A young Australian woman with two broken legs is facing the prospect of going without income for months because of an arbitrary rule.
She was studying medical radiation science and working as a cleaner when her Centrelink claim was rejected.
She was surprised to learn that she wasn’t considered independent.
According to Griffiths, Centrelink told her that she and other young people should rely on their parents for support. She broke her legs due to stress fractures.
She used to be very active, and she participated in various forms of sports and activities.
However, due to her condition, she has been bedridden and requires the use of crutches and a wheelchair.
The doctors said it would take her around three to four months to regain her mobility.
Since she can’t work a physical job, Griffiths has been looking for desk positions.
She and her single mother live at home with her two younger sisters.
She supports herself by paying her mother $150 a week for her board, and she also covers her own expenses.
To avoid the Higher Education Contribution Scheme indexation, she paid for her university courses early.
Due to her injuries, she has been forced to pay for various medical bills, such as MRI scans.
The young woman, who is currently 20 years old, said that she is in an awful situation because her mother makes too much money.
Under the current Centrelink rules, individuals aged 21 and below are considered dependent.
Their parents’ or guardians’ earnings will affect how much they can receive, and students will not receive payments if they earn too much.
The current rule prevents parents from earning more than $62,000 a year and still receiving the full $639 per fortnight Youth Allowance.
If they earn over this amount, their payment will be reduced by 20 cents.
Griffiths is worried that she will not be able to afford to go on an unpaid placement.
She noted that the new payment from the government doesn’t cover the 2,000 hours of placements she’s going to complete in her degree.
These expenses include food, lodging, and uniforms.
I’m worried that I won’t be able to support myself properly enough to continue with my placements.
The cost of living in Australia is also a major issue that prevents parents from supporting their kids.