[Bel]

Hi Guys,

Some of you may remember me, old time member, new name....
I have recently lost my job and have a Centerlink appt on Monday, AND I have just found out I am pregnant, OMG, what a shock.

I will be on Newstart I think, and was planning on looking for a job, but this has now been limited, as my blood pressure is already high. I am moving house in 2 weeks as well, so really trying to take it easy.

I know this may not be the right place for this question, but should I tell centrelink that I am pregnant, and that I have high blood pressure, as this may affect my suitability for jobs?

All opinions accepted, and hi to those who know who I am I am glad to be back at EB, and look forward to figuring out who is who again!

This post has been edited by NingaGal78: 23/04/2012, 11:41 AM

[ZCE]

You can tell them but it won't make any difference at this point, everything will still stay the same. You only get an exemption from the looking for work requirement for the final 6 weeks of your pregnancy.

[Bel]

I dont want an exemption from looking for work at all, I just wondered if my high blood pressure would be something they consider - they would have given me a exemption for my depression issues (they did last time), but this time, my depression is under control, and I didnt want to take exemptions. I will obviously get proof that I have these BP issues, really dont need the stress of looking for a job, when I know I have to relax.

[Amanda_R]

Unless the high blood pressure gets to the point that your care providers are telling you to do nothing (and thus giving you a medical certificate to exempt you) then I doubt telling them would make any difference.

That said many moons ago I did tell them there was little point me looking for work for the time I was on a waiting list for surgery (3-4 months) as no place of employment would give me time off recovery if they have just employed me. The person I spoke to let me off for that period and the recovery time post-op. I think it was a bit of luck though because I never gave them a medical certificate or letter from the docs, lol.

I guess you could mention it, it's hardly going to hurt, but I wouldn't expect much to come from it.

[caitiri]

You should to tell them, firstly because they can be more flexible with you meeting the requirements of that payment and secondly because if your condition does get worse you will have alrealy laid the groundwork so to speak.

[Eeyolet]

Don't bother they won't care. I worked until I was 36 weeks pregnant with DS, I then went to see if I could get a payment until I delivered. They put me on newstart ($30pfn) 3 weeks later when I was 39 weeks pregnant they signed me up for a job agency and demanded I go or they would cut my payment, lol. I called the agency and the lovely lady said not to bother coming in. i got so worked up about it I think that is why I went into labour that night.

[Kahlea]

Yeah they wouldnt do anything
They will still get ya to look for you can just look on internet and right it down and u will have to attend job agencies
Congratulations on your pregnancy btw

[twinmumplus1]

Oh my - congrats BTW Exciting news No idea with centrelink, but all the best xx

[Chill-Pill]

I would chat to your Dr rather than Centrelink, then if they think you shouldn't be working or looking for work they can write a certificate.

[~Delilah~]

As the others have said, it makes no different to Centrelink until you are almost due.

They put me on newstart ($30pfn) 3 weeks later when I was 39 weeks pregnant they signed me up for a job agency and demanded I go or they would cut my payment, lol. I called the agency and the lovely lady said not to bother coming in.

Similar story here although I had to go to the agency. The lady I saw looked at my huge belly and asked why I was here. The receptionist told me that I had to be there, so I did. The lady then went and spoke to the receptionist who said that she had been told it was a scam to delay looking for work. I offered to show her my belly to make sure I hadn't just stuffed a cushion in there. I mean I was living the high life on the $270 a fortnight (way back when).