Still 12 weeks allowed before cancelled?

[viper1431]

Hi, is it still the rule on dsp that you can be overseas unpaid for 12 weeks before it is totally cancelled? It's just that I can't find any mention of it anymore on the humanservices site like in the previous year or 2 where it said something like it would be stopped after 28 days (or right away if you'd already used the 28 days) and then cancelled after 12 weeks, or something like that.

[Banjo]

You can go for 4 weeks paid and you can overstay up to another 12 weeks while they suspend your payments, if you are not back by then the Disability pension is cancelled and you have to reapply.

If you leave the country intending to stay longer than the 6 week period I'd certainly discuss it with International Services before leaving.

[Deleted]

Dec 23, 2016 7:34:33 GMT 7 Banjo said:

You can go for 4 weeks paid and you can overstay up to another 13 weeks while they suspend your payments, if you are not back by then the Disability pension is cancelled and you have to reapply.

If you leave the country intending to stay longer than the 6 week period I'd certainly discuss it with International Services before leaving.

Sorry boss, don't you mean 4 weeks or 28 days paid.

I was checking up on DSS sites this morning and it would seem anyone other than DSP recipients can go for 6 weeks paid with options for various extensions.

Totally agree about International Services if you want to overstay whilst suspended when portability ends. At least then there shouldn't be any unexpected surprizes if they know and have given an OK. Ask for receipt and letter stating extended travel dates.

Cheers bear 

[Banjo]

Thanks Bear, I'm getting senile, I've edited the stuff up.

[jesco]

Hi Everyone. I've spent a fair amount of time trying to get a direct cite from Centrelink on this subject, what I have found on their site is vague and confusing.

Also tried contacting them anonymously with a real email address but fake phone number(call me paranoid .
I got a reply from them stating they couldn't contact me by phone... why the hell couldn't they just answer the question in their email reply? There was nothing in my enquiry that was specific to anyone, just those on DSP.

Anyone know how to contact Human Services anonymously? Thanks.

[murphy]

Hi jesco,

I've never been able to contact Satanlink anonymously. The only thing I can to do is to call them from a blocked number, say you are not currently a customer but you have an inquiry. When they ask for your name give a pseudonym.

What is your question? Folk here may be able to share their experiences or direct you to a link.

[Deleted]

Dec 23, 2016 7:34:33 GMT 7 Banjo said:

You can go for 4 weeks paid and you can overstay up to another 12 weeks while they suspend your payments, if you are not back by then the Disability pension is cancelled and you have to reapply.

If you leave the country intending to stay longer than the 6 week period I'd certainly discuss it with International Services before leaving.

Welcome to the board jesco

In this e.world anonimity seems to have gone by the wayside, perhaps someone smarter than me can set you straight on the matter.

I see they already have.

Centrelink International Service Number 131 673

Cheers bear    

[Banjo]

I've spoken to Centrelink off the record a number of times, in fact on one occasion when I asked for a receipt number for the call I was told that they did not give them on anonymous calls, as no record could be made in my file.

I would be nothing short of astounded if Centrelink would trace a caller through a mobile phone number, even if they had it on file.

[murphy]

Banjo, in 2015 I made a complaint to Satanlink on the website, giving only my phone number (a requirement) and an abbreviated first name. No surname, no CRN. My complaint was that I'd been trying, unsuccessfully, for days to upload a document.

Some weeks later I received a phone call at around 7pm from a pleasantly spoken Satanlink employee who had, based on my phone number, connected me to my CRN, and based on my abbreviated first name had concluded it was likely my account. She had checked to see if I'd uploaded any documents since my complaint and had noted that I had done so. I did verify she had the right Murphy. Two months ago I would have been certain that they would not notes on my account without verification. Watching what's going on now with Satanlink's incredible disregard for accuracy, I'm not so sure.

RACQ has software which reads my phone number when I call and automatically opens my account for the employee assisting me. I doubt it can read international numbers. I have an unconfirmed suspicion that Satanlink has this software.

To be absolutely certain of complete anonymity via phone call, I would block my number.

How to:
Block your number on a call by call basis

From a home phone, dial 1831 then the number you’re calling
From a mobile phone, dial #31# then the number you’re calling

Block your mobile number permanently

For mobile phones, most phones include a “show my caller ID” settings in the settings, which you can turn off. For an iPhone, this is located in Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID. For Android phones, this is located in Phone > Settings > Call Settings > More Settings > Caller ID (or similar).

[Denis-NFA]

Jan 6, 2017 10:34:39 GMT 7 murphy said:

To be absolutely certain of complete anonymity via phone call, I would block my number.

murphy

[paranoia]
I can't remember where I have read this, it came up at the time when the 'Do Not Call Register' was being implemented, but depending on your opinion of the sophistication of C/L telephone system and software in use blocking your number can be a waste of time other than for 'normal' phone calls.

At the moment your best avenue for anonymity can only be achieved by taking a bag of coins, or a pre-paid credit card, to a public phone.

Though don't forget that if you have had occasion to contact the ATO they are supposed to have implemented voice recognition software and C/L has some access to the info in your ATO file.
[/paranoia]

PS whirlpool would be a good place to ask.

[Banjo]

OK, I may have misspoken here, if the phone number is included as a form of ID, or as a call back then they would check to see if it was on file.
My intent, somewhat ham handedly, was to say that they would not bother to trace a harmless anonymous call seeking information if they did not have to.

Just reflecting on the average public servant work ethic I suppose.

[murphy]

I agree, Banjo. I was mostly trying to offer a solution to the OP's desire to remain anonymous.

Denis, a permanent block of one's number, I understand, involves the Telco ceasing to send identifying information about the line: it takes a few hours, or days if you're unlucky, for the Telco to make the change on the line. I've no idea how the per-call-basis blocking works. Is it possible you're thinking of the discussion about private numbers? I recall those being mentioned in relation to DNC Register. But I suspect you're right, some coins and a phone booth, if you can find one.

I was slightly creeped out that Satanlink had made some effort to identify me and look at my account. I suppose the people in complaints are trained to fix as much of the problem as they can before calling the complainant, so they don't have to then keep you on the blower when you're already angry with them.

Edit: most importantly, Banjo has answered the OP's question about time away anyway!

[jesco]

Jan 6, 2017 5:38:07 GMT 7 murphy said:

Hi jesco,

I've never been able to contact Satanlink anonymously. The only thing I can to do is to call them from a blocked number, say you are not currently a customer but you have an inquiry. When they ask for your name give a pseudonym.

What is your question? Folk here may be able to share their experiences or direct you to a link.

Gday Murphy,

Thanks for your reply, I thought about phoning them anonymously but the thought of being in a pay phone booth for an hour or more waiting to talk to somebody doesn't appeal.

My question is basically - how long can I be overseas without losing my DSP? I've read this thread which is very useful - I'd just like to hear the answer come from Satanlink themselves. I'm paranoid about phoning them directly on this query, not wanting to attract undue attention. I'm really hoping it is in fact 16 weeks as stated in this thread. Cheers.

[jesco]

Jan 6, 2017 5:38:19 GMT 7 bear said:

Dec 23, 2016 7:34:33 GMT 7 Banjo said:

You can go for 4 weeks paid and you can overstay up to another 12 weeks while they suspend your payments, if you are not back by then the Disability pension is cancelled and you have to reapply.

If you leave the country intending to stay longer than the 6 week period I'd certainly discuss it with International Services before leaving.

Welcome to the board jesco

In this e.world anonimity seems to have gone by the wayside, perhaps someone smarter than me can set you straight on the matter.

I see they already have.

Centrelink International Service Number 131 673

Cheers bear    

Thanks Bear, I might try that International Service Number (131 673) when I get an opportunity to use a phone other than mine, cheers.

[Deleted]

I used to be paranoid calling CL but for some reason that I can't even try to explain International Services seems to me to be a cut above the average shopfront.
Hope it all works out for you. Cheers bear