How are applicants assessed?

Centrelink assesses an individual’s functionality and how the condition affects their day-to-day living. To be eligible for DSP, your condition needs to be fully diagnosed, treated and stabilised (FDTS). Your medical practitioner (and often one employed by Centrelink) will need to confirm this.

This assessment is based on medical evidence/assessment, which will include:

• that you have tried all reasonable treatment options (and what those options were)
• evidence that your condition will persist for at least two years to the extent that you can’t work (or retrain to work) for at least 15 hours a week in the next two years
• information about the functional impact of your condition