Dear Smb81,
Did you finally get through to an actual person after being on hold? I remember going through a very similar thing trying to contact Centrelink a couple of years ago - being hung up on several times after having to navigate multiple, confusing options and then being on hold for an extremely long time. I also remember having to get my bank to provide a statement for specific dates too. From memory I persisted with a second phone call to the bank and eventually they sent me the statement. I also remember going into Centrelink in person which in itself is often a long and painful process, but at least talking to an actual human I got a few steps closer to sorting things.
I really, really empathise. What I can say is that while you’re going through this uncertain sorting out phase, things do eventually get sorted and work out. It just feels absolutely horrible while you’re in it. I remember feeling super stressed myself.
One thing I’ll say about letters from Centrelink, such as the one you were sent on Friday, is they are often written as if you’ve done something wrong when you haven’t. It’s like they make the letters fit a worst case scenario and then send it to people for whom that scenario doesn’t fit. So it can even feel like a threat but it really isn’t. It’s just a form letter that goes out automatically. I’ve received letters with a threatening tone when I’ve done nothing wrong. Often they say something like if you don’t do this or that then you are breaching Commonwealth law or something along those lines. It’s like they construct all letters as if they are targeting potentially fraudulent people.
So please keep in mind it can all seem a lot worse than it actually is. I’m wondering if there is an advocacy service in your state that may be able to help? Some country towns and regional centres have a Community Resource Centre that may be able to provide advice or somewhere to go for support. Not sure if you are urban or regional. You may not yet be registered with an employment agency, but if you are I would try asking them as well (or even ring one if you’re not registered to see if they can direct you to some help). I’m with a disability employment agency and they have directed me to an advocacy person to help with a form.
See if you can rise above the Centrelink stress and let it go outside the times you’re not working on solving it. I know that’s easier said than done, but perhaps do some things you find relaxing and enjoy that can distract you and give you a break. Just chatting to someone on the BB helpline, as suggested by Sophie, could also help.
Please take care and know that you’ll feel better when it’s sorted and you’re just in limbo at the moment.
