topic Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate in Depression

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

Tonyw — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 08:33:58 GMT

I have got Anxiety And Depression And Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate after 1 year now they are stuff me around they say you can work 15+h and that`s it. I been cut off 4 times not turning up. any know what i can do?

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

blondguy — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 10:18:29 GMT

Hi Tonyw

Welcome and thanks for posting too!

Looks like we are both in the same boat with anxiety and depression

Centerlink can be a pain. They normally reject the Official Centerlink Medical Certificate after 3 or 4.

It takes work (unfortunately) to show DHS that we really do have these awful disorders. They just dont 'get it'

If possible see a psychiatrist and let him/her know how bad your symptoms are and you are having issues with Centerlink and unable to work as you have anxiety & depression. This will help you with centerlink.

Make sure that you see your GP and/or a counselor every month so they can say that you are receiving ongoing therapy (and medication if applicable) Centerlink will also take notice of how severe your symptoms are when your GP/therapist all state that you are unfit for work.

You can also apply for the disability pension as well depending on the severity of your anxiety/depression and how often you are seeing a doc/therapist.

Ive had the same disorders for years and its a pain Tonyw.....I hear you loud and clear.

you are not alone here Tony, please let us know how you go

my kind thoughts for you

Paul

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

hamlet — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 21:08:57 GMT

Hi Tony,

yes Centrelink can be very difficult even thought they say they will not accept the certificate still keep providing them the certificate as we are in the same boat and we found that even thought they say they don't want to accept the certificate we still provide them and it helps

all the best

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

geoff — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 21:41:10 GMT

hi Hamlet, centrelink are a law to themselves, but if the person who has rejected your certificate actually was in the same position as you, then they would be jumping up and down in anger.A couple of things you could try, go and get another certificate from another psych, a pain I know, but it could help, otherwise contact your local member and show them all the certificates plus the letter from centrelink denying you any payments.Another way is to start a job but pull out and say 'you can't work because of your depression', this will tell centrelink that you are unable to work because of your depression.When they say you can work 15+ hours, how do they know, especially if you have reports from various professionals. Geoff.

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

Rachelsbooks — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 13:54:15 GMT

Most days i cant get out of bed and centrelink has been on my back to look for work after my son turned 6 recently. They rejected my gp certificate and the letter from my psych. I dont have the energy or the mind frame to beat this. Im so weak. My sisters business has put me on their payroll just to get these idiots off my case.

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

BJXCAM — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 01:23:03 GMT

There are very specific rules around Centrelink. Unless you are eligible for a disability pension and over 35 years old, OR over 65, you have to look for at least 15 hours a week work in return for your payments.

To be eligible for DSP (disability pension) your barrier must be severe enough to affect your every day life - so, that you can't go shopping unassisted, or take public transport unassisted, etc. Even then, if you are under 35 and on DSP, you are still required to look for 8 hours a week work.

Centrelink will only accept medical certificates if your symptoms have been exacerbated, and they won't accept a medical certificate for the same thing twice - reason being, if it's a permanent condition that is stable, but isn't bad enough to make you eligible for DSP, then you are "still able to look for work".

Basically, centrelink money isn't "free" - you have to work for it. If you're not with a Disability Employment Services provider, get transferred over to one. I would suggest speaking with your service provider / job agency about the potential of doing study instead - they would be able to put you in to education (face to face or via correspondence), most likely fund it, and then you will be meeting your obligations for your Newstart Allowance, and not having to look for work.

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

blondguy — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 23:31:19 GMT

Hi BJXCAM

Welcome to the forums and thanks for the informative post too!

Ive had 4 official Centrelink Medical certificates in a row. A person requires a psychiatrists certificate and the GP certificate does help. Unfortunately a standard GP certificate on its own doesnt hold much weight.

Paul

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

Possum_Magic1 — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 00:15:03 GMT

Hi All

I cannot believe Centrelink put people through this awful process!

Has anyone in that department got any idea how dibilitating depression and anxiety is? For some just to be able to get out of bed is a chore, not to mention the lack of focus and concentration needed to deal with Medicare. Seriously makes me angry that when someone is really struggling everyday but may look ok that they are treated this way.

Definitely speak to anyone and everyone you can to receive your benefits. Our government is too busy handing money out to other countries but lacks to care for it's own.

I hope you manage to get this sorted and receive back pay as well. You can't live on fresh air alone and I'm assuming if you are on a payment that you can get your medication at a cheaper rate. Good luck with it all.

Possum Magic

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

Miss_Betty — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 10:08:37 GMT

I have had the same experience recently. This is my first time going through the system, I have always had a full time job. The thing that upsets me the most is that no one explains the reason for certain decisions or how the "process" works. Unless you ask the right questions you are left confused and bewildered.

I have also found that it has been difficult to convey to Centerlink and my job network provider just how serious my mental health struggles are at the moment. I present well, I am fairly articulate and have insight, a well rehearsed "social mask" and a full resume brimming with 18 years worth of full time experience and qualifications. I had repeatedly told my disability employment provider that I did not feel ready to get back into work and especially not full time! Despite this they continued to apply for positions on my behalf. I received many calls for interviews and found my self swept along and eventually being offered and accepting a position. I knew I wasn't ready though and on the eve of starting my new job I fell apart, calling my job provider and telling them that I couldn't possibly go through with it. I was forced to call Beyond Blue (which was very helpful) then contact the Employer to explain that I couldnt start. I was honest. I told them that I thought I was ready but I was wrong. They were very, very gracious and supportive (thankfully). But I was really upset that I had been put in that position in the first place considering I was already in a very vulnerable state of mind. Since then I submitted a Centerlink Medical Certificate in order to exempt me from attending appointments until I was informed that because my condition is not temporary I was ineligible for exemption and my Medical Certificates would no longer be accepted. Fortunately my job provider has recognised that I am not able to work right now (but it took me pulling out of a job to convince them of this). My mutual obligations were amended. As long as I commit to continuing treatment and attend fortnightly catch ups I will not be asked to apply for any vacancies, for now. I know that it's hard to even get out of bed some days but I would suggest that you continue to attend appointments and above all be honest and frank about how you feel about your capacity to work. Also, commit to participating in ongoing treatment with a psychologist/therapist and your GP, at the very least. This will go along way towards your employment provider being more flexible.

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

kanga_brumby — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 10:45:37 GMT

Whn I was trying to get DSP optometrist reports Four of thoes Then repeats Letters from specialists hospital for my knees Four reports More repeats every three months going to gp for a letter saying I cannot work because of my knees 3 years fighting the system the politicians want centerlink To push us through Its you politisans that are doing this through centerlink

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

Sad_Puppy_Dog — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 07:37:34 GMT

In a similar situation myself. Depression/anxiety, unemployed. Do have a want to work (My real career path is in the film industry which is both ridiculously hard to break into, earn money from and have anyone take seriously or understand) but my state has been getting worse and worse over the last year with 2 relationships ending.

Having said this, the soul crushing, stupid and flawed process of having to look for 20 jobs per month, with no progress has been an added stress.

I have had a number of medical certificates forwarded through but last week found out the last 2 or 3 haven't been recognized. What has saved me is that I have been seeing the in house counselor at my job network agency for awhile and because of that, the assigned agent at his discretion has not been pushing me to have to look for work but to recover first instead. Having dealt with some crap, apathetic job network people before, I appreciate this, although I wish he tole me this ages ago instead of me believing that I was still obligated.

The counselor suggested I look into getting my stream (And job capacity) reassessed and shifted to Disability. The Job network agent gave me a 'Verification of Medical Conditions' form for my GP to fill out and that's supposed to help but the Mental Health Triage (Who I have been dealing with in the last 6 weeks after some bouts of contemplation) think I might need to look into it a bit more to get to the Disability stage as that form may not be quite enough.

It's a bit confusing to be honest. I wouldn't be surprised if anyone else is.

So that is where I am at. There could be an actual chance of being reassessed and recognized as going through something serious and be actually helped and listened to. I also have a psychologist on board and upcoming first psychiatrist appointments, so hopefully they can back me up.

It's an incredibly frustrating situation and hopefully you get somewhere useful with them.

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

snowflitzer — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 09:46:42 GMT

Hey, I am so sorry to hear this. I had the same happening to me. I was diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety in November 2015. The first certificate got accepted by Centrelink but as you guessed right the 2nd was declined and I had to work 15 or 20hrs a week and I couldn't even get off bed most days. I went really mad and lodged a massive complaint in Centrelink and put a complaint in with the DES. I put in a big doctor certificate in and got one from the psychologist as well. The DES had a psychologist as well. Both said I cannot work at all at the time. I had two interviews with the clinical nurse and I saw the local member. I got nearly a year off and hadn't even to show a doctor certificate but you have to fight for it.

After the year I brought in another doctor certificate and that got accepted. When I brought in the next one I was told the next one will be declined. I went to the local MP and they contacted Centrelink for me and since then I am on my 4th Certificate and I never have a problem anymore with them. I told them either they help me to get better or stay out of my life.

However, I need to tell you that I studying full time a Bachelor in IT to keep me occupied and having a structure in my life. I know this is not for everyone and it took me a while as well to get that far. But I said to myself I don't let the depression dictate my life.

I hope this helps you. Don't give up. Most people do not realise it is so hard to get out of them. I got a dog to help me know and I have my fair shares to explain he is my companion dog and I need him in my daily life.

Good luck.

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

chap10 — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 07:00:14 GMT

Hi BJXCAM . Not sure where these facts of yours are coming from. In actuality . You can get a medical certificate from a psychiatrist that exempts you from looking for work, as many times as needed, over and over again for exactly the same reasons. You don't need to be 35 or 65, you don't need to look for 15 hours of work. I agree with what you said about study though. If that was what one wanted to do it could be a more suitable option for them. But I'm afraid the rest of your "information" could be quite misleading.

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

carer1 — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 07:15:07 GMT

centrelink doesnt have to care, i remember my brother being told that because he could work an hour a day he didnt qualify. ( ignoring also the fact that to get to any work would mean travelling for an hour.). everyone seems to think that meds and therapy fix things.

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

Watermelon75 — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 14:21:27 GMT

I only just found this topic so I'm sorry for the late reply. On the Centrelink medical certificate (it needs to be on one of their forms), get your gp to write in the area "is this condition": exacerbation of a permanent condition. By using the word exacerbation, your medical certificate won't be rejected because it is declaring that the condition has reared its ugly head.

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

white knight — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 14:45:20 GMT

I received the disability pension after the following facts. Compare yourself with these to see the differences

- I was 57yo (now 61) age is significant

- I applied a few months before the govt tightened the rules

- I had endured my illness for long periods before applying. All documented eg anxiety 24years, depression 10years,bipolar 4 years, dysthymia 4 years.

- i experienced 2 psychotic events in recent months. Hospital documentation

- log of work attendance provided i.e loss of work days due to illness.

- access to my mefical revoeds granted

- my GP declaring on the dsp form that my conditions would continue beyond 2 years duration

So, you can see my application was comprehensive. They have now tightened it up further.

Tony WK

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

democracydemon — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 05:20:24 GMT

I'm a recent above knee amputee (July 2017) I supplied a Verification of Medical Condition permanent obviously over 2 year exemption Centrelink refused to accept. I submitted have stamped copy to Centrelink replacement medical certificate from GP again permanent over 2 years centrelink are refusing to accept it. I have been through a Job capacity assessment Step 1 and Step 2 Centrelink's independent contractor to assess advised I'd met the criterior by the assessor for Disability Pension and still I'm being hung out to dry with the !@#$%^ refusing to issue me with a renewal to my Health Care Card and still on hold for the Dis Pension. I already have the Ombudsman onboard I am at the stage where I've had a Centrelink senior officer review and have demanded an Authorised Review Officer. I'm going to take them to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. I promise everyone on this page I will not be letting it drop.

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

Bethie — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 07:47:55 GMT

I've just finished a 7 month battle to get on carers payment with Centerlink and can understand your frustration.

Uunfortunately Centrelink is now closed till the 3rd of January.

Best advice I can give is ask to talk to a Centerlink social worker they can give you more help in their system than anyone.

There is a huge backlog of claims in disability support atm but in the mean time most likely the Social worker will be able to get you on Newstart with a reporting exemption.

THey are actually really nice helpful people and I couldn't have handled everything since my partners accident with my anxiety and depression without them .

Keep posting and let us know how your coping.

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

Rylos77 — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 09:47:54 GMT

This just happened to me today. I have been diagnosed with extreme anxiety and depression, PTSD and agrophobia. Went to hand in my certificate today and they said that an assessment haf been done on me ( for which i was not even present ) and told me that i am no longer exempt. I was not even given the oportunity to explain what was wrong with me. She just made an appointment for me at the disabled job search network. This was enough to send me into a 3+ hour anxiety attack, so bad that i could not stop crying and could barely speak. If i could i would sue them for emotional distress. But i would probably lose.

Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate

democracydemon — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 00:34:46 GMT

Approved for DSP Jan 6. 4mths from receipt of DSP Application by Centrelink. Was told incorrectly that I was only entitled to backdate from receipt (Centrelink Snr Office) - knocked that one on the head. I have nearly finished the AAT and I've not forgotten my promise. There is something wrong when people have to get doctors to lie on statutory government forms (Centrelink logo on) because if their medical conditions are going to last longer than three (3) months Centrelink's computer can't handle it. At Senate estimates yesterday Centrelink admitted the computer is flawed. My job at the AAT is going to be a whole lot easier. Hang in there everyone I'm not stopping.