Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
Oct 26th 2010, 12:40 am
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2
Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
Hello,
Just wondered has anyone else been in this position? My husband and I have been living in Australia for two years now, and both of us have been working up until two months ago, then my husband was let go from his job here. I am still working part time. We do have a house back home which we declared to centrelink and have it rented out which equates to approximately $500 rental income per month, so in total our income now per week is roughly about $380, (which is my wages and our rental income combined). My husband recently filled out the forms for Centrelink payment, but has been refused based on the fact that we own a property overseas. The problem is that the property had previously been up for sale and we had problems selling it due to the recession, we explained all of this to Centrelink but to no avail. I don't really get this at all, what do people out there think? Does this rule also apply if you are Australian and own a house here and then lose your job, are you forced to sell your house to support yourself? Surely this can't be right? We are really struggling financially and my husband is registered with job agencies and is still seeking employment, but we were just hoping Centrelink could have helped us in the meantime as we have children too, and it is a huge worry.
Thanks
Just wondered has anyone else been in this position? My husband and I have been living in Australia for two years now, and both of us have been working up until two months ago, then my husband was let go from his job here. I am still working part time. We do have a house back home which we declared to centrelink and have it rented out which equates to approximately $500 rental income per month, so in total our income now per week is roughly about $380, (which is my wages and our rental income combined). My husband recently filled out the forms for Centrelink payment, but has been refused based on the fact that we own a property overseas. The problem is that the property had previously been up for sale and we had problems selling it due to the recession, we explained all of this to Centrelink but to no avail. I don't really get this at all, what do people out there think? Does this rule also apply if you are Australian and own a house here and then lose your job, are you forced to sell your house to support yourself? Surely this can't be right? We are really struggling financially and my husband is registered with job agencies and is still seeking employment, but we were just hoping Centrelink could have helped us in the meantime as we have children too, and it is a huge worry.
Thanks
Oct 26th 2010, 12:56 am
#2
(It's not my real name)
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Ilukapool. WA
Posts: 12,467
Re: Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
There's an asset test as well as an income test for many Centerlink benefits, see:
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/interne...ts/pay_iat.htm
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/interne...ts/pay_iat.htm
Oct 26th 2010, 1:02 am
#3
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,668
Re: Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
There's an asset test as well as an income test for many Centerlink benefits, see:
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/interne...ts/pay_iat.htm
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/interne...ts/pay_iat.htm
Also, you may have been given the wrong forms or not been told you can apply for other things
It pays to make an appt with the centerlink counsellor/social worker person who is there about once a week, maybe more. They can advocate on your behalf if you're not getting any help.
There should be some Family tax benefit I would have thought.. your house in the UK is counted as income... that's why they're not playing ball.
If you're unemployed you might be able to go on Newstart ... again judged on income and savings.
Wendy might be able to help you as she's a C'link expert.
Oct 26th 2010, 1:11 am
#4
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: at the bottom of a wine glass
Posts: 28,176
Re: Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
Only with things that I have claimed
unfortunately (well not for me) I haven't claimed any benefits from Centrelink other than FTB (which I no longer qualify for), so really not sure about it at all.I would suggest the same as you, get down to an office and explain the situation. See what help and advice they can give
Out of interest michaelt31 - what does your OH do for a living? you never know someone could know someone
Oct 26th 2010, 1:44 am
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 3,337
Re: Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
Where in Australia are you living? Some places seem to be booming more than others, so would you consider a move?
If not then you might have to bite the bullet and sell the property in England for what price it will sell for.
If not then you might have to bite the bullet and sell the property in England for what price it will sell for.
Oct 26th 2010, 1:52 am
#6
Still alive
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 28,994
Re: Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
Hello,
Just wondered has anyone else been in this position? My husband and I have been living in Australia for two years now, and both of us have been working up until two months ago, then my husband was let go from his job here. I am still working part time. We do have a house back home which we declared to centrelink and have it rented out which equates to approximately $500 rental income per month, so in total our income now per week is roughly about $380, (which is my wages and our rental income combined). My husband recently filled out the forms for Centrelink payment, but has been refused based on the fact that we own a property overseas. The problem is that the property had previously been up for sale and we had problems selling it due to the recession, we explained all of this to Centrelink but to no avail. I don't really get this at all, what do people out there think? Does this rule also apply if you are Australian and own a house here and then lose your job, are you forced to sell your house to support yourself? Surely this can't be right? We are really struggling financially and my husband is registered with job agencies and is still seeking employment, but we were just hoping Centrelink could have helped us in the meantime as we have children too, and it is a huge worry.
Thanks
Just wondered has anyone else been in this position? My husband and I have been living in Australia for two years now, and both of us have been working up until two months ago, then my husband was let go from his job here. I am still working part time. We do have a house back home which we declared to centrelink and have it rented out which equates to approximately $500 rental income per month, so in total our income now per week is roughly about $380, (which is my wages and our rental income combined). My husband recently filled out the forms for Centrelink payment, but has been refused based on the fact that we own a property overseas. The problem is that the property had previously been up for sale and we had problems selling it due to the recession, we explained all of this to Centrelink but to no avail. I don't really get this at all, what do people out there think? Does this rule also apply if you are Australian and own a house here and then lose your job, are you forced to sell your house to support yourself? Surely this can't be right? We are really struggling financially and my husband is registered with job agencies and is still seeking employment, but we were just hoping Centrelink could have helped us in the meantime as we have children too, and it is a huge worry.
Thanks
Oct 26th 2010, 5:18 am
#7
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2
Re: Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
Thanks for your replies. Then does it mean there is no kind of a dole system here unless you do not own a house. How do people who have bought a house here fair out if they both suddenly lose a job and can't afford the mortgage? Do they sell their house and rent a house? I was under the impression once you are here two years you would be entitled to help in the event of something like this happening. Anyway thank you to everyone that has contributed to my post. 
Oct 26th 2010, 6:29 am
#8
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,810
Re: Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
Thanks for your replies. Then does it mean there is no kind of a dole system here unless you do not own a house. How do people who have bought a house here fair out if they both suddenly lose a job and can't afford the mortgage? Do they sell their house and rent a house? I was under the impression once you are here two years you would be entitled to help in the event of something like this happening. Anyway thank you to everyone that has contributed to my post.
Oct 26th 2010, 6:53 am
#9
da Bonehead
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Lion in da jungle
Posts: 22,767
Re: Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
I lost my job 4 months ago and didn't go to Centrelink thinking I would be able to claim nothing due to assets.
At a jobs expo I spoke to a lady from Centrelink about general methods of seeking employment and she asked if I had signed on with them.
I explained no because I was purchasing my home here (don't have any other property) and had 2 sons paying a little rent.
She told me off and insisted I went to Centrelink as soon as possible as neither of those things are classed as income or assets. She said don't worry about it as if you don't qualify nothing has been lost.
Consequently I did sign on to Newstart and am able to claim the maximum amount which is $424 per fortnight.
The amount is of course a pittance but it sure helps. We get by because we have been able to freeze our mortgage.
Missus works 1 day a week normally but when she covered for illness and worked full time for a few weeks my Newstart allowance was reduced.
The Newstart allowance has no bearing on your individual financial needs. It's seems to be an arbitrary amount calculated by government I suppose.
Are your children of an age that allows you to claim Family Tax Benefit? If so you may also be able to claim something for them toward accommodation. My mate is in the same boat but is renting and Centrelink pay a portion of the rent for his children.
At a jobs expo I spoke to a lady from Centrelink about general methods of seeking employment and she asked if I had signed on with them.
I explained no because I was purchasing my home here (don't have any other property) and had 2 sons paying a little rent.
She told me off and insisted I went to Centrelink as soon as possible as neither of those things are classed as income or assets. She said don't worry about it as if you don't qualify nothing has been lost.
Consequently I did sign on to Newstart and am able to claim the maximum amount which is $424 per fortnight.
The amount is of course a pittance but it sure helps. We get by because we have been able to freeze our mortgage.
Missus works 1 day a week normally but when she covered for illness and worked full time for a few weeks my Newstart allowance was reduced.
The Newstart allowance has no bearing on your individual financial needs. It's seems to be an arbitrary amount calculated by government I suppose.
Are your children of an age that allows you to claim Family Tax Benefit? If so you may also be able to claim something for them toward accommodation. My mate is in the same boat but is renting and Centrelink pay a portion of the rent for his children.
Oct 26th 2010, 8:27 am
#10
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 3,337
Re: Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
The guys who are u8nemployed, we are crying out for people in WA for the mining industry. Why not move to where the jobs are? For Michael, you can have your own home, but you cant have a couple of hundred grand sat in a offshore investment property - which is effectivly what it is and expect dole. It is no different to have the money in a swiss bank account and expecting dole.
Oct 26th 2010, 10:50 am
#11
da Bonehead
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Lion in da jungle
Posts: 22,767
Re: Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
I've been offered 2 mining jobs here and 1 in SA but they are all new start ups "sometime" next year so not holding my breath on those. WA is on my list but farther down the page just for the moment.
Oct 26th 2010, 11:56 am
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
A house that you are living in, is exempt from Centrelink inclusion, no matter what its value.
Oct 26th 2010, 12:17 pm
#13
Devil's Advocate
Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Mandurah
Posts: 2,269
Re: Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
I lost my job 4 months ago and didn't go to Centrelink thinking I would be able to claim nothing due to assets.
At a jobs expo I spoke to a lady from Centrelink about general methods of seeking employment and she asked if I had signed on with them.
I explained no because I was purchasing my home here (don't have any other property) and had 2 sons paying a little rent.
She told me off and insisted I went to Centrelink as soon as possible as neither of those things are classed as income or assets. She said don't worry about it as if you don't qualify nothing has been lost.
Consequently I did sign on to Newstart and am able to claim the maximum amount which is $424 per fortnight.
The amount is of course a pittance but it sure helps. We get by because we have been able to freeze our mortgage.
Missus works 1 day a week normally but when she covered for illness and worked full time for a few weeks my Newstart allowance was reduced.
The Newstart allowance has no bearing on your individual financial needs. It's seems to be an arbitrary amount calculated by government I suppose.
Are your children of an age that allows you to claim Family Tax Benefit? If so you may also be able to claim something for them toward accommodation. My mate is in the same boat but is renting and Centrelink pay a portion of the rent for his children.
At a jobs expo I spoke to a lady from Centrelink about general methods of seeking employment and she asked if I had signed on with them.
I explained no because I was purchasing my home here (don't have any other property) and had 2 sons paying a little rent.
She told me off and insisted I went to Centrelink as soon as possible as neither of those things are classed as income or assets. She said don't worry about it as if you don't qualify nothing has been lost.
Consequently I did sign on to Newstart and am able to claim the maximum amount which is $424 per fortnight.
The amount is of course a pittance but it sure helps. We get by because we have been able to freeze our mortgage.
Missus works 1 day a week normally but when she covered for illness and worked full time for a few weeks my Newstart allowance was reduced.
The Newstart allowance has no bearing on your individual financial needs. It's seems to be an arbitrary amount calculated by government I suppose.
Are your children of an age that allows you to claim Family Tax Benefit? If so you may also be able to claim something for them toward accommodation. My mate is in the same boat but is renting and Centrelink pay a portion of the rent for his children.
Oct 26th 2010, 12:53 pm
#14
Gutter Gob!!
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Perth
Posts: 13,098
Re: Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?
I lost my job 4 months ago and didn't go to Centrelink thinking I would be able to claim nothing due to assets.
At a jobs expo I spoke to a lady from Centrelink about general methods of seeking employment and she asked if I had signed on with them.
I explained no because I was purchasing my home here (don't have any other property) and had 2 sons paying a little rent.
She told me off and insisted I went to Centrelink as soon as possible as neither of those things are classed as income or assets. She said don't worry about it as if you don't qualify nothing has been lost.
Consequently I did sign on to Newstart and am able to claim the maximum amount which is $424 per fortnight.
The amount is of course a pittance but it sure helps. We get by because we have been able to freeze our mortgage.
Missus works 1 day a week normally but when she covered for illness and worked full time for a few weeks my Newstart allowance was reduced.
The Newstart allowance has no bearing on your individual financial needs. It's seems to be an arbitrary amount calculated by government I suppose.
Are your children of an age that allows you to claim Family Tax Benefit? If so you may also be able to claim something for them toward accommodation. My mate is in the same boat but is renting and Centrelink pay a portion of the rent for his children.
At a jobs expo I spoke to a lady from Centrelink about general methods of seeking employment and she asked if I had signed on with them.
I explained no because I was purchasing my home here (don't have any other property) and had 2 sons paying a little rent.
She told me off and insisted I went to Centrelink as soon as possible as neither of those things are classed as income or assets. She said don't worry about it as if you don't qualify nothing has been lost.
Consequently I did sign on to Newstart and am able to claim the maximum amount which is $424 per fortnight.
The amount is of course a pittance but it sure helps. We get by because we have been able to freeze our mortgage.
Missus works 1 day a week normally but when she covered for illness and worked full time for a few weeks my Newstart allowance was reduced.
The Newstart allowance has no bearing on your individual financial needs. It's seems to be an arbitrary amount calculated by government I suppose.
Are your children of an age that allows you to claim Family Tax Benefit? If so you may also be able to claim something for them toward accommodation. My mate is in the same boat but is renting and Centrelink pay a portion of the rent for his children.
Oct 26th 2010, 8:16 pm
#15
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: at the bottom of a wine glass
Posts: 28,176
Re: Centrelink say I am not entitled to payment?