Centerlink

Hi Adam,

A very clear explanation of everything you are balancing. I'm sorry about your stroke and even if it may not look as though you have had one I pass on my strength in understanding this is not easy.

Your efforts to return to work, huge, your willingness to go the extra mile, again huge.  Your need to look after your health - essential. I do not have any words of advice other than I know we have a Disability Advocacy Support Service in our community and I am aware of people who have used it, when needing support in advocating for themselves in similar situations such as yours?

do you have anything like this where you live?   

Best wishes

Sue

From Jenny

Adam I am so sorry to read of your stroke and difficulties. My story is quite different to yours ,however so frustrating. As my carer my husband ‘s application for a Carers allowance has been rejected twice.. next step, my GP will write a letter of protest. My problem with Centerlink is that we never see the same person twice. That is the way they work.   Adam I hope your problems with Centerlink have been resolved. Jenny

Hi Adam,

Thank you for reaching out to us and I am very sorry to hear of the difficulties you are having currently. It sounds like it has been a difficult time for you recently in regards to the chnages you are facing.

I would suggest going to your local Centrelink Office again and making an appointment to see one of the social workers there.  

Centrelink can provide you with information on the amount of income you can earn per fortnight and still be eligible for Newstart, depending on your circumstances.  The Newstart allowance is affected by your fortnightly income amount, and your assets. The asset and income amounts will differ depending on your particular circumstances.

In regards to the pension card you have, is this the Health Care Card?  To be eligible for a Health Care Card you must be receiving a Centrelink allowance or payment. You are able to keep the health care card for 6 months once you return to work, if you have been receiving the Newstart Allowance for more than one year. This may be the reason that you will be able to continue to use this card until December.  Due to your circumstances changing, you might be eligible for a Low Income Health Care Card if you meet the Centrelink income test. It would be beneficial to discuss this with the Centrelink Social Worker or visit your Centrelink Office.

If you are finding it difficult to manage the increased hours you are working, it would also be worth talking with your employer. You could discuss their flexibility with the hours, and whether you could drop back down to the 40 hours a fortnight. I understand the frustration you must be feeling trying to work as much as you can without losing the additional support provided by the Health Care Card.

If you cannot continue to work with your current employer due to the impact of your stroke or an illness, you can also contact the Job Access program on Ph. 1800 464 800 or https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/ as they specialise in assisting those who have a disability to find a maintain employment.

If you are unable to work because you are unwell, your circumstances will have changed and Centrelink will be able to assist you to find the income support you need.

I’m hope you can discuss your options with a Centrelink Social worker and see whether you might be eligible for a Low Income Health care Card.

I hope this information is useful and if you have any further questions, please feel free to call us at StrokeLine 1800 787 653 or email us at strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au

Kind regards

Siobhan (StrokeLine)

Thank you everyone. I did not know centerlink have socical workers. I shall ask. I shall also look for a advocac group in Northern N.S.W, in anycase I shall be visiting a centerlink office,

My work knows all about my cercimsutances and are very understanding.

So I my Dr, so the merrygoround continues

Adam

Hi Adam, I recently attended an information session about Centerlink organised by my local stroke support group. The key take away for me is that we need to use specific terminology in our application to get us across the line. Eg. you are seeking financial assistance to help you with 'Community Reintegration' activities. Also, 'no significant improvement in the next two years'. It also helps if the application is supported by your GP. Have you had a Neuropsychological Test? It should provide some direction about your cognitive state/permanent or temporary disability. Hope this helps.

Hi Adam, I recently attended an information session about Centerlink organised by my local stroke support group. The key take away for me is that we need to use specific terminology in our application to get us across the line. Eg. you are seeking financial assistance to help you with 'Community Reintegration' activities. Also, 'no significant improvement in the next two years'. It also helps if the application is supported by your GP. Have you had a Neuropsychological Test? It should provide some direction about your cognitive state/permanent or temporary disability. Hope this helps.