Centrelink didn't even notify me, no letter or electronic mail, it was the debt collectors who informed me, I thought I was going to faint. I was angry Centerlink hadn't informed me but I started paying it because I wasnt about to shoot the messanger. I barely functioned for days after, my anxiety and stress was through the roof, the stigma of debt, will this effect my credit score? How will it impact me if I need to go back onto Centerlink, or need an emergancy loan. I was on newstart at first and they pushed for me to find work, which I already had 3 days a week which is what I told them. But I was running around signing up to job seeker and doing workshops at Centerlink request which I had to take time off work to do! to continue payments. wasnt untill I got a formal letter of study from my tertiary education to get me onto youth allowance. They cut iff payment before I even got a full time job, I barely made ends meet while on payment, so when I got full time job I thought I could leave it all behind. Nooope, but I see myself as lucky, the collectors were flexible and understanding and it hasnt impacted me financially as I first anxiety riddled thought. I have 3 repayments left, I am livid. Centerlink online has no details about the discrepancy, just the reason, that I lied about my income. I never liked the idea of Centerlink processes in the first place, this just this has just solidified my opinion. I would rather starve then use Centerlink services again. I will be looking into my debt, no ifs or buts everyone should do it.
Again Angry, there should be government website to help anyone who is or think they have been effected, to make it easier and relieve some of the stress about the whole process. They need to start doing, actions soeak loader then any bloody press statement for damage control.