Wow what an interesting thread. Probably not the best for me to be reading atm after having just had the worst week with Centrelink. Now I personally HATE the fact that I get money from Centrelink. I HATE going into the office because quite frankly, in my town, it scares the hell out of me most days.
Everytime i call them I fell like an absolute low life, basically begging them for money. If I could have managed the last 4 yrs without them I certainly would have, but being a full time uni student and having to live away from home doesnt really give me much choice.
But now, as I finish up my degree I have found myself in a little pickle.... I am no longer considered to be a full time student as I only need to do 2 subjects to complete my degree (YAY). I AM, however, able to do casual days teaching (doing a teaching degree obviously). So i don't qualify for youth allowance as I'm not a full time student but I also dont qualify for the Newstart (job seeker) payment as I am not currently able to actively look for full time employment.
Now for the last 10 weeks I have not actually received my Youth Allowance as I worked and earnt too much, which is fair enough.... if i can support myself even if it is ONLY rent, food and bills then I am happy to do that, glad to do it. But.... I am only working casually. If i dont work, like say in the next 2 weeks while it is school holidays, I earn nothing.... but still have the same rent, food, bills to deal with. I also do not smoke, gamble or drink and have not spent money on something considered a LUXURY or LIFESTYLE item in a very very long time.
I bet I dont qualify for government housing. That little 2 bedroom unit would do me wonderfully!
More on the topic of the rant. My landlord is a real gem. I had to apologise for shouting at my real estate girl (poor thing) because I was sick of being shafted by this guy. Huge cracks in the wall - fine, I'm not fussy. Leaking/dripping taps - fine, I'm not liable for excess water. Gaping hole in the ceiling where the cornice is coming away from the wall, letting spiders and all sorts of creepy crawlies into my house - may deserve a little attention. Leaking roof through exhaust fan above cooktop - ummm i think that needs attention. Not only did the landlord make me wait almost a MONTH before he came to look himself (wouldnt send a tradie) but he came at a time when I couldnt be there and didnt even fix the leak.
When the rain returned I started at the real estate again. They contacted him and guess what he said..... He couldnt see a problem... WELL OF COURSE NOT!!! IT WASNT RAINING THEN!!!
So after my little rant to the poor little girl at the real estate it got fixed. Needless to say... AS SOON as I am working full time again I will be saving EVERY CENT to put towards a deposit for a house of my own!!!
Wow Sorry! Huge post but 2 issues to deal with!!