Post by disbeleaf on Apr 4, 2015 16:08:06 GMT 7
Hi all,
I'm new here … I suffer from PTSD & depression & chronic pain. I'm on a part DSP as I am also on the Aust Post Invalidity Pension.
I'm an Aust Citizen & am planning to go back to the UK (where I was born) for a month in Sept this year & I've suddenly discovered there is a 28 day limit unless otherwise granted.
I need help comprehending the effect this has on my trip so I went to the main C/L office in town to make an appointment to talk this over but I was simply (quite rudely actually) told I could stay away for 28 days then my request to make an appt was denied. I left extremely frustrated & in tears.
I then later called C/L (Not Int, I didn't know about C/L Int until finding this forum) & after a 50 min wait my call was put through but was then disconnected.
I then approached my local member's office to see of they could act as an advocate & help me arrange an appointment see the C/L Social Worker.
I also rang National Welfare Network for advice who told me just don't go for 28 days which confused me.
Then the local member office called to say they'd been in contact with C/L (not via the public number) but were told that I'm not entitled to a Social Worker appt & should just call 132 717.
I needed to visit my GP who told me she has a direct number of a C/L Social Worker so through my GP I now have an appointment next week. The Social Worker said that she is happy to put whatever I need in writing which is fabulous.
My problem is I feel totally traumatised by the process so far & not only fear losing my pension but fear any contact with C/L. I need to keep this appointment but need help with making sure I have some relevant questions to ask. I have already been told by this Social Worker via phone, that "...the day I fly to the UK is day 1 but the day I return isn't counted".
It is difficult for me to get my head around this whole issue. Something in writing from the Social Worker regarding my trip will help me no end.
I struggle comprehending any of the complex laws & with understanding even what is on the C/L website regarding travelling OS on a DSP.
I just want to go overseas to see my elderly aunts for the last time without losing my DSP in the process.
I'm 55 yo.
Thanks for reading.
I'm new here … I suffer from PTSD & depression & chronic pain. I'm on a part DSP as I am also on the Aust Post Invalidity Pension.
I'm an Aust Citizen & am planning to go back to the UK (where I was born) for a month in Sept this year & I've suddenly discovered there is a 28 day limit unless otherwise granted.
I need help comprehending the effect this has on my trip so I went to the main C/L office in town to make an appointment to talk this over but I was simply (quite rudely actually) told I could stay away for 28 days then my request to make an appt was denied. I left extremely frustrated & in tears.
I then later called C/L (Not Int, I didn't know about C/L Int until finding this forum) & after a 50 min wait my call was put through but was then disconnected.
I then approached my local member's office to see of they could act as an advocate & help me arrange an appointment see the C/L Social Worker.
I also rang National Welfare Network for advice who told me just don't go for 28 days which confused me.
Then the local member office called to say they'd been in contact with C/L (not via the public number) but were told that I'm not entitled to a Social Worker appt & should just call 132 717.
I needed to visit my GP who told me she has a direct number of a C/L Social Worker so through my GP I now have an appointment next week. The Social Worker said that she is happy to put whatever I need in writing which is fabulous.
My problem is I feel totally traumatised by the process so far & not only fear losing my pension but fear any contact with C/L. I need to keep this appointment but need help with making sure I have some relevant questions to ask. I have already been told by this Social Worker via phone, that "...the day I fly to the UK is day 1 but the day I return isn't counted".
It is difficult for me to get my head around this whole issue. Something in writing from the Social Worker regarding my trip will help me no end.
I struggle comprehending any of the complex laws & with understanding even what is on the C/L website regarding travelling OS on a DSP.
I just want to go overseas to see my elderly aunts for the last time without losing my DSP in the process.
I'm 55 yo.
Thanks for reading.