Financial burden

[Sarah0209]

Hi there,

im not sure where else to do here

and thought someone in here might now.

2 weeks ago I was admitted into a mental health facility and have had the last two weeks off work. So at the moment I am 3 weeks out of work. I have no sick or annual leave left and today my dr said I need at least 4-6 more weeks off.
I have seen diagnosed with BPD, ADHD & an Eating disorder and we are still in the process of sorting out medication as well as me struggling to eat and not pass out etc..

My question is, does any of know of any type of government payment or financial support I can use to help us get by? My husband works full time but we have 4 children and bills are really creeping up on us & it is causing more harm than good while I’m struggling to get my mental health in check. know this could last up to 6 more weeks is giving me a lot of stress & anxiety!!

I have also tried to access my super on hardship but I am had no success 😢😢😢

would love some advice please!!

[Croix]

Dear Sarah0209~

Welcome here, I'm glad you came as you are going though a very tough time, not only having to worry about finances but also having those conditions BPD, ADHD and sadly an eating disorder -all of which require serious attention in their own right. Unfortunatly there realy is no hard and fixed timetable to becoming able to cope wiht these, however you are not alone.

I realise you husband is bearing a great load however one income rather than two -even for just a while -can be very hard. I'd imagine he is stressed too -may I ask if he has any support apart from yourself, a family member or fiend to lean on a bit for frank talk and care.

Many find themselves in this situation and I'd suggest seeking the help of those that deal wiht it on a daily basis. Depending where you live can I suggest you try:

Financial Assistance - The Salvation Army Australia
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/financial-assistance/

St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) financial services
https://www.vinnies.org.au/page/Find_Help/National/

Anglicare financial help
https://www.anglicare.org.au/what-we-offer/food-and-financial-assistance/help-with-money/

It is a great deal of help to have experienced people on your side, both with advice, planning and possibly discounts or other more direct assistance. There is no need to be shy or feel you don't belong, they will all do wahtever they can, htey are there for peole like you.

Please let us know how you get on

Croix

[Croix]

P.S. My spell-checker sneaked one in, I meant of course "...or friend to lean on", NOT "..or fiend to lean on"

-sigh

Croix

[Summer Rose]

Hi Sarah

First off, I am very sorry that you are unwell and I wish you all the best for your recovery.

Croix had given you some great advice, so I won’t repeat.

Three quick questions.

One. Did any injury occur at work? If so, Worker’s Compensation may be available to you.

Two. Is there any connection between the trigger for the hospital admission and symptoms inset and Covid-19 or lockdown? Many banks are offering tailored mortgage and credit card repayment support to customers, as are utilities, during these current lockdowns. NAB has not foreclosures in a single mortgage in 14 months.

Three. Do you have life insurance? Some policies have cover for disability and a life changing diagnosis. Check the fine print.

There’s no pressure to answer here, I know these are personal questions. Just trying to help.

Lastly, I’m having trouble believing you got knocked back by your superfund with a hardship claim. What you are experiencing is the definition of hardship, at least in my book. Perhaps you could raise a complaint with ombudsman or super regulatory body.

Kind thoughts to you

[geoff]

Hello Sarah, and a warm welcome to the site.

It's terrible to be in a situation like you've described to us and Croix, as well as Summer Rose, have provided some great suggestions, another option is Centrelink with a letter from your doctor.

Please let us know.

Geoff.