In September 2024, SSRV launched our Disability Support Pension (DSP) clinic through a pro bono partnership with Hall & Wilcox.
DSP consistently remains one of the most common reasons clients and workers contact SSRV for help. The DSP clinic allows more vulnerable Victorians access to justice by providing one-hour long appointments with a lawyer to discuss their DSP eligibility and answer any questions.
Eight months on and the clinic has supported SSRV to increase our capacity by delivering more than 50 additional legal advice appointments to Victorians encountering difficulty understanding the complex DSP eligibility criteria, navigating the application process and accessing advice on their right to seek review of a DSP rejection decision. In addition to the phone advice appointment, the lawyer provides each client with an overview of the advice provided via email. Through the clinics, the lawyers can also review medical documents and provide letters to treating doctors seeking a DSP letter of support.
At SSRV we believe access to quality and independent specialist information and advice for vulnerable Victorians is fundamental. We are incredibly proud of the partnership we have developed with Hall & Wilcox and thank them for their support of this vital work.
If you or your client has a DSP issue, you can seek help from SSRV by calling out Legal Assistance Line or our Worker Help Line.
Image: from left to right, Shyla, Natalie, and Tom (SSRV DSP Clinic)
