by International services at the end of 2011 re my overseas travel. I had been spending the maximum time OS and the minimum time in Aus since 2003. I was told in no uncertain terms that I would not be able to continue in that way and keep my pension. Since arriving back in Aus in Jan 2012, I have only had a single 3 week trip OS and that was Mar/April this year.

[Banjo]

You may like to take a look at other things than qualification for the UP using the impairment tables.
I've long held that the key phrase in the legislation should be "no future work capacity" rather than Centrelink's definition of a severe impairment.

Do you have the password to the closed forum?

[hugh023]

Yes, should I put all my questions there?

[Banjo]

If you prefer to do so, I was more thinking of giving you the opportunity to read through other people's cases.

One I missed before, any queries you wish to make with Centrelink regarding UP would be better done through International.