???

It is a very energy sapping process. Find a friend who has just had a big relationship bust up or something and let them loose on centrelink for some therapy, should do the trick!!

Are you by any chance  a state government employee? If so Vicsuper now has included in the superannuation an income protection scheme. I only found out by accident recently when looking at my statement (I think I was away last year when introduced) and there are "no strings" attached (ie medical assessment) for the basic level. So if you are in VicSuper or even another fund this could be worth investigating.

I have had an ongoing battle with another superannuation company who turned my non preserved benifits into preserved benefits which means I can't get my money. You have to be practically dead before they will release your super on medical grounds. It does ones head in and drains the life energy out of you along the way. I've pretty much given up on it for the moment until I feel ready for another round.

???

Hi Celeste, you should have pulled your head gear off and laughed at his response, insensitive little critter, he will get his own back one day.

Stay safe and happy, things can only get better. cheers Jo xx

omg celeste that is deplorable!!! my local centrelink actually was good about it. i only have to put in forms once every few months to report any income and i dont have to look for work until at least july. you should put in a complaint!

omg celeste that is deplorable!!! my local centrelink actually was good about it. i only have to put in forms once every few months to report any income and i dont have to look for work until at least july. you should put in a complaint!

Hi Celeste.  When I was diagnosed with stage 2 Breast Cancer in 2000, I was seen by a Centrelink Doctor.  He told me that I wasn't sick enough for a sickness benefit.  I had to look for work and hand in forms every fortnight while undergoing treatment. I often had to wait in long queues while I was handing my forms in.  A Friend of mine rang Centrelink and they told her to tell me to  ask for either of two people and they would take my forms.  Eventually, I recieved a letter to see another Doctor and I then recieved a sickness benefit which made things easier.  It was especially hard while I was puting in forms as I was doing it solo and getting to treatments was expensive as I couldn't claim any benefits.  It is time Centrelink reconsidered their ideas and had some compassion  and consideration for Cancer patients.

Hi Celeste,  I agree that Centrelink should be training their staff on how to deal with BC / any cancer clients.  I'll send you an email with my full comments. Deb. x