how best to access available help?

Hi @sybill07

Sorry to hear your still struggling to find some support. I came close to the point of becoming homeless many years ago it is something I do not want to repeat. Had to sell up most of our stuff and start from scratch. Had a few very tough years.

I heard in the news the other day that there are attempts being made to reduce the number of people on disability payments and am wondering if your partner is caught up in that. If you feel your being unfairly treated you could try your local MP. Have you tried organisations like Vinnie's and Anglicare?

Hi @sybill07

Good to see you chatting on the forums even if you feel like a grumpy cow 🙂

I think we all have been a grumpy cow at some point dealing with Centrelink, there can be lots of hoops to jump through at a time when families feel stressed and vulnerable. One thing that has helped others get fast tracked or at least extra support within Centrelink is to make an appt to see the social worker there. Not all branches have one but they can help you navigate the system and link you into local resources.

Also there is funded counselling /social work services available through your community health service. They offer someone to listen, support you emotionally and link you and your husband into useful services. The CHS or Anglicare may have financial counsellors who are great at helping families on low incomes or with debt to work out a budget that's manageable and access grants.

Hope these are useful ideas for you. Hang in there and I hope the pressure eases before too long.

Best wishes,

Frog

I understand the frustration, Dad lost his payments and is being forced back to work however he can't work, he is both mentally and physically unwell. He lost everything 2 years ago, So now he lives with me my husband and children and we financially support him, Centerlink don't care they just offer him newstart which he needs to look for work to access. ????????

Horrible circle so now we are going to the ombudsman to see if he can help.

We are also writing a complaint letter and looking to work with a disability advocacy service.

Not sure if this helps but honestly understand your struggle.

Good Luck

Hi everyone @MIFANTCARER, @sybill07, @Former-Member, @Former-Member,

Centrelink doesn`t care , months a go we were told to go to centrelink , I did all the paperwork , trying so hard to be positive for my huband who has MI ,

we spent all morning until 1pm waiting and being told we will have to go on newstart and find work , so by the end of it my husband was a total mess, could not eat any lunch, wanted to go home .

the afternoon was terrible , he said at the end of the day that he was nearly ready to take himself to hospital

Apprently there are some cases that can be eligible for Newstart when the "requirement to look for work" is reduced or waived ... if supporting documentation is provided ... could be worth a look.

thank you @Appleblossom, one person we saw said she would put us on DSP and then starting talking about all the appoinments and paperwaork that when my husband just got up and walked out .

maybe I need to find more resources and information on which way is the bes