how do i get help / centrelink

[Genericdep]

hi everyone, i am almost homeless right now, i used to live with my parents but left early january for private reasons and im now in another state...

right now i am staying in a tent in someones back yard, i have no income, and i have previously been diagnosed with aspergers & schizophrenia (seperately) and suffer from severe anxiety/panic especially in public.. i used to take medication for it, but i need to get a new diagnosis before i can have access to it again, and i was basically a shut in at home, so i didnt pursue it for the past year...

i have seen GP's a few times, trying to get referred to get a diagnosis that i can show to centrelink or something, and to get medication again, but so far it has been a run around, and the GP has told me that if they sent me to a psychiatrist, it would take months for an appointment, and i think by the time that happens i will be totally out of money and completely homeless

does anyone have some advice for me? can i claim with centrelink while im waiting to see a psychologist? or is there another pathway?

[Kazzl]

Hi Genericdep, welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear you're in a tough situation.

It's true it can take months to get into a psychiatrist, so I'd suggest the sooner you get the referral the better.

From what I understand, you should be entitled to some form of income support while you wait. But I'm not expert enough to say what that would be. As a start, have a good look on the website of the Department of Human Services (includes Centrelink). I'm not sure but you might qualify for either Newstart (unemployment benefit) or there are emergency payments for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Perhaps go to your local Centrelink office and see who you can talk to.

Another option is to go to your local charities (Salvos, Anglicare, St Vinnies etc). They might be able to assist with both advice and emergency funds while you're waiting for the medical people to help you.

I'd also suggest you google 'assistance homeless' and the city you're in - there might be community groups that can help.

Another option is to call our helpline on 1300 22 4636. It's free and staffed by professional mental health workers.

Hope that's useful, and I hope you'll keep posting here. It's a friendly, supportive, non-judgemental community and we'd love to get to know you.

Very best wishes

Kaz