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Post by bear on May 6, 2020 7:39:27 GMT 7
I'm going to look over Hemingway's thread more closely today. Previously I said there's no mention of "exchange" in the descriptor for extended UP. Whilst this is true, I note she has mentioned it. Before coming looking for solutions, she had also completed one full year of study and had gained top marks. Perhaps that had something to do with "being offered" an exchange placement.
I think this is also something to consider in educational institutions......whether they are offered on not; especially in light of what you were told from the helpful young man. Also glad to hear your anonymity is intact. Cheers bear
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Post by tasjo on May 6, 2020 7:42:35 GMT 7
There's no definite yes or no on this one unfortunately... there's no right or wrong way to go about it. It will depend on the course you are studying and whether at the time you apply for portability it is granted. As with all things DSP, UP and Centrelink in general, as soon as there is an assessment involved, it can go either way. The section of the social security law says it 'may' be payable, so even that is open to interpretation. But, studying something that has no need for you to be overseas, in my opinion, would have less chance of approval. As would, again in my opinion, enrolling and immediately commencing study overseas. There are situations under which DSP remains payable while studying overseas, but it isnt always the case. If you want to return to study the best thing to do (again in my opinion would be to start a course here, and if you are settled and think it is the right course for you. Once you have done this, then look into whether it could continue to be completed and supported from overseas and see if you can get approval for your DSP to be paid under the portability exemption.
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Post by firefly on May 6, 2020 10:18:45 GMT 7
There's no definite yes or no on this one unfortunately... there's no right or wrong way to go about it. It will depend on the course you are studying and whether at the time you apply for portability it is granted. As with all things DSP, UP and Centrelink in general, as soon as there is an assessment involved, it can go either way. The section of the social security law says it 'may' be payable, so even that is open to interpretation. But, studying something that has no need for you to be overseas, in my opinion, would have less chance of approval. As would, again in my opinion, enrolling and immediately commencing study overseas. There are situations under which DSP remains payable while studying overseas, but it isnt always the case. If you want to return to study the best thing to do (again in my opinion would be to start a course here, and if you are settled and think it is the right course for you. Once you have done this, then look into whether it could continue to be completed and supported from overseas and see if you can get approval for your DSP to be paid under the portability exemption. Oh God. I'm a little overwhelmed. I think i should take a few steps back haha. As I'm not intending on going til March 2021... the last thing I need to do is panic right now. I think I've jumped the gun a bit.. relax relax.. I'm sure I'll pull it together and find a way. Thanks again. You guys are a wealth of knowledge and information 😊
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Post by firefly on May 6, 2020 10:20:05 GMT 7
I'm going to look over Hemingway's thread more closely today. Previously I said there's no mention of "exchange" in the descriptor for extended UP. Whilst this is true, I note she has mentioned it. Before coming looking for solutions, she had also completed one full year of study and had gained top marks. Perhaps that had something to do with "being offered" an exchange placement. I think this is also something to consider in educational institutions......whether they are offered on not; especially in light of what you were told from the helpful young man. Also glad to hear your anonymity is intact. Cheers bear Thanks bear! A review to see if I've missed anything or am exempt in anyway would be great and much appreciated. Cheers
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Post by tasjo on May 6, 2020 15:20:45 GMT 7
Sorry firefly, I didn't mean to confuse you... Its just not a straightforward yes or no on portability and study unfortunately.
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Post by firefly on May 6, 2020 15:53:23 GMT 7
Sorry firefly, I didn't mean to confuse you... Its just not a straightforward yes or no on portability and study unfortunately. Don't apologise! Haha i have confused myself by trying to figure it all out RIGHT NOW! haha i need to apply a little patience and find a way to wade through the gray area to get what I need. You're so right, it's not black and white and its not so simple... if it was... then everyone would be doing it haha
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Post by tasjo on May 6, 2020 16:43:41 GMT 7
The first thing that I would do in your position would be to request my file via freedom of information... At least then you know what Centrelink are basing their decisions on and can make an informed choice on the next step.
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Post by firefly on May 7, 2020 5:23:38 GMT 7
The first thing that I would do in your position would be to request my file via freedom of information... At least then you know what Centrelink are basing their decisions on and can make an informed choice on the next step. Oh! Tasjo This sounds interesting!! I didn't know this was an option! I'd love to take a look at my file. It would probably contain some helpful information for me!! Do u know how I go about requesting and retrieving a copy of this? Thanks again
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Post by bear on May 7, 2020 7:24:51 GMT 7
The entire process is free firefly . It normally takes 30 days, though I see they are asking for an extension of another 30 days due to staff having been redirected. The request can be done entirely online. I supplied my CRN, name, address, phone number and asked for all documents held by them from (date), which was prior to applying for DSP to current date. I received all documents, including hand written notes which I'd forgotten I'd even written and received a couple of calls throughout the process to verify a couple of things. Easy peasy! Cheers bear How to make an FOI request Submit your request You can submit your request by post, email or at one of our offices. Your request must: be in writing state that the request is an application for the purposes of the FOI Act provide information about the documents to assist us to process your request provide an address for reply. Department of Human Services PO Box 7820 Canberra BC ACT 2610 Email: Freedom of information www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/organisations/about-us/access-information/freedom-information#a5
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Post by firefly on May 7, 2020 8:37:39 GMT 7
The entire process is free firefly . It normally takes 30 days, though I see they are asking for an extension of another 30 days due to staff having been redirected. The request can be done entirely online. I supplied my CRN, name, address, phone number and asked for all documents held by them from (date), which was prior to applying for DSP to current date. I received all documents, including hand written notes which I'd forgotten I'd even written and received a couple of calls throughout the process to verify a couple of things. Easy peasy! Cheers bear How to make an FOI request Submit your request You can submit your request by post, email or at one of our offices. Your request must: be in writing state that the request is an application for the purposes of the FOI Act provide information about the documents to assist us to process your request provide an address for reply. Department of Human Services PO Box 7820 Canberra BC ACT 2610 Email: Freedom of information www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/organisations/about-us/access-information/freedom-information#a5Thanks Bear!! I'm just worried that if I apply for these documents then I must obviously forfeit my anonymity... i worry that by doing so, I will be highlighting myself in bright red on their radar and may potentially be called for review?? Would I be jumping the gun to go this early.. or maybe wait a couple more months.?
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Post by bear on May 7, 2020 9:18:15 GMT 7
I felt the same for many years.....my paranoia. As far as I'm aware no members have triggered a review through this process, and FOI would I think be covered by strict confidentiality laws.
After receiving my file, what became apparent was that because of my disability (mental illness) I was unconsciously being discriminated against in the portability sphere through not having all of my information available to apply for UP, which I wasn't able to commit to because of my disability. Centrelink on the other hand, had all of my info to hand and if a senior officer looked at it my eligibility would have been blindingly obvious.
But no; we have to play the fear game! Cheers bear
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Post by nomadic on May 7, 2020 11:22:33 GMT 7
Yes firefly when I got my file it revealed information i knew nothing about and they never told me as legally they are not obliged to. If they had of told me in 2004 I would not even be on the forum. It was a giant cover up for which I still want massive compo. So file is a must as far as I am concerned. what happened to me was like bear, (albeit a different situation), should never ever have happened as the facts were always on my file but it took a legal expert in the field to win out. Lies & fob offs was all i got for 8 years until lawyer took up my case and we saw in 5 minutes what they knew all along. i originally believe it was incompetence but now I am certain it was a criminal cover up.
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Post by tasjo on May 7, 2020 14:33:16 GMT 7
Freedom of Information as a process is a very protected process that is part of our denocracy Firefly. It can be used to request information from any public authority about information that you can use to make decisions... ie from a Council if there is a planning application.
Asking for your information shouldnt trigger anything with centrelink, it could be requested for any number of reasons. But it certainly helps because you are then looking at the same info that centrelink are when they assess your claim.
In my case, I wasnt aware of the FOI process until I was about to do a level 2 aat appeal... at which point I found out that key parts of my information was missing from my file and other information had been ignored. All of which may have meant I could have avoided a level 2 appeal completely.
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Post by firefly on May 11, 2020 14:13:38 GMT 7
I'm going to look over Hemingway's thread more closely today. Previously I said there's no mention of "exchange" in the descriptor for extended UP. Whilst this is true, I note she has mentioned it. Before coming looking for solutions, she had also completed one full year of study and had gained top marks. Perhaps that had something to do with "being offered" an exchange placement. I think this is also something to consider in educational institutions......whether they are offered on not; especially in light of what you were told from the helpful young man. Also glad to hear your anonymity is intact. Cheers bear Hey bear, I did a little more digging and it appears that I am not going to qualify for the restricted portability for study purposes. I am not university educated and therefore do not even have the prerequisites to enrol in some of the courses at RMIT (aus recognised institute in VN) I do not qualify for exchange as I am not currently studying (nor do I have any previous uni modules or semesters up my sleeve) My 20 years experience in hospitality would have made me eligible to study one of the higher diploma/graduate courses maybe but RMIT has NO courses or degrees in this field. My lesser experience in small business would have me suited to something entry level like a diploma of business and administration... but the RMIT institution offers this in Melbourne but NOT in the Saigon campus... even though their website says the courses offered all over the globe are "identical". WT?? The lowest entry level course there is a Graduate of Business and it has prerequisites that I cannot meet. I spoke with a man at centrelink again (anonymously of course) and he said that the institution has to "registered with the Australian government for education" and that there would have to be a "letter" or something from that institute to state that I was going overseas and for what purpose.. he then gave me an example and said "if I was doing history, the institute could write to say I was visiting Egypt for the purpose of completing modules 1&2!!!! He said i can't just start studying here and then pick up and leave to visit another country without a reason that is somehow related to the course/diploma! Seriously... are they just making this up! Oh then I just got a call from a man from "MCI" institute. An online course provider. He said they are registered with the Australian government for education and I can study overseas if I please. All of my completed course credits will go towards my Australian Certification/Diploma. I've never heard of this institution and am still kinda stuck on the cart before the horse thing! Haha. For example... if I enrol with these guys... start my studying... call to let centrelink know i plan to travel... they will check the institution out, make sure it's legitimate....... BLANK....... Book my flights, study in Vietnam for the year! Ahhhhh. If only I could fill in that blank!!! Haha So this is the part where they want a REASON for you to be overseas now?!?! I didn't think this was one of the issues we had previously discussed.. What do u reckon?
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Post by bear on May 11, 2020 14:44:24 GMT 7
Not being academically inclined firefly , I can't say if these links will help fill in the BLANK or not. Very slick website.....I am inclined to be skeptical about non core education facilities because of all of the dramas of give away laptops on sign up and dramas over fees a few years ago; through a federal government scheme that was going to get everyone employed. What it ultimately did, was make a bunch of their mates wealthy. Still I can't see anyone being allowed to fly out of Australia to Asia before next year at the earliest, so you've got time to research. Cheers bear There are reviews here: www.facebook.com/MCIInstitute/"All of our courses meet the Nationally Recognised Training standards. They are listed on the Australian government’s National Register for Vocational Education and Training (VET). Studying with us lead to a qualification that’s recognised throughout Australia, and let employers know that you have the right skills for the job." www.mciinstitute.edu.au/about-us/Home Page: www.mciinstitute.edu.au/P.S. Out of interest did the fella from MCI say how he came to call you. And before I forget....we haven't told you this. When finishing up a call to Centrelink in future.......ask for you receipt number for the call. Keep them somewhere safe for future reference with a short note of the contents. It keeps them on their toes. Cheers www.seek.com.au/learning/provider/mci-institute/reviews
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