The DSP & Me guide from the Disability Resources Centre is a step-by-step guide developed with people with disability who have applied for the Disability Support Pension. It covers eligibility, medical evidence, a possible Program of Support, income and assets, making a claim, reviews and your rights.
Important: the guide was published in June 2019. Some rules, forms, services and contact details may have changed. Use it as general information alongside the current guidance from Services Australia.
I do not know where to start
The guide suggests working through the application one section at a time, taking breaks and asking someone you trust to help if needed. It explains that applying for the DSP may involve several stages: checking non-medical eligibility, gathering medical evidence, considering whether a Program of Support applies, checking income and assets, preparing documents and making the claim.
DSP Help is a free resource for DSP applicants and support workers. Services Australia also has a before-claiming guide to help you understand the current requirements.
Income and asset limits apply. Payment rates and limits can change, so check the current information with Services Australia.
I need help filling out the form
The DSP & Me guide includes a checklist of documents that may be needed, including identity and residency evidence, medical evidence, consent to disclose medical information, Program of Support evidence and income and assets information. It explains that claims may be made online or using a paper form, and that you may be able to nominate someone to help with your Centrelink business.
Check the current claim process with Services Australia, including how to claim online and how to claim by form.
Services Australia says it can help with a DSP claim. If you need help, or are having problems getting evidence, call the Disability and Carers line on 132 717, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Services Australia does not promise that a staff member will complete the entire form for you, so ask what assistance is available.
A person helping you is not automatically a nominee. An advocate can support you with the claim and attend appointments. If a family member, support worker or organisation needs to speak to Centrelink, provide information, update details, or complete and sign forms on your behalf, they may need authority to act for you. A correspondence nominee can complete and sign forms and statements on your behalf. A payment nominee is different and relates to managing or receiving your payments.
Nominee arrangements are set up jointly, either online through myGov or using the SS313 authorisation form. If someone only needs to ask questions, a nominee may not be necessary. Read Services Australia’s guidance on who can act for you before choosing an arrangement.
Advocacy for Inclusion generally cannot complete a DSP application for you. If disability creates a barrier to accessing or completing the application process, you can contact us to discuss whether advocacy support may be available.
I need medical evidence
The guide explains that medical evidence should describe your diagnosis or condition, treatment, whether the condition has stabilised, and how it affects your functional capacity and ability to work. It recommends preparing for appointments, explaining the day-to-day impact of disability or illness, taking a support person if helpful, and asking the treating health professional what evidence is appropriate.
The guide also discusses Impairment Tables and circumstances in which a person may be assessed through a manifest impairment pathway. These rules and assessment processes can change, so read the current Services Australia medical evidence guidance and speak with your treating health professionals.
DSP Help also provides information about getting the right medical evidence, including a medical evidence tool and guidance for health professionals.
I had a claim, but it was rejected
The guide explains that you can ask for the reasons and evidence behind a Centrelink decision, seek an internal review and get independent advice. It also highlights the importance of keeping copies of documents, asking for reference numbers, taking a support person or advocate to appointments, and making a complaint if something has gone wrong.
Review and appeal pathways can change. Read your decision letter carefully and use the current information from Services Australia.
If you live in the ACT, Canberra Community Law’s Social Security Law service provides free, independent and confidential legal help with Centrelink problems, including refused claims, appeals, overpayments, entitlement issues and payments that have been reduced, cancelled or stopped. They can provide initial advice and may be able to help you speak with Centrelink, appeal a decision or obtain representation. Call (02) 6218 7900. Eligibility and service capacity may apply.
Other information and peer support
The DSP & Me guide includes information about your rights when dealing with Centrelink and Disability Employment Services. It covers privacy, receiving written reasons for decisions, accessing or correcting your Centrelink file, having an advocate or support person present, seeking independent advice, making complaints and keeping records of your interactions.
- DSPAAustralia provides information focused on DSP medical eligibility. It is independent of Services Australia and may offer paid email support. AFI does not endorse paid services.
- Centrelink Jobseeker, DSP and Age Pension support Australia is an external Facebook peer-support group. AFI does not manage or verify advice shared in external groups.
- You can read the full DSP & Me guide,
Contact Advocacy for Inclusion
If you experience significant barriers because of disability when accessing or completing the DSP process, contact us to complete an intake. AFI generally cannot complete Centrelink forms unless disability creates a barrier.