Centrelink disability interview.

Centrelink appointment for my disability claim and job assessment. Only four months of waiting since my application went in. We met with a psychologist (I think that’s what she said she was) called Lynda. She started with a big long rehearsed spiel that went on for about three minutes during which my eyes glazed over and I lost attention after one minute.

She picked through my side effects one by one about the lymphedema and the eye trouble and seemed happy they weren’t too bad at the moment.

Sometimes she asked a question but I had trouble comprehending and then I couldn’t remember the question she asked in the first place (thank you chemo brain – not) so it was a hard slog answering everything and I was getting a stress head ache.

Questions like can you sweep a floor I could answer but only one floor before I am worn out.

Then she asked why I wasn’t seeing a psychologist? I said I wasn’t aware of any phycologists in my area who bulk billed as that’s what I asked my doctor for in the first place after I found out at the BNCA seminar that I could see a psychologist for free. What I got was a psychiatrist who stuck me immediately on antidepressant medication which reacted badly with me in diarrhea and weight loss and swollen glands, then when I complained he said that’s how you know it’s working, when you get side effects. I got a lump in my good arm pit which sent oncology and my head surgeon scurrying for an ultrasound and blood tests and they were not impressed about the medication and told me to stop taking the antidepressant. Next appointment with the psychiatrist isn’t for months so I don’t know what I am supposed to do.

I got a little upset inside but the interview with the Centrelink lady was nearly done so I was holding my breath, ready to jump up and bolt and she said I should be seeing a psychologist. Well then, I lost it and the tears came and I couldn’t stop and I have no idea why I was crying, but I just wanted to get out of there. She said hubby and I should apply for New Start, I think she said it was and register with a job provider.

I got the sobs under control and she let us go, finally. I was thinking about the New Start thing when I got out and I would be a fraud to apply with a job provider as I know full well I cannot work atm. So embarrassing, sheesh!

Mira
Member
8 years ago
Hey Brenda, that's a real shame. Make sure to dispute it, complain etc. They are making it as hard as possible for everyone unfortunately.
ShazS
Member
8 years ago
That's unreal Brenda yet we probably know people of how the hell they get away with putting it over Centrelink and when people who are genuine your treated like there's nothing wrong with you . Where do these people get off on asking the most stupidest questions can you sweep oh my blood boils. Try and stay strong Brenda don't let them dictate how you feel ect if they were in your situation or there family member would they treat them the same bet not. Take care Shazx
HIT
Member
8 years ago
Its been a while since I was doing all this for my daughter - but do they say that you can disagree/contest (or similiar word) and were to resend it too? Each time I went for my Carers allowance with my disabled daughter I was knocked back twice and then got it on third time. They sent it to a different office each time and Bunbury WA always used to give it to me. Go Bunbury. I never got a doctor to help fill the form out but believe if they help they know what to put in. Not lying but even little things. I was not looking forward to applying for disability pension when she turned 16yrs but bugger me when I went for 1st interview I pulled some papers out and she saw the school IQ test - it was under 70 - which is disabled!!! I didn't even have to fill the whole stupid form out - And I knew her IQ was under 70, they had done it in primary school. No one had told me that grrrrr
onemargie
Member
8 years ago
Pisses me off big time as I have patients on dsp who could definately do without it I would be marching in there too and telling the fuckers what I really think. The worst part is you had to wait so bloody long in the first place just to get this far. I would be interested to see how many of their so called points you missed out on and what exactly you need to have these days to qualify for it if you get approved for the new start I’d argue with them and say well you reckon I can work so find me a bloody job then!!! Seems pointless if they allow you to be exempt from having to find a job on your Newstart. But you don’t qualify for a DSP. If you can’t work then I would of thought a DSP would of been the next step. What a bunch of arseholes. Really frustrating for you lovey for sure. Margie. Xx
Zoffiel
Member
8 years ago
Newstart is not the end of the world in your condition as you will be able to get a series of medical exemptions to avoid the soul destroying exercise of dealing with a job provider. Who are even bigger bastards than Centrelink.

I know it is very upsetting but, sadly, this situation is not surprising. There have been clear directives to tighten the reins on the DSP which means we all end up on the dole instead. It sucks, and it is nowhere near enough money to live on--having been deliberately engineered as a punitive system to punish bludgers. But it looks good on paper--strong government action and decisive leadership. FFS. In a couple of years, there will be another push to get long time recipients who have been languishing in nowhere land off that payment as well.

Hopefully you and I will be well clear of the mess by then, But for the moment it is all we have. Fair? Nup. Don't give up, Brenda. You are not alone. Which doesn't pay the bills.
Afraser
Member
8 years ago
That's appalling.. You will feel stronger tomorrow I am sure, but the obstacle course you are being put through has no place in our society.
Anonymous
8 years ago
The user and all related content has been deleted.
June1952
Member
8 years ago
Hi @Brenda5
Bugger, to say the least. Things were looking so promising.
Get your ''big girl knickers'' on and go in there armed with everything necessary - and kick some butt. At least you will have some income and your medicos can get around the need to look for work or do voluntary work.
Don't despair. You have got this far.
Summer :)
Scooper
Member
8 years ago
I am so sorry to hear this news Brenda. It's total BS. Sending you love Sandra xxxx
Brenda5
Member
8 years ago
Disability pension has been disallowed. Apparently I did not have the total of 20 points to qualify.
New Start wants me to come in and provide an income and assets form. I am just too crushed to move atm. Maybe I will feel stronger tomorrow.