Angry Mumma vs Centerlink

Do you know how hard it is to get a Carers payment from Centerlink? I do. We've applied twice and have been rejected both times.

With the first application, it took 6 bloody weeks for them to decide that we weren't eligible. But they were kind enough to grant Max a Health Care Card (bless you Centerlink).

The second time, we provided a support letter from our pediatrician. Another 6 weeks later, we were again unsuccessful but granted 'carers allowance' instead- about $100 a fortnight.

The reason we keep getting rejected, is simple. Max doesn't 'tick enough boxes' on their questionnaire. Boxes that are completely irrelevant for a baby, because all babies require full time care. Fair call I suppose. But do all babies have cerebral palsy? Do all babies have a therapy regime comparable to an Olympians training schedule. Do all babies have brain damage as significant as Max?

We were told to apply again when he got a bit older. Apply again? No, I will not apply again when he gets older. Nor, will I re-apply again now. Because this Mumma is angry. This Mumma has launched an appeal instead.

After a little bit of research, I have discovered the importance of semantics (thank you Welfare Rights dot com). I have to prove that my son has a condition, be it medical or physical or behavioral or psychiatric, that requires care, roughly equivalent to a full days work. That is what the fuckin lovely tick boxes are designed to assess.

Do I provide care 'roughly equivalent' to a full days work? Abso-friggin-lutely. Centerlink, I provide full care for my baby, as well as being his full time therapist. Our whole day, is structured around OT/PT/sensory intergration/language development/massage/stretching and medical appointments. 'Roughly equivalent to a full days work?". I crap all over your 'full days' work Mr Centerlink.

So.....the appeal has been launched. Our wonderful 'therapy team' are providing supporting reports this time. Three 'semantically correct' reports that will hopefully, get us over the line.

If this appeal isn't successful, then I'll appeal at the next level. I'll be contacting local members of parliament. I'll be harassing the shit out of whoever is the federal minister responsible for disability reform. I'll be harassing the shadow minister as well.

I'm not a welfare scam, I've always had a strong work ethic, I just want to recieve what I am entitled to. Screw your semantics Centerlink Mark my words, I will be granted carers payment and I will be getting back pay.


Now, to end on a positive note....


















Love you Max xxx

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