Thank you for acknowledging this area. I would like to provide an outline of my personal experience. I was diagnosed in July 2010, up until this time I was a full time worker and owned and operated businesses. My diagnosis and subsequent treatment was lumpectomy ,chemo, radiation followed by a full hysterectomy with a pulmonary embolism thrown in. I had to sell my business and could no longer work. I applied to centre link for assistance, was rejected, and it has taken 2 years for them to finally put me on the disability benefit to which I am entitled. I searched forever and found Welfare Rights who helped me appeal. I had to have a tribunal hearing and was finally successful. Neither my doctors or I was aware that it is based on tables and a point system. You need 20 points from 1 table to qualify for a disability and none of this information is readily available to us. These tables should be presented to all doctors and claimants from the very beginning. I have experienced such disregard and lack of compassion, in a time when it is needed most. Claiming on super is almost impossible and will probably take another 2 years. In the meantime, I have struggled to make ends meet and looks like I will lose my home. I hope that this topic can be further discussed as I believe this is an area that definitely needs immediate attention.
