EXCLUSIVE: Jacinta Hibbert is someone who defines “strength”. The northern suburbs local is currently caring for children, Hugh and Novella, as well as her husband Graham – who has been given 12-months to live after being diagnosed with Motor neurone disease two years ago.
Talking to Newsflash – a podcast on the Youth Jam network – Ms Hibbert said “it’s been hard” to watch the deterioration of her partner.
The mother-of-two, who works as a full-time teacher, recently had unpaid time-off to make memories with her family as Graham continued to deteriorate.
Over a similar period Graham received a redundancy payment, which has been put towards an accessible car – with a wheelchair lift – and a payment towards the couple’s new house, which is Graham’s last wish.
Due to his redundancy, Graham’s disability pension was allegedly cut as the money was classified as an income. Meanwhile Ms Hibbert alleges Services Australia – Centrelink – refused to issue her a carer payment due to the “income” made through her husband’s redundancy.
“I took leave without pay, so I was not getting paid and during that time I did apply for some Centrelink subsidies however I didn’t receive any of it because of different circumstances that happened. Ultimately it came down to the redundancy,” she told listeners.
“Graham’s disability pension has now been cut off as well. As a result of him receiving the redundancy which we’re going to be putting on the mortgage. Unfortunately that’s classed as an income,” she told Isaac.
Ms Hibbert is “devastated” that she has to go back to work.
“I’m devastated that I don’t get to spend time with him (Graham). I shouldn’t be at work, I should be spending time with him, the kids and living our best life that we can under the circumstances,” she told listeners.
In a statement, Services Australia pledged to investigate Jacinta’s case and have provided full details on redundancies and access to carer/disability pensions.
“We’ll make arrangements to ensure someone talks to Jacinta and steps her through the situation,” a spokesperson said.
“We don’t comment on individual customer cases due to privacy reasons.
Based on the information you’ve provided, the information we have on income maintenance periods is probably highly relevant: Income maintenance period – Disability Support Pension – Services Australia,” they added.
Hear the full details by clicking play.
