Helping a patient or client with a Centrelink claim

Diagnosed, reasonably treated and stabilised

Services Australia says evidence must show the condition is diagnosed, reasonably treated and stabilised, and in most cases it needs to be current. It should cover the diagnosis and how the condition affects the person day to day, and usually the treatment and prognosis too.

• Treating doctors no longer need to do a medical report for a claim. Your patient gets the DSP Medical Evidence Checklist (SA473) to help gather the right evidence.
• Your guide is SA478, the DSP Medical Evidence Checklist for treating health professionals.
• Consent: your patient can confirm consent for you to share information using SA472, Consent to disclose medical information.
• Your patient may book a longer consultation to talk through their evidence. Services Australia says this time is claimable under a Medicare item when it’s part of the consultation.

When a specialist needs to be involved

• Mental health conditions: a psychiatrist’s diagnosis, or a registered or clinical psychologist supporting the treating doctor’s diagnosis.
• Intellectual disability: a psychologist’s assessment of intellectual function and adaptive behaviour.
• Hearing or balance conditions: diagnosis by a qualified medical practitioner, supported by an audiologist or an ear, nose and throat specialist.
• Vision: an ophthalmologist or ophthalmic surgeon supports the diagnosis. For permanent blindness, use the Request for ophthalmologist/optometrist report (SA013) or equivalent evidence.

When eligibility is clear from the evidence

Some situations meet the manifest medical rules without further assessment, such as permanent blindness, needing nursing home level care, or intellectual disability with an IQ of less than 70.

For terminal illness (average life expectancy of less than 2 years for a person with the condition), complete the Verification of Terminal Illness form (SA495), and the verification section of the patient’s Claim for DSP for a Terminal Illness (SA494).

When Services Australia asks you for more

A Services Australia health professional, or a Government-contracted doctor, may contact you to clarify evidence or ask for more. If that happens, Services Australia says it may recommend you’re paid $91.42 (including GST) for verbal advice and $171.40 (including GST) for written advice, paid after you provide the information.

For a patient already on DSP, a medical review may ask you to complete a medical report. Your patient may need a longer appointment for it.

Temporary exemptions

When a job seeker can’t meet their mutual obligation or participation requirements because of sickness or injury, a medical certificate supports an exemption. From 1 January 2025 the maximum exemption is up to 24 months for JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance for job seekers, Parenting Payment Single (when the youngest child turns 6) and Special Benefit for Nominated Visa Holders. From 10 March 2025, it’s also up to 24 months for DSP recipients under 35 with compulsory participation requirements.

SU683, SU415, or your own certificate

• SU683 through HPOS (preferred). Services Australia says it’s faster to assess. Only GPs can complete it, and you need a PRODA account. It’s submitted on your patient’s behalf.
• SU415 by hand. Complete and sign it, then give it to your patient to upload through their Centrelink online account or lodge at a service centre.
• Your own certificate. Accepted if it includes the date, the illness, injury or disability, the expected recovery time, the period they can’t work, study or participate, your signature, and how many hours a week they can work, study or participate (or that they can’t for at least 8 hours a week).