Navigating Centrelink Payments

Hi @MDT @Former-Member @Daisydreamer @TAB

This is so hard , centrelink payments have been awful for me to access and I'm thinking of going on the dsp just to take the stress off

I've had difficulty

1. Getting through to centrelink on the number provided, which sometimes won't connect if they are too busy and tells u to try again later
2. Not making a jobseeker appointment I was told about a day before, and then the jobsekker place went rogue and cut off my payments
3. Getting in all my docs to centrelink on time

It's a very stressful process

I've found them pretty helpful but the timing and Getting through was so hard.

Hi there @EternalFlower,

It is a really stressful process isn't it. Sometimes jumping through the hoops can feel like a full time job, and when we're not feeling our best it makes things really tough.

One of the little tips I've used is to call the Centrelink phone number right on 8am (that's usually the time the phone line opens). I do mean right on it though – I've actually set an alarm on my phone for 7:50am to remind myself. Usually that way you only wait 10-15mins max, unlike when you call at peak times, such as midday.

Hi @Daisydreamer

I was put on jobsearch last year when I lost my job and applied for a health care card. I had to look for 20 jobs in a month for i thought was a lot at my age (50's). I was struggling with the fact that i was sacked during Covid and my mental health and then had Centrelink behind my back.

My GP became involved and filled out a medical certificate to give me 3 months reprieve to not to look for work. i still got to keep my health care card but was exempt for looking for work.

Every 3 months he fills out a form and i scan it to them.

I don't get much payment from Centrelink as it is based on my husband's wage and he is just over the threshold.

it is easier now that i use the centrelink app; makes life a bit easier.

Hi @Former-Member that is smart

One cheat I did was call the complaints number when desperate, about 10 min wait, I think they are cracking cracking on this, but she solved the problem and reinstated my payments

I was so distressed recently moreso the job provider than centrelink, are ruthless

Not only did they cut off my payments they were aggressive.

I took breaths and wished them a good day....nor worth the trouble

But I try avoid getting into anything with them, they were so harsh and aggressive.

Hi @BlueBay,

I am really glad to hear that your doctor was so supportive and understood that applying for 20 jobs a week at that time wasn't helpful. The medical exemption is a good point that other members here might find helpful to know too- I am sure there are others in a similar boat!

The Centrelink app certainly makes it easier, and in these covid times, reduces the amount of time needed in person to access important payments and support.

thank you @Daisydreamer , they can be a bit aggressive for my liking.

I was able to successfully get exempt from working more than 8 hours p,w, but it was not an easy process and took a toll, I do get anxious over those interactions

@Daisydreamer Centrelink payments and requirements can be a nightmare to negotiate at the best of times - this is worsened when you are struggling with Mental Health issues as well.
I have worked in the sector so if anyone has any questions or issues I would love to help if I can.

Something simply fixed is made complicated by the system.