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Centrelink's DSP Mistake

Debt amount: 
$3200
Date debt issued: 
Tuesday, 29 January 2019
Period debt occurred: 
February 2018
Has your case been referred to a collection agency?: 
No
Payment Type: 
Disability Support Pension
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 issued with a $3200 debt by Centrelink. They say they overpaid me all last year which I know isnt true - I know the exact mistake they've made. So i hope at least they will cancel this outrageous debt.

When i found out I had a panic attack and cried; this is the third time they have given me a debt and the other two turned out to be invalid as well. At this point I live in permenant fear - I feel Centrelink could come after me at any time. I am chroniy ill and on disability and all doctors tell me to avoid stress. But there is no avoiding the stress Centrelink cause me. Last year I ended up in a psych ward feeling as though I should just give up and die because of the way they were treating me. My boyfriend and mum have both held me as I've cried hysterically, saying I feel I cannot possibly cope.

Today, I am more hopeful I can fight this. But even if this debt is sorted , who knows when the next one will come? I have no trust, no faith in this system. I have nothing to give - no savings, no assets. Only medical bills and living costs. Sometimes I feel like I will never escape from under this weight.

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

I do not feel like Centrelink has been apologetic enough for my past two invalid debts. I called about this one and it took a out 5 mi utes for the operator to tell me that yes, it seems they've made a clear error. Not good enough. No apology will ever be enough. I hope to pursue compensation.