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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2015 8:39:50 GMT 7
I'm on DSP for mainly mental illness and regular workplaces with the stress that goes with them are unsuitable for me but I've been wondering about maybe trying to do a few hours a week in a sheltered workshop for a little extra money and because I'm bored shitless.
Would these places be suitable for someone like me? Or are they basically just slave labour? There is one nearby but most of the workers there appear to be intellectually disabled so I'm not sure if I can even work there.
Also would it send Centrelink the wrong message that I'm actually fit for work? It might not help my case if they review the over 35's.
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Post by Banjo on May 6, 2015 9:20:04 GMT 7
My experience with Sheltered Workshops, mainly through friends who's relatives are involved, is that there is little danger of pension loss other than that which is normally income related.
In another life I worked for a state government and they contracted out the gardening services at our head office which was won by the state's largest sheltered workshop.
There was a huge hue and cry when our union found out the workers were being paid well under the award rate.
My advice would be to give one a ring and ask for an interview and state your concerns then.
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Post by mikey on May 6, 2015 13:03:47 GMT 7
While a few members here keep stating a myth about "thousands of DSP being kicked onto Newstart", I have yet to hear of one case because someone on the DSP tried to do a few hours work and got booted. Yes, people applying for DSP, may have to stay on Newstart till they are approved, but no one on DSP has been kicked off, but I am happy to be corrected. They deduct your pay 50c in every $1 over a certain amount and we are being paid the DSP at least $10,000 under the minimum wage already.
From my research, there are interesting opportunities out there, but it does depend on where you live. There is a ton of volunteer work out there, and could be a way to transition back into being active, and making connections to possible paid options.
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Post by muggins on May 6, 2015 16:08:02 GMT 7
While a few members here keep stating a myth about "thousands of DSP being kicked onto Newstart", I have yet to hear of one case because someone on the DSP tried to do a few hours work and got booted. Yes, people applying for DSP, may have to stay on Newstart till they are approved, but no one on DSP has been kicked off, but I am happy to be corrected. They deduct your pay 50c in every $1 over a certain amount and we are being paid the DSP at least $10,000 under the minimum wage already. From my research, there are interesting opportunities out there, but it does depend on where you live. There is a ton of volunteer work out there, and could be a way to transition back into being active, and making connections to possible paid options. The current environment is pro dsp reduction. My pension was cancelled because of participating in the workforce. I was booted onto Newstart Allowance. It was a trivial matter about contacting C/L but i reckon workforce participation played a major part. And yes, i won my appeal. Not long after that i survived a medical review. |
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Post by mikey on May 6, 2015 18:39:27 GMT 7
I was reviewed because my self employed estimated rate tipped over the scales, but once they realised I overestimated to avoid being punished for worked that didn't occur and on review I was still 20 points, no dramas, so I do speak from personal experience.
When you say participating in the workforce muggins, did that mean 40 hours a week etc. and were you actually kicked off DSP onto Newstart?
I ask this not to be smart, but Quantamranger is concerned, and some clarity would help him and me, and others trying to enter work again.
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Post by muggins on May 6, 2015 20:27:13 GMT 7
I was reviewed because my self employed estimated rate tipped over the scales, but once they realised I overestimated to avoid being punished for worked that didn't occur and on review I was still 20 points, no dramas, so I do speak from personal experience. When you say participating in the workforce muggins, did that mean 40 hours a week etc. and were you actually kicked off DSP onto Newstart? I ask this not to be smart, but Quantamranger is concerned, and some clarity would help him and me, and others trying to enter work again. Admittedly, i was working casually for up to 40 hours p/w for quite a while in a brain dead laboring role. My dsp was cancelled and i had no choice but to receive the lowly newstart. |
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