My Centrelink Meltdown

As a DSP pensioner, I have noticed that nowadays it is impossible to get through to a customer service officer on the DSP phone line. So I got someone to take me into a Centrelink Office yesterday only to be directed to their telephones as the customer service officers don‘t deal with change of circumstances notifications anymore.

She told me it was a 20 minute wait on the phone. I doubt that very much, people are waiting over two hours often. 

I told her I had arthritis, a bad back and couldn‘t hold the receiver up that long and that I would complain. She smartly and sarcastically replied do that. 

So I used their free phones to phone my Federal Labor MP‘s local office, explained I was a voter in his electorate and the situation I was in, that I had requested to see a customer service officer but had been directed to the phone. She immediately sorted it out and within a few minutes a Centrelink Team Leader saw me and sorted my updates and queries out quickly.

Whatever you do don‘t raise your voice, be polite etc as three big security guards began to move towards me when I initially queried. But then they moved because I was keeping my cool. If people start shouting etc they will throw them out.

 

 

 

6 comments

I only deal with the bastards on the internet

Davey, one of the changes of circumstances couldn‘t be done online, only by phone. I checked with the initial office I spoke with, the smart alec who directed me to their phones.

That sounds awful Bookwyrm

Must have been a very stressful day for you

Anyhow you will enjoy your hols twice as much when you go :)

Yes, it was stressful. Thanks, Abby!

When are you going off to Bali ?

Are you having bi elections there tomorrow ?

I am off at 4 am Tuesday morning! Taxi to the station, the XPT train at 4.33 am, arrive Sydney Central 6.59 am. Catch the airport train and my flight is at 10 am. Arrive Bali 1.30 pm and have a transfer arranged with the hotel. I will have a nap then. And then wake up for dinner which should be easy as I‘m staying on Eat Street! The second week I move to a hotel on the beach. Can‘t believe I‘m going! Going to be away for 15 nights.

Luckily I don‘t have to vote. I‘m in a different state seat to the two others, thank goodness.

 

 

 

Have you informed Centerlink?

Better do it before they cut your pension. I'm told you have to of it over the phone.

 Wait time is only 20 minutes

Snowwhite ~ are the dwarves keeping well?

Hope you have a great time  avater

Take care

 

SS

How would they not be well with me looking after them :)

That was well done Bookwyrm, getting supportive action to deal with Centrelink.

Can see you are really excited about your trip. It is impossible not to love Bali. Have said it before but will say it again: Have a great time! Will be thinking of you on Tuesday embarking on your adventure :)

remember that this federal government keeps cutting funding to centrelink and they are understaffed.

i know it doesn't help one's frustration when wanting to find out something in a centrelink office.  it can be a horrible experience!

Even if you are overworked there are always  ways of dealing with people in a courteous and respectful manner especially if you see they are disabled.

People that are rude should not be employed by Centrelink.

Davey, do the 'bastards' pay your pension? I live 300 k's from the nearest towm and Centrelink are awesome. As you get older, you learn that patience is a virtue.

They pay a tiny portion of my income.

In the local office a female person is employed by centrelink and rented a house from our local real estate office. She was recently evicted through the courts for negecting the house and rent arrears.

Anything else you want to know??????

When I have to change my bank balance  with Centrelink I just write in so I don't have hang onto the phone

6 comments



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