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Not sure if this is the right place to ask

Christopher64Contributor30 Apr 2018, 11:18 am AEST

Not sure if this is the right place to ask

Hi everyone

Been a while since I visited and although still struggling with my anxiety and depression, I have calmed down a bit from the awful experience I had with my former psychologist.

Have not sought any 'professional' help because I can't afford the sessions since I used up my Medicare subsidised quota for the year. Yeah 10 sessions a year sure helps those of us with very limited financial resources.

Speaking of which - one of my biggest worries at the moment is financial. There are days that I don't eat because I have no money. I am not receiving any government assistance because 1. They rejected my application for disability because 'depression is not a disability' and 2. They claimed I was not eligible for the newstart allowance because I own my own home (valued at less than $400K).

Right now I have less than $100 in the bank and am getting desperate. People I have loaned money to in the past have conveniently developed amnesia and I don't think I am going to see that money ever again.

I have heaps of superannuation but I can't touch it for another 5 years. This money would help me a LOT if I could withdraw some of it.

Has anyone had to withdraw some of their restricted super to survive? And if so, how did you go about doing it? Any assistance will be appreciated.

Thanks everyone

5 replies

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In response to: Not sure if this is the right place to ask

BunniekinsSenior Contributor30 Apr 2018, 1:38 pm AEST

Re: Not sure if this is the right place to ask

Hi Christopher64 I have on several occassions done this and was able to retreive $10,000 from my super when I really needed it BUT beware they also took out tax so the lump sum ended up being $7,000.00. You can only do it once a year too. I think it would be worthwhile going back to gp and getting an extention on your 10 free sessions which should also be available and having the psychologist help you fill out for dsp application. My daughter is currently doing hers for chronic depression. As for newstart how on earth do they expect you to eat without some kind of income?? I dont know .... anyways dont give up keep trying with the dsp just get the know how on what should be put in the forms by a professional either a psych or a pdoc.

Oh the forms for the early retrieval of your part pension can be got from whoever is looking after your super for you. Just ring them up and ask for a copy to be sent to you. Good luck with it. greenpea

Hi to everyone in forumland thanks for the cheerios really appreciate the warm sentiments 🙂 xxx

In response to: Not sure if this is the right place to ask

Unknown userMember01 May 2018, 11:04 am AEST

Re: Not sure if this is the right place to ask

Hi @Christopher64,

So hard to be having to worry about staying afloat finanacially whilst also battling up against anxiety and depression. Im sorry that you're in this position. I hope that you find some good advice and solidarity from other members.

In response to: Not sure if this is the right place to ask

patientpatientSenior Contributor01 May 2018, 12:11 pm AEST

Re: Not sure if this is the right place to ask

@Christopher64wrote:
... Speaking of which - one of my biggest worries at the moment is financial. There are days that I don't eat because I have no money. I am not receiving any government assistance because 1. They rejected my application for disability because 'depression is not a disability' and 2. They claimed I was not eligible for the newstart allowance because I own my own home (valued at less than $400K)...

Hi @Christopher64. re Newstart. According to the DHS website, they "... include the value of real estate that’s not your principal home", so your home should not be included. Suggest re-checking your application or going to see Centrelink (sorry, that's often a stressful experience, I always take a book to read).

In response to: Not sure if this is the right place to ask

utopiaSenior Contributor02 May 2018, 9:01 pm AEST

Re: Not sure if this is the right place to ask

@Christopher64.
Yes I have withdrawn some of my ' can't touch it yet' super. If you call them they will aend you out the form to apply. You will applying due to 'Hardship' (financial). I'm unsure what the maximum amount you can withdraw - so you'll need to check with your super fund.
Yes you can access some form of Centrelink.
Give Centrelink a call and ask for an appointment with their social worker. I have found their social workers to be extremely helpful.
Please don't go without eating. There are many organizations that can help you with vouchers for Coles or WoolWorths or will give you a food box. These charities are there exactly to help those in your situation. And I have used them a few times over the years. Please don't feel embarrassed about accessing some of these charity services. Today you need their help. Please use it. Next year, you may be in a position to donate back to that charity. I think of it as a circle. Just like life.
I wish you all the best in getting things sorted out with Centrelink and with your super.

In response to: Re: Not sure if this is the right place to ask

Christopher64Contributor03 May 2018, 10:19 am AEST

Re: Not sure if this is the right place to ask

Hi Utopia

Thanks for the advice. I have been hesitant approaching Centerlink cos the my last communication was a disaster. I went to the local branch, waited over an hour and then told they were really busy and it was best to just call them. The guy managing the queue just pointed me to the phone in the corner and basically gave me the finger. The next time I had an appointment and I provided them with all my financial documents to show that I was struggling financially. 2 weeks later get a call telling me that they lost all the documents and whether I could re-photocopy them. When I gave them the second batch of copies I was directed to a 'counsellor' who just looked at me and said 'You don't look sick to me. And the disability pension is meant for those that are genuinely disabled. I told them I was suffering depression and it took a great deal of effort to come in and she dismissed me with 'depression isn't a disability'. Request DENIED. A few weeks later I got a letter confirming that I was ineligible for Newstart as well. I asked why and they said 'you own your own home'. I will try once again - but boy I feel miserable every time I deal with Centerlink and Medicare staff.

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