My debt was given to me in a letter saying I owe $20,000. They say I failed to update my study details.
I was studying fulltime, in a domestic violence situation, struggling already to cope with everyday life.
I wasn't aware I had to update my details as I dropped one subject.
I wasn't aware I had done anything wrong, to my knowledge I was stil entitled to a payment.
I had no income for that whole year, and I would have been entitled to more than what they were giving me if I wasn't considered a student with them which is what they are saying.
Now im on newstart trying to find a job and I get more than what I got on a student payment.
If they considered me not a fulltime student for the debt time period, they would have had to pay me more, so they should if anything be the one owing me money.
When I contacted them beside myself all they could say was you should have updated your details.
I tried to fight it but I was rejected.
I am now going to seek legal advice in hope it will be waived.
I have already paid them back $5,000 from my centerlink payments. Surely this is reasonable enough for something so unfair?
I am struggling with this cloud of debt hanging over me. I am currently paying them back what I can afford just at $50 a fortnight.
Putting people in this financial hardship leads to all sorts of mental health and community issues within society.
I feel I don't have a future ahead of me now because the government doesn't care, they are punishing the wrong people