Stroke victim Josh Cumming unable to pay bills amid measly support finally receives full benefit
A Gold Coast man stunned to be told he needed to survive on $42 a week has been handed a lifeline after red-faced officials admitted they made a major blunder.
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A stroke victim told to live off just $42 a week and go to Lifeline for food vouchers will finally receive the full benefit after the Bulletin asked the federal government to review his case.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) cited a clerical error for the incorrect assessment and says it will swiftly backpay the full entitlements owed to Joshua Cumming.
The 29-year-old suffered a stroke and brain damage during a jiu-jitsu match in late May.
He hasn’t been able to work as a tiler since and needed help from his retired parents to cover rehabilitation and living costs after being given what he called the “run around” by DSS workers.
“They asked for a profit-and-loss statement, as well as a list of all my assets, which I got my accountant to do up at a cost of $250,” Mr Cumming said.
He later learned from another DSS worker that he had been asked to submit the wrong form.
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While his claim went on to be approved, payments were cancelled only a few weeks later: “Apparently, I didn’t fit the criteria anymore even though I’d sent them a medical certificate that said I’m incapable of working,” Mr Cumming said.
“I spoke with a woman who told me to go to Lifeline to see if I could get my hands on some food vouchers.
“If it was up to me, I would have been back at work, at training, one week after the accident but unfortunately that’s not how it works.”
Mr Cumming said DSS representatives had been in touch after the Bulletin sent questions to the department.
“I was advised that the profit-and-loss statement I submitted had been reviewed incorrectly. It showed I was still making around $1000 per week,” said Mr Cumming, who added the ordeal had badly impacted his mental health.
Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen said he appreciated it was an “extremely difficult situation” and that each payment was evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
“We have contacted Mr Cumming and are working with him to ensure he receives the payments he is eligible for and to discuss any additional support we can provide,” Mr Jongen said.
He added the department did not have discretion to grant payments outside criteria set down in legislation.
“While receiving JobSeeker, if people are sick or injured they may be exempt from mutual obligation requirements, such as looking for work.”
Mr Cumming said he was forced to rely on loved ones to get him through the dark period.
“Luckily, I’d moved back in with Mum and Dad before the accident because I was trying to save for a house, which is lucky because I wouldn’t have been able to pay rent.
“When you’re a 29-year-old male who hasn’t lived at home for years and now you have to go to your parents for a handout, I’m not someone who does that.”
While his situation had improved, Mr Cumming feared for the mental health of others in a similar situation.
“I don’t know where I would be if my mum and dad weren’t there to help.
“I was having a mental breakdown and I had the support around me. For those who might not have people around, I can only imagine how that must feel.”
Originally published as Stroke victim Josh Cumming unable to pay bills amid measly support finally receives full benefit
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