Never mind the endless Star Wars episodes (yet another one to be released this week) … in our house, the Centrelink saga continues!
In case you missed my earlier whinge about Centrelink, the problem developed as a result of Miss 19’s tendons on her left hand being sliced in a freak ice skating accident.
As a result she hasn’t been able to work since the middle of October, and as a casual employee and at not-even-19 at the time of the accident, she had no sick leave or income insurance.
However, she moved out of home at the beginning of the year, and even though she has no income, she still has to pay rent and other bills. We have helped where we can, but she was really looking forward to being able to earn her living once more from the start of January – especially as she still has to pay off her upcoming trip to Europe. She has even started selling her possessions to make a little money.
The Centrelink Saga Continues …
Alas, Centrelink in all their wisdom has decided that she is not eligible for any form of financial assistance, because:
- she is under 22;
- she has only been working over 30 hours per week consistently for the last 12 months, they say it has to have been at least 18 months (even though she has been with the same employer for 2 years, she didn’t always get the hours she wanted initially);
- she is not considered “independent” even though she hasn’t lived at home for nearly a year.
Way to kick somebody when they are down. What a cop out!
Seriously, why isn’t Centrelink paid to people who actually need it?! How do the welfare cheats get away with it?!
The poor kid, left with no money through absolutely no fault of her own. The injury was a result of some idiot showing off and skating past her, falling over, and his blade kicking up and slicing her hand open.
And now we have just been informed that she shouldn’t go back to work until February as it would place too much strain on her recently healed tendon.
We truly don’t know where to turn. It seems we have three possible options:
- Try Centrelink again (good luck!);
- Sue the ice skating rink for damages;
- Ask the ice skating rink for the incident report which should have been completed at the time, to get details of the person that injured her, and sue them for lost earnings.
Having to sue feels weird, like something people in the USA do. But what else can we do?!
If you have any ideas on how we should handle Miss 19’s dilemma, I’m all ears … feel free to leave a comment below.
Linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.
Raych aka Mystery Case says
Would there not be some sort of unwritten agreement that any accidents while ice skating were at your own risk? Perhaps seek some free legal advice. I’m assuming moving back in with you isn’t a viable option. It honesty makes no sense that centrelink can’t help you. Can you appeal the decision?
Janet Camilleri says
In this day and age, unwritten isn’t good enough. I know when we went to Bounce (trampolining) we had to sign a waiver, there isn’t anything like that at ice skating. Pretty sure there’s no sign with a disclaimer either …
Jan Holmes says
Try writing to your local member about this – isnt it Andrew Laming, he might intercede on her behalf.
Janet Camilleri says
I have a draft waiting in my emails now Jan – just have to send it! Also sent an email to one of those “no win no fee” lawyer to see what they think.
Leisa says
That’s what I want to know! How do the cheats get away with it????? I’ve known welfare cheats in my time and I have no idea how they find a loophole. There aren’t any!!!!
Honestly Janet, I feel your pain and angst. A couple of my kids have almost lost their cookies with all the hoop jumping they’ve had to do surrounding their disability allowances. Every. Single. Week we would be receiving letters, requesting more information, more proof only to be knocked back at the end for things that other people seem to get so easily. It’s so disheartening.
EssentiallyJess says
Oh this is just ridiculous! Surely Centrelink should be doing something! For goodness sake, how else are people supposed to live!
I’m so sorry this has happened. I feel for you all.
Vanessa says
There are always appeals with centrelink and government agencies in general. I’ve found stat decs with words like “undue stress” and “unreasonable decisions impacting negatively on the quality of life” help a lot. Also “consistent patterns” of employment.
Throwing in the word homeless doesn’t hurt – because while I know you wouldn’t let her live on the street, that is realistically what Centrelink are doing to her. She is over 18 and a legal adult and unable to work according to her doctors.
I’ve also had the advice in the past of being told to see a social worker at Centrelink though I never have. Long story around that one but when I was possibly ineligible for Centrelink someone told me they can help. Thankfully I got a job very quickly and didn’t have to go through it.
It does feel ridiculous and USA for having to sue for something that she should very reasonably be able to get! I’ve sadly had a bit of experience with them so if you want to chat about it drop me an email.
Kathy Marris says
Seems unfair to me. Maybe the Centrelink Ombudsman is worth a try. Otherwise I think I would pursue a legal action against the person who injured her. Good luck with it all!
Natalie @ Our Parallel Connection says
This is so typical of the government When you actually need something, they are no where to be found. .
Renee Wilson says
It really is a sad state of affairs when good hardworking citizens can’t get the assistance/support they need when they’ve been injured. I’d be marching back to Centrelink and demanding they have another look at her case. The poor thing. I feel so sorry for her. I hope you guys get this resolved sooner rather than later.
Sasha @ From the Left Field says
Oh far out! It’s bureaucracy gone mad! How stressful for you all. I wish I had some useful advice, but I have nothing when it comes to Centrelink. Such a nightmare. I’d certainly be petitioning your local member though. x
Pinky Poinker says
Is she eligible for Legal Aid? I’d keep nagging Centrelink and write to the local ombudsman. She’s an eighteen year old… an adult. It doesn’t sound right to me.
Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
I’d definitely be looking into seeking damages from the other party or the ice skating rink, but I’d be doing it under and no win no fee lawyer if you can find one. The person who caused the accident should definitely be responsible for it, especially when she can’t get anything from Centrelink.