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the Government have negligent at best

Debt amount: 
$8000
Date debt issued: 
Wednesday, 30 November 2016
Period debt occurred: 
July 2011 to June 2013
Has your case been referred to a collection agency?: 
No
Payment Type: 
Newstart Allowance
Appealing Debt?: 
Yes in process
Tell us about your debt and how has this affected you? e.g. anxiety levels, financial and accommodation stress: 

When I was informed in October 2016 that C'link wanted to review my income, I was not too concerned. I knew that I had correctly reported all my employment income for the period requested and it would just be a formality. I agreed with the amounts that C'link provided me with, however I was not aware that start and end dates were an issue. When I received the debt notice I initially thought it was a mistake.

As I started hearing stories about other people's experiences, I began to realise that this was a common occurance. I have been trying to clear this up since early December 2016. In the meantime they have automatically started deducting money from my Newstart.

This whole situation has added significantly to my already stressful situation. I have a diagnosis of Major Depression and struggle to cope most of the time. I have had various occasions in the last two months when I have felt like giving up on life because of the frustration and apparent hopelessness of the situation.

Thankyou for an opportunity to tell my story.

How do you feel about the way the Government has handled this process?: 

I feel that the Government have negligent at best and downright deceitful at worst.