Thanks everyone for replies so far. To answer some of your questions:-

Yes, my dr has given me a certificate to state I am unable to work and she has spoken to Centrelink on my behalf but they have deemed that I am capable. I've also provided letters from my eye surgeon, opthalmologist and spinal surgeon to no avail. I was required to meet with one of their consultants to determine whether I was fit for work or not and she has declared I am. I was led to believe I would be entitled to a disability benefit but it seems not. I have just lhad unsuccessful surgery on my eye and have now lost sight in it and the other is not good so am no longer able to drive. Centrelink have declared that I can use public transport to get to and from a workplace, interviews and their required appointments. I also have a herniated disc, have had failed spinal surgery, use a walking stick and am in constant pain. Cherry on the cake is an autoimmune disease which also affects my health. A bundle of joy eh?

I use public transport as a means to get to medical appointments but to commute on a daily basis would be impossible. I am not precious and will do what I have to do but I am simply not mobile enough to commute to a job as I am exhausted after every outing and in constant pain. So that's why I am not prepared to go through the hoops for Centrelink. Having to attend newstart appointments to learn how to apply for jobs when I've been working for over 30 years and attending interviews for the sake of it is just not worth the pain I end up in. Sorry for scroller.

re rent. I am in an old house in an outer northern suburb and have only moved here as my last rental, which lasted over 10 years, was sold. I had been turned down for over 10 properties, as I am not working, so I had no option other than take what I could get. Yes I could move out further but that then leads to further difficulties for medical appointments which I attend on a regular basis. It is not a horrendous rent in Melbourne and I'm not in a classy suburb or house. To move would also cost me another couple of thousand.

Sounds like I'm making a lot of excuses for everything but I'm simply trying to tell it like it is. No, Centrelink don't give me any assistance at all. They have advised me that as I have the money to support myself then I am not entitled to further assistance. I enquired re assistance with healthcare card etc but I don't qualify because of the money I have.

I'm rather exhausted from all the tooing and froing with them and just felt it was easier to not receive the newstart than to fight every inch of the way. Perhaps if were a druggie it would be easier. Know a few of them on the disability benefit.

I'll take on board any advice thrown my way and I'm just looking for what is best for me in my circumstances.

Thanks again