The Integrated Services Project (‘ISP’), is a partnership between FCVic and Social Security Rights Victoria (‘SSRV)’, to improve client outcomes through financial counsellors and social security lawyers working together more effectively.
Celebrating 5 Years of DSP Help!
“This is a fantastic tool. I've been so overwhelmed in trying to apply for DSP, and this tool has helped so much. It makes me feel supported. Thank you.”
In 2025, our website DSP Help enters its fifth year of operation. First launched in July 2020, DSP Help was created to achieve three main objectives:
- Providing information that applicants and those supporting them can use to better understand the Disability Support Pension (DSP) and improve their applications and appeals.
- Offering a chatbot that helps users create a medical evidence kit to assist in gathering essential medical documentation.
- Connecting users who are unable to self-advocate with SSRV’s more intensive support services.
This free online resource is designed for DSP applicants and those assisting them, including friends, family, and community workers such as financial counsellors, social workers, advocates, doctors, and health professionals. It particularly supports the “missing middle”—people with mid-level support needs who can self-advocate with the right tools.
Since its launch, DSP Help has become a widely used and well-regarded resource. Between 13 July 2020 and 1 July 2021, approximately 18,000 people visited the DSP Help website. By contrast, between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024, around 37,000 people used the resource—more than doubling its users in five years!
Beyond the website, DSP Help has integrated with and contributed to SSRV’s broader service offerings. The project contributes to:
- Worker Help Line service (one day per week);
- Clinic legal advice service (one day per week);
- Legal representation and ongoing assistance;
- Community legal education for workers;
- Advocacy work.
The DSP Help Project has received outstanding feedback, including from a client who successfully accessed DSP following assistance at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal:
“Your advice and preparatory work prior to the Tribunal hearing have contributed extensively to this positive outcome. As I have said many times—thank you—to you, your colleagues, and SSRV for your guidance. Your extensive knowledge of disability legislation, your passion for the needs of people with disabilities, and your attention to detail are outstanding.”
SSRV would like to thank the Victorian Legal Services Board Grants Program for funding the design, implementation, and evaluation of the DSP Help Project.
Social Security Debt Help
Did you know about our free online resource Social Security Debt Help?
This initiative builds on the success of DSP Help, applying the expertise, skills, and resources developed to assist people dealing with Centrelink debts.
In 2023, SSRV conducted a human-centred consultation process to design and develop the website, launching Social Security Debt Help in December 2023. You can access it here: www.socialsecuritydebthelp.org.au.
Throughout 2024-2025, SSRV has continued engaging with users and stakeholders to refine the platform. We have gathered feedback on content, site structure, and barriers to access, helping us improve the resource for those who need it most. We estimate that in the project’s second year, we have reached more than 2,000 people.
I’m a professional supporting a client with a Centrelink debt. What can I do?
- Visit Social Security Debt Help as a starting point.
- Use the site to assist clients, including the chatbot information kit function.
- Refer clients to the website for self-help options.
- For further assistance or referrals, contact our Worker Helpline at 0419 793 652.
We are proud to continue supporting people navigating the social security system and look forward to further expanding these vital resources.
Keep in touch
We are active on the FCVic ‘Government Services Network’, where financial counsellors, community advocates, and social security lawyers meet to discuss policy concerns, trends in casework, and challenges/successful outcomes. You can join through the FCVic members’ portal or by emailing [email protected].
SSRV produces a regular newsletter. If you aren’t already receiving it, you can subscribe using the link at the bottom of our website. We regularly post news and other updates. You can also follow us on Facebook.
Website: https://www.ssrv.org.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SSRVlaw
Email: [email protected]
General Enquiries: 03 9481 0299
Worker Help Line: 03 9481 0655