Centrelink NewStart Claim Headache: What to Do?

What would you do,
Keeping it TLDR

-Submitted claim, asked for about 10 docs, provided
-8 weeks later, still in progress, after numerous calls, go into centre, get told claim, hasnt been looked at, but you need to provide another 5 different documents, and to bring it in (im annoyed because I submitted everything asked)
-a couple of days later take these 5 docs in, guy processes it, next reporting date set, everything seems fine, first payment came through
-a few days later, get a sms and inbox saying claim rejected, however on the system, reporting dates etc are still there
call up, oh you still need to submit those 5 docs, only one of the 5 have been uploaded, my reply: I already did, im not doing it again Reply: you can do whatever you want but if you dont submit them, your payments will stop
- next day, sms, we require a payslip from 20th march 2019 to 20th march 2019, even though Ive told them on file that havent worked before that
- next day go into the centre with these docs, get told its a system error, and youve got nothing to worry about, and they dont need the docs that I brought in
- today get a message saying they need rental agreements and bank bal on another random date or suspended in a weeks time

absolutely getting sick of this

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closed Comments

  • +41

    prolly easier to just get a job…..

    • +2

      The thing is don't get discouraged as they will back pay the date you walked into the office to say you want to claim. But yeah, easier to get a job.

      • Actually not since July last year - can only be paid from date you submitted all docs.

  • +13

    Free money shouldn't come easy.

    • +3

      All people who need Centrelink support should be able to get it.
      Making it hard to discourage legitimate applicants is a bad system, that results in undeserved hardship on people who need help.

    • +2

      Support should come easy when it's needed.

      It would make more sense if the money dried up easily later, if people actually try to rort the system. Rather than assuming they will be bludgers before they get a chance. At least that way there's some evidence of someone trying to do the wrong thing before pushing them into hardship, and good people don't have to suffer too much while trying to get back on their feet.

    • +1

      No. You should have to work hard to con your way into it. If jobseekers want money, they should take a leaf out of the liberal donors playbook, and tear down a perfectly functional stadium or undermine a hospital.

  • +6

    They need the bank balance and rental agreement to pay your newstart accordingly

    All you did was go to centerlink twice and upload some files online and already had an attitude after going the first time .

    • They should tell you everything you need the first time, so you can submit it all in one go.

      • They do. Obviously OP has provided documents that open up further questions or require further evidence.

        • +2

          They know they're going to need information about his housing though, why would they need to wait to ask that? They could have done that right away.

          • +1

            @Quantumcat: Only OP can answer that. I daresay his housing situation and banking situation are not the norm. Further suggested by OP selling 4 grand in gift cards recently. 5 bucks says he didn't declare those assets or the resulting cash in hand :)

  • +3

    absolutely getting sick of this

    that is the whole point… most people get annoyed and goes to find a job instead

  • +2

    Don't give up. If you can conquer Centrelink you can conquer ANYTHING. It's quite literally a test of your character.

    • +3

      It's one heck of a test.

      If you fail, you're a slacker.

      If you succeed, you're a paid slacker.

    • And quite possibly a reason to be given a job at Centrelink. He'd be qualified because he knows how to navigate the system.

      And because he gets a job and Centrelink gets someone who knows what they're doing, it's win-win!!

  • +1

    The government and Centrelink now use these administrative barriers to block applications to reduce the welfare costs.

    Your options are to keep at it or appeal to an ARO - or just say i want to go to the AAT.

    They probably have the documents but can't be bothered trying to locate where they have stored them.

    • "We are currently experience a high volume of calls right now. Please stay on the line."

  • +2

    What would you do

    you can do whatever you want but if you dont submit them, your payments will stop

    As simple as that.

    • well just remmeber, ive been told twice now in person that its a system error and that I dont need to do anything

      • +2

        twice?
        I have to go to work every day
        seems you're option might be easier…..

  • Totally agree, who employs these fools, fire them, let them see how it is to apply for newstart,

    With all their unlimited resources, hey just redeploy the tea lady, then they can easily find out that you are a productive member of Ozbargain with 130 odd posts, you aint a slacker.

    • What did I just read?

      • you read, some sarcastic bastard

  • +3

    absolutely getting sick of this

    Get a job then?

    • You got a job to give?

      • +1

        The boss says they're more than happy to give OP a fair go. Come to Sydney for an interview.

        P.S. Must be fit.

  • +3

    absolutely getting sick of this

    It's a shame sickies isn't available on government benifits.

    • +1

      Or that you don't even get your accrued sick leave paid out when you stop getting Centrelink benefits ;)

      • +1

        i = e.

        I blame the tiny keyboard.

  • You'll have a hell of a lot easier time if you just filed the docs online. Why do you keep going in person?

    • +1

      Why do you keep going in person?

      Plenty of free time? lol

    • +2

      yeah, based on past purchase/post comments…
      not sure you're living like you're on NewStart :/

    • +1

      All the more to buy more gift cards!

  • -4

    Disgusting. I prefer something like free transportation for everyone than new start benefit and baby benefit policies.

  • -1

    I remember a time when I basically asked if I could get free job consultations just to chat about my skill set and tips for any networking opportunities but didn't need any money from the Government.

    Was basically told to either accept money or go away…..yes unemployment assistance right there folks.

    • When was this? 1998? Things are a bit different now.

      • Does it make me old if 1998 doesnt sound that long ago?

        • Not particularly.

          But it would if you were to compare a government department processes from 2 decades ago to how things are done today.

  • It sounds like you're nearly in the system if they are sorting out your rent assistance. Congrats, you don't need to resort to crime.

    • +1

      Didn't they put in a 6 month non payment period or something for newstart? Lets not go taking crime of the table just yet.

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