No Shame in Claiming Disability Pension

13 Comments

I am a 48 y/o mum of a 12 y/o boy who has been diagnosed with a range of mental illnesses. Recently i had dinner at one of my very best friends places, she has always been supportive and knows i have given up a career as a special ed teacher to home school my son and give him the fulltime help he needs…. BUT after dinner we were sitting around chatting and i happen to mention we were offered a special needs dog for my son from a private corporation which included 10 yrs of fully paid vet and food bills…. My friend hit the roof, asking why we should get special treatment … saying i was getting yet another hand out and that i should get of my bum and get back to work… she then started to tell me how her taxes are supporting my son and i … and why should we get any special treatment… i lost the plot and told her our friendship was through… the one person i felt i could lean on had turned on me…. My son is a gorgeous boy but sometimes he gets extremely violent and cannot handle certain situations, he is trying so hard working with psychiatrists, therapists and me to overcome his difficulties without medication… After sitting at home today replaying the scene in my head i have come to the realisation that i AM NOT ashamed to be on centrelink payments… my son comes first, and if i didnt stay home he would have to be a latch key kid as there r no before and after schoool care centres who accept kids with my sons condition… he would have to stay home by himself when he was suspended and i have been told by DOCS he is never to be left alone at home until he has improved. I AM A MUM ON CENTRELINK AND AM PROUD OF MY ACHIEVEMENTS

Posted by raineee, 10th June 2013

13 Comments

- - june11 said
  - 15 Mar 2016
    11:49 pm
Ifd you “accidentally” run into her again and she gets on her “bandwagon” again ask her if she would like to care for your son while you go to work and see what her response is. Maybe invite her over and she can see how hard it is for you.
I bet she won’t apologise to you but her attitude might change.

- - mom81879 said
  - 06 Sep 2015
    6:46 pm
And so you should be proud. Your child cones first and you’ll do anything for him, I’m happy to see that

- - rebekah.bone said
  - 06 Jul 2015
    3:19 am
A true friend would never say what she said.
You’re doing what’s best for your son, that’s all that matters.
I also receive payments off of centrelink, I’m nor ashamed at all by it.
I’m a single mother with absolutely no help (physically or financially) from my sons father.
I can’t work due to medical reasons.

Hats off to you Raineee!

- - mom94125 said
  - 02 Jul 2015
    8:43 pm
well you need these things to help your child and i think that your friend was jealous.

- - mom57522 said
  - 03 Jan 2015
    9:46 pm
What wonderful, supportive comments everyone has made.

- - stepmom107932 said
  - 31 Dec 2014
    10:36 pm
You are doing better than the best you can and it is hard work what you are doing and it sounds like either someone else has been in your friends ear or another situation with bludgers has set her on a hair trigger about it. Atleast i hope that is what it was and she isnt flushing your friendship down the toilet

- - yyon4699 said
  - 23 Mar 2014
    11:40 am
She doesnt deserved to be called as your friend…

- - scipia said
  - 11 Jun 2013
    10:28 am
I work full time, but hubby is a full time carer to our 2 boys with autism. We receive Centrelink payments because of that. How dare that that woman say that to you. She needs a reality check. We need extra help to give our Special Needs children the help they need. We are not living the high life, we are trying to do everything we can to give our children a better life. You are better off not having that person in your life. Damn right you should feel proud, you are doing an amazing job.

- - raineee said
  - 10 Jun 2013
    9:19 pm
thank you ladies i really appreciate all your comments

- - kozack said
  - 10 Jun 2013
    7:47 pm
well done,this was no friend,it is hard to be a full time mum with a child with special needs,you are putting your child first maybe more people should do this,i applaud you for being a strong person as it must be very hard at times

- - mel1 said
  - 10 Jun 2013
    6:21 pm
Good luck to you and your son. He needs you at home and your friend is very short-sighted if she thinks a mum at work can give your son the attention he needs. I’m happy for our taxes to help you and others in your position.You should be proud of what you’re doing, and I wish your son the best.

- - tanya goulding said
  - 10 Jun 2013
    3:54 pm
Good on ya for being proud! Some people are too quick to judge other people, I’m sure if situations were swapped she would then see how hard it is having a disabled son. Good on ya for being strong and not choosing to keep her friendship, by the sound of it she isn’t being a supportive friend at all. Good luck with everything and your son is very lucky to have a strong mum like you. Good luck also with the new addition to the family! Xxxx

- - cairnsbliss said
  - 10 Jun 2013
    3:08 pm
Your right. Dont be ashamed. You sound like a brilliant mother and your so called “friend” obviously has no idea what life is like managing the challenges of a child with a disability. What a shame she did this to you.
On the dog matter…How very exciting. I hope you get the support dog as I am a BIG believer in animals being great for human health. I think your son would benefit greatly from a furry friend.
Goodluck.