sickness and centrelink

[lasermaster]

hi all..dont know where to start..i am a 58 y/o male with much sickness going on.the body has gave it all to me.overnight deafness in one ear had bad vertigo.massive CFS.rage/painful burning feet bottoms.restless legs many muscles going off on legs.tennis elbow in both elbows and left shoulder.around 4 years ago i becames sick.was always a 50 /60 hour a week worker in sheet metal i had to give it all up 3 years ago..i do think a tick disease.at the time i had a bite on wrist the cat had tick paralysis and the AWL wanted $1750 to fix it..i was always skinny..59kg..did have a massive drop to 47.5kg.centrelink are not taking my medical certs now.they are wanting me to sort rags out for 15 hours a week..thinking of moving up to north qld and be a carer for a friend in a wheelchair..will i get carers payment and newstart.will i still be made to sort rags..for anyone that have never felt CFS..you wake up in mornings feeling like no sleep for 2 days.no coffee will fix it.a few naps by day dont help and you go back to bed with it.i had govt test for lyme..i seen a disease clinic at the hospital..they said if i go to sydney and get tested any positive will be deemed false..they said what ever i have go home and deal with it..the govt is a caring lot.i did have tests that i paid for..borrelia and bartonella.both neg..people say dont waste my money as tests are very hard to get right..anyone else in the same boat here..even drs dont want to know me..the govt is sure up to something..thanks for any positive feedback

[white knight]

Hi Laser

They have tightened it up a lot. Doctors have to sign a doc that declares you'll be incapacitated for 24 months or more. Any illness that can improve in that period is not included.

A carer for your friend - carers allowance is around $140 a fortnight.dont think youll get newstart. Newstart is availability to work.

"Sorting rags". I'd say if doctors declare you can do that then what avenue do you have? Its either convince them or comply, no half way point. While embarrassing it will get you active and if you give anything a try and cant do it due to illness it looks better.

Sorry i cant see any alternative.

Tony WK

[lasermaster]

thanks tony..was never about what doctors say.they are not taking a doctors view now..to a point these office workers are now my doctor.i think i will still get a drs certificate and what ever they tell me to do and anything happens i will have a case..i love work..i even told them would love to go back..was easy work.more so than sorting rags..i can deal with most body problems..but the C.F. is the killer

[Elizabeth CP]

Carers Payment is the same amount as the pension & is paid if you are a full time carer for someone. There is a form that is filled in by yourself & another by the GP which is used to determine if you qualify. If the person is in a wheelchair & needs help getting in & out of the wheelchair & help showering etc you should qualify. You can't work or volunteer more than 25 hrs a week & it is means tested & asset tested. Carers Allowance is separate allowance not means tested which can be paid on top of carers payment.

You need to consider whether you are able to cope with being a carer. Also speak to your doctor to see if it is worth applying for a disability Support Pension instead of sickness benefits.