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WTF!

Debt amount: 
$26800
Date debt issued: 
Monday, 10 June 2019
Period debt occurred: 
January 2012 to January 2017
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: 

I have been in and out of work for the last few years. I have, on a couple of occasions, claimed an extra payment when I first started a job to cover the cost of actually getting to work, purchasing appropriate clothing and lunch expenses. I knew I would be expected to pay this back, and was expecting a $2000 - $3000 dollar debt. Not $26,800! This figure suggests that I worked for 2 full years whilst claiming New Start Allowance, which I certainly did not. I believe this amount can lead to 10 year jail sentence as well!! I'm totally freaking out, my depression and anxiety has sky rocketed. I have no chance of paying this much money. I've requested a review, but have not yet received any response from Centrelink.

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

It's disgusting! Fake debts, emotional and mental anguish, financial hardship.