Centrelink has a number of payments and services which may help to ease the financial strain that can result from a diagnosis of breast cancer.
However, we often hear from women that dealing with Centrelink can be a confusing and frustrating process. Applying for a payment or service can often be time consuming. You may need to provide lots of detailed information in the Centrelink application forms, and other supportive documents such as letters from your doctor. You may also need to spend time communicating with Centrelink staff.
Knowing how to navigate the Centrelink process is important in order to get the support for which you are eligible. The following information has been developed to let you know about the payments and services available, and to provide you with some general tips on how to navigate Centrelink processes.
Lodging your application
The first step in the process is to call Centrelink on 13 27 17 to talk about your financial situation, or you can attend a Centrelink office in person. Centrelink will be able to advise you if you may be eligible to receive a payment.
If you are feeling too unwell to have this discussion, you may like to ask your partner, a family member or a friend to seek advice on your behalf.
If you decide to lodge an application, it is possible to register your intention to apply by telephone, mail, online or in person. Provided that your written application is then lodged within 14 days, you may be payed from the date you registered your intention to apply for the payment, rather than the date you lodged your application.
It’s a good idea to lodge your written application form for a payment with Centrelink as soon as you can. Even if you do not have all the necessary information to fully complete the application form, you can still put in your application and get the process started.
Payments
Some of the payments that may apply to women with breast cancer are outlined below.
Sickness Allowance
The main eligibility criteria for a Sickness Allowance payment are that you:
- are unable to work or study full time due to illness;
- have a job to return to (or if you were receiving Austudy or ABSTUDY, have full time study to return to);
- meet certain age and income requirements. If you have a partner, their income and assets will also be taken into account when assessing your eligibility. Your outstanding sick leave will also be taken into account.
Your doctor will need to send Centrelink a medical certificate confirming that you are not able to work because of your breast cancer.
While there is no limit to the length of time in which you can receive Sickness Allowance, a medical certificate can only be used for a 13 week period, even if your doctor believes that you will be unfit for work for a longer period. This means that if you are still unable to work after 13 weeks, your doctor will need to send Centrelink another medical certificate.
Disability Support Pension
The main eligibility criteria for a Disability Support Pension is that you are assessed as being unable to work for 15 hours or more per week, or to be re-skilled to undertake different work for at least the next two years, because of your breast cancer. You will need your doctor to send a letter to Centrelink confirming you are not able to work.
Centrelink will take into account your income and assets, and those of your partner, in determining the payment.
It’s not necessary to provide details of your medical condition (ie breast cancer) at the time you lodge your written application form, but doing so can help speed up the processing of your claim. Unfortunately it can take Centrelink weeks, or even months, to decide whether you are eligible for a Disability Support Pension.
Health care cards
A Health Care Card is available to people receiving certain payments from Centrelink. It can entitle you to cheaper medicines, bulk-billing for medical tests and doctors’ appointments (if they offer bulk-billing) and more refunds for medical expenses through the Medicare Safety Net. It may also entitle you to concessions from state and local government authorities, including discounts on your gas, electricity and water bills, ambulance costs, public transport, and dental and eye care.
If you are not receiving a Centrelink payment but are on a low income, you can apply to Centrelink for a Low Income Health Care Card. This provides you with the same benefits as the Health Care Card. For information on the income test that applies for the Low Income Health Care Card, visit the Centrelink website.
Helpful tips
Sometimes discussions with Centrelink can be time consuming, and there can be lengthy waiting times to talk to them. It’s a good idea to set aside some time in your day if you need to talk to Centrelink staff.
If you are talking to a Centrelink staff member from the Call Centre, and it’s clear that your enquiry cannot be dealt with by them, you may like to ask if your call can be transferred to your local Centrelink Office.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions until you understand what is being said to you about your entitlements.
If you feel that a Centrelink staff member does not seem to understand your case, don’t hesitate to ask to speak to their Manager.
Try to keep a full record of all of your communications with Centrelink, especially recording the details of any telephone call, including the name and position of any Centrelink Officer and the reference number for the call. This can assist with any future conversations you may have with Centrelink.
Centrelink’s Financial Information Service (FIS) officers and social workers can also support you in difficult times by providing you with financial counselling. You can call 13 63 57 for FIS information and 13 17 94 to speak to a social worker. These services are free of charge.
Review of decisions
If you are unhappy with a decision Centrelink makes about your claim, you can discuss it with the person who made the original decision. You don’t have to do this, but many people find it a useful first stop. If you think decision they made about your application is wrong, you can ask that a Centrelink Authorised Review Officer (ARO) review the decision. You do not have to talk to the person who made the decision before asking for an ARO review. For more information about this process, download and read Centrelink’s Reviews and Appeals brochure.
If you are unhappy with the ARO’s decision, you can apply to the Social Security Appeals Tribunal (SSAT) to have that decision reviewed by them. Applications can be lodged over the phone, in writing (using an SSAT application form or by sending an email to the SSAT) or in person at any SSAT registry. They can also be lodged in writing at any Centrelink office.
For more information, visit the SSAT website or call them on freecall 1800 011 140. There is no charge to apply for an SSAT review.
More information
- You can find out more about Centrelink services at www.centrelink.gov.au.
- The National Welfare Rights Network (NWRN) is a network of community legal centres throughout Australia which provide casework advice and assistance to individuals to ensure they can exercise their rights and maximise their entitlements under the Australian Social Security system. The NWRN has centres located in each state and territory. Visit www.welfarerights.org.au to find the centre closest to you.
- Read The Beacon Issue 56 for articles and personal stories about the financial impact of breast cancer, including an article on Centrelink payments that may be available to women with breast cancer.
- Download The Beacon issue 56 resource sheets, which list organisations around Australia that provide financial and practical assistance to women and families affected by breast cancer, and financial counselling services to help families better manage through difficult times.
