What should a person do if they feel unable to hold down a job?

[Scott]

Hi Ali

I’m Scott and I work for the Department of Human Services in a team that responds to questions about Centrelink payments and services on social media sites.

The first thing I want to let you know about is our Social Work services. We have Social Workers available to help during difficult times by providing confidential counselling, support and information. They’re also able to help work out options for people who may be struggling to hold down a job, as you have described. There’s more information about Social Work services at http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer...k-services

One of the requirements of receiving Newstart Allowance is that the recipient is willing to accept any suitable job that they're capable of doing. Failure to do this may mean that they have their payments suspended or cancelled.

Centrelink is responsible for assessing whether an employment opportunity is 'suitable' or not. This includes assessing whether the job might pose a health and safety risk, or impact on a pre-existing medical condition. The Newstart Allowance recipient will need to provide medical certificates as evidence of their condition.

Centrelink is also responsible for determining whether someone has a reasonable excuse for refusing, or failing to accept, the job offer or for leaving a job voluntarily. If this happens, the customer would have the opportunity to explain their reasons, and Centrelink may also seek other evidence to help make a decision. Speaking to your employer about the problems you’re having is always a good first step.

Again, the best thing for the person in question to do is to stay in touch with Centrelink and keep us informed about their circumstances.

All the best!