Really Angry About Having To Divulge So Much Detail To Claim Disability

[Shellbell]

I don't get angry with the people at the offices, I know it's just their job and I'm okay with that. I worked in local government for nearly 15 years. They are just the bearers of bad news for decisions made by someone else.

And I believe I read somehwere, the time span for how long you must 'prove' you cannot work for to be entitled is 2 years - at a total incapacity to work level. I've been deemed by them as totally incapacited to work.

But my argument is, a veteran with severe pro-longed trauma and chronic PTSD, plus MDD - all like me, should not be considered any more likely after appropriate and long term therapy to have 'minimal chance of recovery', than me.

There is no official diagnosis can be made for lifetime PTSD. So if they are going to base it on that criteria, then absolutely no-one with PTSD should be granted it, but people are.

In both cases it is unknown in any case if in maybe a set number of years time we may be able to work. We can both be reviewed at a set time in the future, they have the right to insist on re-assessment at a future date. So, it would seem that the political element must come into play.

Sucks! Anyway, I've had my rant :(

 

[rightkindofme]

I looked up these requirements formy country last night. At this point I have never filed because I am lucky enough that my husband can support me. It is scary to think of how humiliating it would be.

I kind of feel like those of us with court cases from prosecuting horrible sex crimes should have a fast pass into that system. Shouldn't prosecuting a violent crime be trauma enough for those awful people?

I'm not sure I would be able to write down how non functional I am. I'm not sure I can admit it to myself right now. Things are really bad.

I hope your application goes through quickly.

 

[Shellbell]

Rightkindofme, thank you. I am very glad for you that you don't need to go through this and I feel so much fo anyone that does. It is like secondary wonding.

Yes, a court hearing is a trauma of its own. Sarting with a rape kit being done, right through through to him not getting the sentence he deserved. Just another huge nightmare to go through and I didn't have any support through mine from family or anyone. The police were good to me though.

I think going through that and having everything exposed and detailed to jurors etc, has probably left more of a lasting effect on me than I even know. I have never cried about my court hearing. Whilst I know it was horrendous, I am numb about it now.

It may also account for another reason why I avoided it all for the next 20 years, never speaking about it, never dealing with it, being in denial, minimising it. And now I having to face it all, it's all very raw and having to detail it to Centrelink feels unbearable.

But it's done now.

 

[saffy]

Does anyone else feel this angry like this, or am I just over-reacting?

No I think it is a gross invasion of privacy and they do not need to know every detail. A letter from the psych explaining treatment is needed should be enough. A proffessional stating that you should recieve treatment and are not fit for work, infact it would be detrimental to consider it at the moment, should be enough!.

Doctors, as far as I am concerned should respect client confidentiallity. Your permission was not even considered.

I wonder if you should see the psych again and explain what damage he has done, as well as breeching confidentiality?

best of luck on this and yes I would have been furious.

best wishes
Saffy :)

 

[Shellbell]

Thanks Saffy for your support.

It was my choice to submit the reports, knowing what was in them, but it was put to me that my chances of being successful without full disclosure were greatly reduced, so I felt I had no choice.

My mental health doc, has indicated on the form that she wishes to speak with them once they review my appeal, so it does concern me what she will say, but I have to assume it will be for my best interests.

The whole thing does seriously suck though and it is a total invasion of privacy you feel forced into to jump through the hoops.

 

[Abstract]

I have not read this all Shellbell but it sounds very hard and I am sorry you are in this situation. I can't even imagine how it must feel.

I think also being in situations where I feel trapped and without choice makes me feel very affected. It seems you feel forced or trapped into doing this. Take care.

 

[saffy]

Yes sometimes it is just really hard to accept the process. But I am sure too that your doc will be working for you not against you. Some of the report might need explaining further so there is better understanding as I should think that those who are centerlink who make the decision are not qualified in this area at all.

Some reassurance should have been given as to why they needed full disclosure and that are they supposed to abide by confidentiality laws also?

I hope you can find a positive out of all this. As much as they might of read it to understand I hope you get your entitlement through it also. I hope as well that this full disclosure makes therapy time with the doc so that you can deal with these feelings better. :)

Best wishes
Saffy :)

 

[JustBe]

It took me months to fill out the pages of questions. I was panicking and sobbing all the while. I was already so low that the humiliation was already part of my life. Being approved on the first try about six months after I finally submitted the application was a shock.

I think the evaluation and the statements by others helped a great deal as well, because I don't think I was very coherent in my answers.

 

[Whitneys story]

Shellbell, Yes you are far from alone on this. We are simply a number, the interviewer's are number loggers. Machines without brains or hearts.

Treated like the money is coming out of their pocket! So invalidating! Thank you for posting this thread. Hugs, Whitney

 

[Shellbell]

Thank you Whitney, Movin'On, Saffy and Abstract,

I really appreciate your support in this. This has really affected me.

I feel so badly for us all who are trapped into these situations, having to divulge so much information to be entitled to disability payments or insurances.

 

[HëllaBubz]

Hey Darl,

I actually gave up on getting disability payments from Centerlink......my psych is a really honest, yet caring person and he said that he has had quite a few clients being knocked back on bullshit reasons, he thinks there may be orders from higher up to make it harder to claim to help the Federal budget.

He might be right, all of the interactions I've had with Centerlink have certainly been indicative of that, including the Job Capacity Assessment......ooooo my blood pressure is rising just THINKING about it!

I've actually headed back to work, and even though it's really rocky, and I thought it would make it WORSE, it has actually helped me sleep, feel better about myself, and settle down a little.

Hang in there baby.

 

[Shellbell]

Thanks Bubz, it is a very harrowing process. I'm really sorry you have gone through it too.

I had the work capacity assessment and was told that it was clear I am unable to work and she would recommend me being granted disability with a 24 months review. They have deemed me totally incapacitated to work, but only short term so far and gave me a pension concession card until Feb 2013.

My next step if it fails is to go to my local member and senator.

I will keep going with it until I've exhausted every possibility.