I've been on that merry-go-round Carer1.
Welcome to the forum hun; wish it was under different circumstances but seeing as you're here, let's shoot the breeze.
Centrelink is a money business end of story. Evidence for a DSP application is assessed critically to avoid paying benefits. They'll use terms that confuse and even interpret info according to 'their' priorities. It's not a client focused agency at all. So expecting empathy is pie-in-the-sky thinking.
It seems you've lived your whole life for others. Now you're in need as you say, there's no-one to give back or support you. Very sad...
I don't know what state you're in, but I think govt disability agencies are pretty much the same across the board; inept and ill trained. Here in NSW they've rolled out the NDIS after closing their Disability section, which seems to work for some but not others. I'm really sorry things are this way for you.
I appealed twice due to assessments being fraught with inaccuracies. I sent in 20 pages of reports and was only given 5 points. When I appealed, I was called by a senior who apologised for the error, but said I still missed out point wise.
Taking it further (ombudsman) crossed my mind, but as my poor brain was damaged from a breakdown, it wasn't to be. I just couldn't face the conflict.
Years ago, Centrelink had their own assessors (Psychiatrists, specialists etc) so everything was in-house. Now we have to do all the foot work which we're obviously not trained to do. The confusion we go thru works in their favour as many give up.
What's your personal situation? Are you married, have children? How are things for you personally? Do you get to have fun or travel here and there sometimes?
I'd love to hear your story too if you're up to it.
Looking forward to hearing from you;
Kind thoughts;
Sez
