Hi Emily (& other’s),
i had a Stroke Oct 2016 - -“moderately severe”, which required me to learn to walk and speak again and leaving me -initially -with a useless left arm.
While still in hospital (12 weeks) I had to fight Centrelink, who rejected my claim for Sickness Benefits although I had s job tonteturn to, because I was/would be disabled, and who then rejected my claim for disability because I may return to work.. and that was only the beginning...
While I did not have Income Protection (to shield me from Centrelink), I did have Mortgage Insurance -but that was an almighty battle also. Initially, the insurer asked for medical records for previous 5 years. When they could not find any reason to “not” pay (I had no history of factors which they could use to invalidate my applicatio), they then asked for records for previous 10, and then all records available.
At this stage I explained that not only was I their customer and had been paying premiums which paid their wages, but that I was still in hospital and that their continued delays would easily become a stressor which may in fact lead to another stroke. Further, I explained that I had no option other than to contact the Insurance Ombudsman. I also demanded to speak to the supervisor of the Case Manager, who after I explained what had occurred instantly dealt with the matter herself., approved the application and at my suggested “retrained” certain staff.
They honoured their contract and we moved forward negotiating the “conditions”.
My Mortgage was “back-paid” for the 3 months this debate had taken (I had to do this all myself-the hospital Social Worker became a liability).The Mortgage Insurance was for a period of up to 2 years and conditional upon not working for more than 15 hours (ie technically less than 2 standard days per week -a standard day being 7 hours and 35 minutes).
Like you, in terrible financial circumstances -marooned on Newstart, despite a Centrelinkn assessment declarung me unable to work until August, I returned to a very supportive employer 2 days pw in May( far ahead of the original August date).
This was a start, and although it immediately cancelled out any $ payment from Centrelink, I retained the concession card and Mortgage Insurance, but still left me closer to poverty line than comfortable.
Returning to work was critical not only for $ but also my mental health -here was something where my defining feature was my professional skill, not my disability.
Once i I returned to 3 days pw, Mortgage Insurance cut out, almost negating the $ benefit of increased work. When I discussed this with insurer, as a disincentive, whilst apologetic, she explained that government regulations made no allowance for partial or sliding scale support which could provide motivation and support to gradually increase working capacity.
So so I am stuck -unable and unlikely to be able to work more than .6, with full time $ costs and responsibility, and no other financial support. (The Mortgage Insurance was for finite period -2years).
I don’t want much -but 2 things would help enormously: a sliding scale of Insurance support, and ongoing Health Care status from Centrelink in recognition of the commitment to my willingness and commitment to working and supporting myself as best as I am able, but recognising the limitation of my capacity to do so.
What do others think?
Jen
