Social Security Rights Victoria is pleased to announce that we have launched DSP Help
What is DSP Help?
The Disability Support Pension (DSP) provides income support for people who cannot work due to permanent illness, injury, or disability, but getting it is challenging. DSP eligibility criteria is complex and success often depends on the quality of supporting medical evidence.
DSP Help is a free online resource for DSP applicants and the people who support them, aimed at helping them understand the DSP, the eligibility criteria, how to get suitable medical evidence, and how to approach an application.
How does DSP Help work?
The DSP Help website provides information about DSP eligibility criteria, how to gather medical evidence, applying for the DSP, and what to do if an application is rejected, all in the one place.
The Medical Evidence Chatbot helps applicants grapple with how their medical conditions affect them and their ability to work. It produces a personalised Medical Evidence Kit applicants can take to their doctors to help explain what they’re experiencing, and how the doctors can support their DSP application.
DSP Help is not just a website. Social Security Rights Victoria (SSRV) is offering a ‘wrap around’ legal service – including advice and representation – as well. People who are unable to use the DSP Help website or need more hands on assistance can call SSRV and ask to speak to the DSP Help Lawyer.
What can I do?
DSP Help is live right now. DSP applicants and support workers can start using it right away.
Community lawyers and support workers
SSRV has created a postcard for DSP Help you can give to clients who need help with the DSP. If you would like a digital copy sent to you please contact SSRV at info@ssrv.org.au or call on 03 9481 0299. Pre-printed postcards and other promotional materials will be available in the near future.
SSRV is offering workshops about the Disability Support Pension and DSP Help for professionals who are assisting clients with DSP matters. Currently these are offered remotely due to Covid-19 restrictions. To find out about the next session, please contact SSRV at info@ssrv.org.au or call on 03 9481 0299.
SSRV is a state-wide community legal centres that provide specialist legal advice and assistance regarding Centrelink matters. DSP Help is part of the range of services offered by SSRV, including:
General Advice Line (for individuals and carers): 0419 793 652
(Monday – Thursday, 9:30am – 12:30pm)
Worker Help Line (for community lawyers and support workers): 0429 450 346
(Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 5:00pm)
Read the media release here
