Support and information on disability support and ME/CFS.

• ME/CFS Disability Scale
• Disability Support Pension
• Disability Support Services
• Problems with Centrelink Payments
• Concessions
• Welfare Rights
• Disability Discrimination Law
• Medicare EPC Dental Scheme
  

Disability Services Commissioner in Victoria: http://www.odsc.vic.gov.au/

ME/CFS Disability Scale

It is useful for you doctor to measure your level of activity and ability to function with a simple instrument on every visit - the ME/CFS (or CFIDS) Disability Scale. The ME/CFS Disability Scale assists in documenting improvements or otherwise in the condition and the effects of medications, as well as provding a useful marker for long-term changes. It may also serve as a key reference should your doctor need to write a medical history or supporting letter for disability benefit claims.

In marking your score on the scale, it is important to document as accurately as possible the severity of symptoms, the degree of activity impairment with both activity and rest, and the functional ability regarding full time work. The principle behind the ME/CFS Disability Scale is that the severity of symptoms is related to exertion - physical and mental.

The concept that severity of symptoms is related to exertion is not one necessarily understood by many doctors, Centrelink representatives, insurance companies and employers. As Dr. Bell remarks in his book, these people are more likely to subscribe to the understanding that 'when you are sick, you're sick', not 'when you work, you're sick'.

A copy of the scale is available on the website of the CFIDS Association of America, here.

Source: Adapted from Bell, D S (1994) 'The doctors guide to chronic fatigue syndrome: Understanding, treating and living with CFIDS', Addison-Wesley, USA. (Page 123).

Disability Support Pension

The Disability Support Pension is a payment made by Centrelink for people aged 16 years and above for a two year period, with an assessment at the end of each two year period. Your doctor will need to complete a section of each application, and you may be required to be assessed by a Commonwealth doctor. Please call the office on (03) 9791 2199 if you require information and support throughout this process.

A Carers Allowance, Carers Payment and Mobility Allowance are also available.

Information on eligibility for Health Care Cards is also available.

Click here to access Centrelink's latest 'Are you ill, injured or do you have a disability: a guide to your options and our services', July 2010.

Disability Support Services

ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) produces a detailed 'Support Services for ME/CFS in Victoria' booklet. To obtain your copy for $3, please contact the office on (03) 9791 3100.

The Victorian Government's Disability Information and Support booklet containes contact details for DHS 'Disability Intake and Response Service' across Victoria.

Victorian Government (2009) 'Individual Support Package Handbook: A self directed approach for Victorians with a disability', December.

Information on Disability & Education Awareness Service (IDEAS) provides the latest news, information and support services for people with disabilties. Information provided includes:

• Disability and diseases;
• Equipment and suppliers;
• Accessible holiday options;
• Communication aids;
• Daily living aids;
• Vehicles and transport;
• Leisure and sports programs;
• Employment;
• Accommodation;
• Entitlements and subsidies;
• Education;
• Respite care;
• Government information and legislation;
• Any type of service or product which provides support.

Victorian Taxi Directorate

You may be eligible to apply for a concession. Click here for more information. Make sure you have a doctor who fully understands ME/CFS to complete your form.

People with ME to a severe and permanent extent (as determined by their doctor) which denies them independent access to any form of public transport are exempt from an aunnual subsidy cap with regard to taxi concession.  ME is a conditon clearly eligible for taxi concessions.  Click here for further information.

Disability Support Register

The Department of Human Services' approach to supporting people with a disability focuses on individually tailored and flexible ways to respond to people's needs, and assist them to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Click here for more information: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/supports_for_people/information,_planning_and_advocacy/how-we-provide-services-to-people#june2009

Making a complaint to the Disability Services Commissioner

Complaints about the provision of disability services can be made directly to the service provider and to the Commissioner. There are many benefits to raising a complaint with your disability service provider and to identifying a solution as possible.

Click here for more information: http://www.odsc.vic.gov.au/downloads/fs_dscmakingacomplaint1207.pdf 

Problems with Centrelink Payments

 Seeking advice about whether to progress a Centrelink dispute to the Tribunal? Do you feel you have been discriminated against with your claim for a Centrelink payment?

The following services provide free phone advice:

• Social Security Rights, ph. (03) 9416 1111, http://www.ssrv.org.au/
• Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service, ph. (03) 5229 2925, or http://www.villamanta.org.au/

Concessions

A detailed breakdown of concession programs available in Victoria. Concessions programs are designed to ensure eligible cardholders have access to essential services.

Website: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/concessions

Problems with utility payments (energy, electricity, gas, heating, cooling, water)

For complaints or to resolve disputes contact the Energy and Water Ombudsman on free call 1800 500 509.

Website: http://www.ewov.com.au/

Welfare Rights

The National Welfare Rights Network provide fact sheets to assist individuals with social security or Centrelink problems. The factsheets provide information about specific payments, such as the Disability Support Pension.

WorkWelfareWills is a plain English web guide developed by the Chronic Illness Alliance to legal issues around health and life changes. It was produced for use in Victoria only as some of the laws will be different in other states of Australia.

Disability Discrimination Law

Many people with a disability experience discrimination because of their disability. Disability discrimination is unlawful under the state and federal laws of Australia. If you experience discrimination, the law may be able to help you. See this booklet on Using Disability Discrimination Law for more information.

Medicare Enhanced Primary Care Dental Scheme for People with a Chronic Illness

The dental scheme for people with a chronic illness who's dental health is impacting on their general health, is still available and will be in the short term.

Who is eligible for the EPC Dental Care scheme?

Anyone, working or on a pension, with a chronic medical condition and complex care needs (have received care from a GP and two other health care providers - e.g. psychologist, chiropodist, dietician, etc) and whose oral health is impacting on their general health, can access this scheme.

GPs will assess eligibility and for most people will be able to prepare a 'GP Management Plan' and 'Team Care Arrangements'. The EPC scheme covers up to $4,250 of dental work including; assessments, extractions, fillings, restorative work (bridges, crowns and implants), dentures, orthodontic services and preventative services.

Will there be any cost?

Some private dentists are bulk billing on this scheme, but many will set their own fees and charge you the difference between that and the Medicare rebate. (Any out-of-pocket expenses count towards the Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN), which is $519.50 for concession card holders and $1,039 for others and families [April 2008]).

How do I access the EPC Dental Care scheme?

Make an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible (You might need a longer appointment than usual to enable the GP to prepare a 'GP Management Plan' and 'Team Care Arrangements' - check with your doctor/clinic).

Ask your doctor if you are eligible. Your doctor will give a referral to a private dentist. Ask if they know one that bulk bills - or you can suggest a dentist if you know one. Your doctor will send paperwork to Medicare. You cannot start dental work until the 'Care Plan' is completed and Medicare have processed your information. Call Medicare on 132 011 to check if everything has been processed.

Make an appointment with the dentist you have been referred to, and take your Care Plan and GP referral letter to your first appointment. If your dentist does not bulk bill, ask them for a quote that includes; X-rays, history taking, examination, treatment and/or cleaning. If you have to pay up-front take the receipts to Medicare to claim the rebate.

For more information speak to your GP, contact Medicare on 132 011.

Review of the tables for the assessment of work related impairment for Disability Support Pension. Click here to see.