Sorry but there is "no limit" for the length of stay ..... I claim rental assistance for two days (or more if I stay longer) ... no issue, Centrelink pay.
Unfortunately, they do generate a new blue card each time you move ..... goes to your postal address .... they are not able to 'turn it off' - I ask everytime I go to a Centrelink office.
[edit: I change my 'home address' online each time I move - even if "free" camping - I just put in the space online "Staying in council provided campground which charges no fees" .. and in the bit for how much 'fee paid" I put 0 (zero) ... and still make it "day" .... they are happy with that they tell me.]
cheers - John
[2nd edit fixing up bad grammar ] -- Edited by rockylizard on Monday 17th of September 2012 07:50:39 PM
-- Edited by rockylizard on Monday 17th of September 2012 07:51:28 PM
The Turtles said
11:01 PM Sep 17, 2012
Hi I'm a new grey normad and having no home address, postal sddress only. Everytime I stay at a caravan park and apply for rent assistance, centrelink will send me a new
pensioner card with this address, can be 26 times the year, is this normal or crasy?
Any solusion for this problem?
Thanks
moblet said
01:38 AM Sep 18, 2012
I've not tested it myself but a friend asked Centrelink for the full story and was told that yes, this is what they will do. Minimum stay to qualify for rent assistance is two weeks, and it will trigger the production of a new card for the new address.
jules47 said
01:41 AM Sep 18, 2012
Thanks for that moblet - didn't un derstand re the 2 week minimum - and good to see you posting after registering back in June.
Andrea said
09:45 AM Sep 18, 2012
Concerning the accumulation of new cards from Centrelink - we had the same problem, being full-timers with no fixed address, but when in WA (I think early last year at Geraldton) we happened across a Centrelink officer who wouldn't accept that the cards couldn't be stopped. She spent several minutes on the computer, then found the place; I received no more cards at all, even after mine expired, and eventually had to ask for a new issue!
But the rent assistance when on a pension is certainly worth it, although now that we're house-sitting most of the time I've cancelled that until we need it again.
Andrea
(Currently at The Channon, NSW, till mid-October, then another 'sit' at Beechwood till late January; PM if you're coming this way.)
PS - We've met one couple who claimed to put in only one claim to Centrelink per year, although they're often on the move - the amount paid to them probably averages out the same, but I wouldn't like to try it!!
-- Edited by Andrea on Tuesday 18th of September 2012 09:57:20 AM
spida said
03:24 PM Sep 18, 2012
I also was given advice re help and the card. The comment I got was just ignore the card with the new address and keep your original one.
vkgreenie said
07:20 PM Sep 18, 2012
Hi guys
I can only confirm the same as every body else. Yep everytime we move to another destination that requires fees, I just change the address on line, and yes a new card is generated, which goes to our post office address. Seems to be the norm.
As far as minimum time to claim rent assistance, haven't come accross that one. We are currently house sitting with no rent assistance required, and have advised accordingly. "No good biting the hand the feeds you."
Hope my two bobs worth helps.
Cheers & beers
neilnruth said
10:09 PM Sep 18, 2012
Nothing has been said in this post - as far as I can see - that you can only claim rent assistance if your don't own a house anymore. Is that correct??
Gerty Dancer said
10:16 PM Sep 18, 2012
Yes, as far as we know, that is right Ruth.
Colls said
10:58 PM Sep 18, 2012
Ruth, I claimed rent assist while still owning my own home. I rented my house out, C/L did the maths and I ended up with an almost full pension and the income from renting covered my mortgage. This can only be done for 12months. I am on a disabilities pension so not sure if that makes any difference. Hope this helps
Regards
Colls
moblet said
03:41 PM Sep 19, 2012
rockylizard wrote:
Sorry but there is "no limit" for the length of stay ..... I claim rental assistance for two days (or more if I stay longer) ... no issue, Centrelink pay.
That's what I was told over the counter when I asked them, and it's nice to know because sooner or later I'll stop for a while somewhere that costs more than $5 a night. Just goes to show that every time you ask a different Centrelink employee the same question you'll be given a new answer. Who said there was no creativity in public service jobs?
Is it necessary to submit a written form to claim rent assistance, or is it enough to simply update one's details online?
Andrea said
05:06 PM Sep 19, 2012
moblet wrote:Just goes to show that every time you ask a different Centrelink employee the same question you'll be given a new answer. Who said there was no creativity in public service jobs?
Don't knock them, moblet - they have trouble enough keeping up with constantly changing rules, paperwork, etc. As an ex-PS (state) I know just how it feels to have little to no support or recognition: I enjoyed my work but I finally ran away screaming in 2006, couldn't face going back even after four months accrued sick leave; shortly afterwards, they'd appointed three people to do my old job! (My husband had done similar in 1996 (from Consumer Affairs), tho' much more spectacularly!)
**end of rant!**
Andrea
moblet said
06:26 PM Sep 19, 2012
Andrea wrote:Don't knock them, moblet - they have trouble enough keeping up with constantly changing rules, paperwork, etc. As an ex-PS (state) I know just how it feels to have little to no support or recognition: I enjoyed my work but I finally ran away screaming in 2006, couldn't face going back even after four months accrued sick leave; shortly afterwards, they'd appointed three people to do my old job! (My husband had done similar in 1996 (from Consumer Affairs), tho' much more spectacularly!)
**end of rant!**
Andrea
Rant accepted. I'm not knocking the people - I used to work on management systems and it's clear to me that the problem is with the systems, not the people. If anything I'm amazed at how positive and helpful the (surviving) staff are under the circumstances. The guy who advised my friend took the time to look up the information on his computer, which was evidently wrong. Too many large organisations seem to function as well as they do thanks to people who find ways to get things done in spite of the management systems, and I sometimes wish you'd all resign at once just so the true effectiveness of the systems could be exposed!
And yeah, once worked in Consumer Affairs and had a huge task convincing the project manager of a top-down systems implementation that unless other parts of our process were also changed, our workload would increase, not decrease.
brickies said
08:08 PM Sep 19, 2012
We are so luckly to have Centrelink and be prepared to handle such a complex system has mobile rent assistance , And they would have to have lots of check and balance for some thing that changes so often , We all should thank them from time to time in most cases they get it right most of the time and are prepared to fix it if they get it wrong , We must remember if they get it wrong they haven't got it in for you sometime thing just go wrong and remember if you greet them with a smile you will get one back , And a grumpy face you may get their back up
Beth54 said
10:30 PM Sep 19, 2012
In regards to staff giving different info, take note of the reference number, date and time of the conversation.
My daughter and a friend both had appointment issues recently. Staff gave them a date and time, when they got there they were told 'no, that appointment was yesterday'! In the case of my daughter, they said if she hung around for an hour, they'd slot her in. Duly waited, no-one called her, and when she inquired, she'd been completly wiped off the list.
Andrea said
11:40 PM Sep 19, 2012
moblet wrote:
Rant accepted. I'm not knocking the people - I used to work on management systems and it's clear to me that the problem is with the systems, not the people. If anything I'm amazed at how positive and helpful the (surviving) staff are under the circumstances. The guy who advised my friend took the time to look up the information on his computer, which was evidently wrong. Too many large organisations seem to function as well as they do thanks to people who find ways to get things done in spite of the management systems, and I sometimes wish you'd all resign at once just so the true effectiveness of the systems could be exposed!
And yeah, once worked in Consumer Affairs and had a huge task convincing the project manager of a top-down systems implementation that unless other parts of our process were also changed, our workload would increase, not decrease.
Consumer Affairs? Yes, a prime eample of being between a rock and a hard place, in my husband's experience!
Still, as brickies says, walk in offering a smile and it's amazing just what Centreling staff - and other front-line public servants - can achieve.
rockylizard said
02:10 AM Sep 20, 2012
moblet wrote:
Is it necessary to submit a written form to claim rent assistance, or is it enough to simply update one's details online?
Gday...
Yes. You have lodge (by post or hand into a Centrelink office) a Rent Certificate each time you move to a new address (van park) - get your first copy from a Centrelink office.
You need to update your details when you move - either online, by phoning 132300, or calling into a Centrelink office. I do it online.
Each time you update your 'home address' you can access a new Rent Certificate online and print it off. I save it as a PDF file and print extra copies if I need for next van park.
Cheers - John
The Turtles said
06:58 AM Sep 20, 2012
Thanks everybody, was very helpfull !!
Gerty Dancer said
03:16 PM Sep 20, 2012
Andrea wrote:
Still, as brickies says, walk in offering a smile and it's amazing just what Centreling staff - and other front-line public servants - can achieve.
Yes that definitely does the trick! We are treated like their long-lost Aunt and Uncle at the local office! At other offices we havent quite met that level of friendliness, but still no complaints, they are courteous and helpful.
It is always wise to write down the reference number, also name of the person who gave you information, the next person for whatever reason may have different onfo.
moblet said
03:37 PM Sep 20, 2012
rockylizard wrote:Yes. You have lodge (by post or hand into a Centrelink office) a Rent Certificate each time you move to a new address (van park) - get your first copy from a Centrelink office.
You need to update your details when you move - either online, by phoning 132300, or calling into a Centrelink office. I do it online.
Each time you update your 'home address' you can access a new Rent Certificate online and print it off. I save it as a PDF file and print extra copies if I need for next van park.
Cheers - John
Thanks John. The person I asked at Centrelink printed off and gave me a small pile of rent certificates (I think I might have walked in offering a smile), just haven't had cause to use one yet.
Happywanderer said
04:12 PM Sep 20, 2012
Online services to Centrelink are now rerouted through Aus.gov.au site. A bit of a nuisance as had to register with lots of details just to get into my usual centrelink site to read a sent letter. I got lost on the gov site before logging off and logging back on to find the centrelink site.
jules47 said
04:31 PM Sep 20, 2012
That's one of the reasons I don't like using internet for Centrelink stuff, while we are using mobile connection devices, takes up so much of your usage, just trying to get through to the correct site.
Clare46 said
05:47 PM Sep 20, 2012
jules47 wrote:
That's one of the reasons I don't like using internet for Centrelink stuff, while we are using mobile connection devices, takes up so much of your usage, just trying to get through to the correct site.
It only took me a few seconds to get to Centrelink via the gov. site
Happywanderer said
06:24 PM Sep 20, 2012
I had to register first Clare, which including putting in no less than 5 secret questions and answers etc. then there was no where to actually go into centrelink from the registration site so I had to log off and re log in, once I searched the whole site. Next time should be much quicker.
jules47 said
09:51 PM Sep 20, 2012
That's what I meant - registration always takes forever - they want to know the ins and outs of a duck's b..m -
Beth54 said
11:06 PM Sep 20, 2012
I haven't actually registered with Aus Gov yet. Is it essential to do it? I tried to do it one day, and when 'it' asked for my birth certificate I got the s**ts, because it's already in the system, and I didn't have time to go looking for it. Then I promptly forgot about it.
So am I going to be in trouble? I'd better have another go.
Happywanderer said
11:59 PM Sep 20, 2012
Up till now Beth, we have been able to bypass the option to register . But today it wouldn't let me in until I did. This was easier than when I had tried in the past. I had to do 5 secret questions and a bit of other stuff, but no birth certificate or anything like that. Then they gave me a codeword to get in for the future , you have to put a password in as well. Once you are registered, from now on you go in to the govt site and click on centrelink.
rockylizard said
02:22 AM Sep 21, 2012
Gday...
I am surprised. When I registered online when I got my age pension, it was straightforward and simple. Maybe they have changed the process
cheers - John
Happywanderer said
02:26 AM Sep 21, 2012
Yes John they have. I have been registered online for centrelink for some time now. It was quick and easy. But what they have done is link it to all other govt depts. Medicare, E-Health, Child support and a couple of others. It means they can check all your details in any of the sites. Not a lot you can do about it if you want to get into Centrelink now.
rockylizard said
02:28 AM Sep 21, 2012
Gday...
Aha - that. Oh well, I have ignored all their attempts for me "link my Centrelink to the Human Services" ... I just click 'no' and 'continue' etc and only go into the Centrelink info.
Guess the pain of the 'improvement' will overtake me eventually.
Gday...
Sorry but there is "no limit" for the length of stay ..... I claim rental assistance for two days (or more if I stay longer) ... no issue, Centrelink pay.
Unfortunately, they do generate a new blue card each time you move ..... goes to your postal address .... they are not able to 'turn it off' - I ask everytime I go to a Centrelink office.
[edit: I change my 'home address' online each time I move - even if "free" camping - I just put in the space online "Staying in council provided campground which charges no fees" .. and in the bit for how much 'fee paid" I put 0 (zero) ... and still make it "day" .... they are happy with that they tell me.]
cheers - John
[2nd edit fixing up bad grammar
]
-- Edited by rockylizard on Monday 17th of September 2012 07:50:39 PM
-- Edited by rockylizard on Monday 17th of September 2012 07:51:28 PM
Hi I'm a new grey normad and having no home address, postal sddress only. Everytime I stay at a caravan park and apply for rent assistance, centrelink will send me a new
pensioner card with this address, can be 26 times the year, is this normal or crasy?
Any solusion for this problem?
Thanks
I've not tested it myself but a friend asked Centrelink for the full story and was told that yes, this is what they will do. Minimum stay to qualify for rent assistance is two weeks, and it will trigger the production of a new card for the new address.
Thanks for that moblet - didn't un derstand re the 2 week minimum - and good to see you posting after registering back in June.
Concerning the accumulation of new cards from Centrelink - we had the same problem, being full-timers with no fixed address, but when in WA (I think early last year at Geraldton) we happened across a Centrelink officer who wouldn't accept that the cards couldn't be stopped. She spent several minutes on the computer, then found the place; I received no more cards at all, even after mine expired, and eventually had to ask for a new issue!
But the rent assistance when on a pension is certainly worth it, although now that we're house-sitting most of the time I've cancelled that until we need it again.
Andrea
(Currently at The Channon, NSW, till mid-October, then another 'sit' at Beechwood till late January; PM if you're coming this way.)
PS - We've met one couple who claimed to put in only one claim to Centrelink per year, although they're often on the move - the amount paid to them probably averages out the same, but I wouldn't like to try it!!
-- Edited by Andrea on Tuesday 18th of September 2012 09:57:20 AM
Hi guys
I can only confirm the same as every body else. Yep everytime we move to another destination that requires fees, I just change the address on line, and yes a new card is generated, which goes to our post office address. Seems to be the norm.
As far as minimum time to claim rent assistance, haven't come accross that one. We are currently house sitting with no rent assistance required, and have advised accordingly. "No good biting the hand the feeds you."
Hope my two bobs worth helps.
Cheers & beers
Regards
Colls
That's what I was told over the counter when I asked them, and it's nice to know because sooner or later I'll stop for a while somewhere that costs more than $5 a night. Just goes to show that every time you ask a different Centrelink employee the same question you'll be given a new answer. Who said there was no creativity in public service jobs?
Is it necessary to submit a written form to claim rent assistance, or is it enough to simply update one's details online?
Don't knock them, moblet - they have trouble enough keeping up with constantly changing rules, paperwork, etc. As an ex-PS (state) I know just how it feels to have little to no support or recognition: I enjoyed my work but I finally ran away screaming in 2006, couldn't face going back even after four months accrued sick leave; shortly afterwards, they'd appointed three people to do my old job!
(My husband had done similar in 1996 (from Consumer Affairs), tho' much more spectacularly!)
**end of rant!**
Andrea
Rant accepted. I'm not knocking the people - I used to work on management systems and it's clear to me that the problem is with the systems, not the people. If anything I'm amazed at how positive and helpful the (surviving) staff are under the circumstances. The guy who advised my friend took the time to look up the information on his computer, which was evidently wrong. Too many large organisations seem to function as well as they do thanks to people who find ways to get things done in spite of the management systems, and I sometimes wish you'd all resign at once just so the true effectiveness of the systems could be exposed!
And yeah, once worked in Consumer Affairs and had a huge task convincing the project manager of a top-down systems implementation that unless other parts of our process were also changed, our workload would increase, not decrease.
In regards to staff giving different info, take note of the reference number, date and time of the conversation.
My daughter and a friend both had appointment issues recently. Staff gave them a date and time, when they got there they were told 'no, that appointment was yesterday'! In the case of my daughter, they said if she hung around for an hour, they'd slot her in. Duly waited, no-one called her, and when she inquired, she'd been completly wiped off the list.
Consumer Affairs? Yes, a prime eample of being between a rock and a hard place, in my husband's experience!
Still, as brickies says, walk in offering a smile and it's amazing just what Centreling staff - and other front-line public servants - can achieve.
Gday...
Yes. You have lodge (by post or hand into a Centrelink office) a Rent Certificate each time you move to a new address (van park) - get your first copy from a Centrelink office.
You need to update your details when you move - either online, by phoning 132300, or calling into a Centrelink office. I do it online.
Each time you update your 'home address' you can access a new Rent Certificate online and print it off. I save it as a PDF file and print extra copies if I need for next van park.
Cheers - John
Thanks everybody, was very helpfull !!
Yes that definitely does the trick! We are treated like their long-lost Aunt and Uncle at the local office! At other offices we havent quite met that level of friendliness, but still no complaints, they are courteous and helpful.
It is always wise to write down the reference number, also name of the person who gave you information, the next person for whatever reason may have different onfo.
Thanks John. The person I asked at Centrelink printed off and gave me a small pile of rent certificates (I think I might have walked in offering a smile), just haven't had cause to use one yet.
I got lost on the gov site before logging off and logging back on to find the centrelink site.
It only took me a few seconds to get to Centrelink via the gov. site
That's what I meant - registration always takes forever - they want to know the ins and outs of a duck's b..m -
I haven't actually registered with Aus Gov yet. Is it essential to do it? I tried to do it one day, and when 'it' asked for my birth certificate I got the s**ts, because it's already in the system, and I didn't have time to go looking for it. Then I promptly forgot about it.
So am I going to be in trouble?
I'd better have another go. 
This was easier than when I had tried in the past. I had to do 5 secret questions and a bit of other stuff, but no birth certificate or anything like that. Then they gave me a codeword to get in for the future , you have to put a password in as well.
Once you are registered, from now on you go in to the govt site and click on centrelink.
Gday...
I am surprised. When I registered online when I got my age pension, it was straightforward and simple. Maybe they have changed the process
cheers - John
But what they have done is link it to all other govt depts. Medicare, E-Health, Child support and a couple of others. It means they can check all your details in any of the sites. Not a lot you can do about it if you want to get into Centrelink now.
Gday...
Aha - that. Oh well, I have ignored all their attempts for me "link my Centrelink to the Human Services" ... I just click 'no' and 'continue' etc and only go into the Centrelink info.
Guess the pain of the 'improvement' will overtake me eventually.
Cheers - John