First time I've contemplated suicide

Debt amount:

$13000

Date debt issued:

Tuesday, 11 September 2018

Period debt occurred:

June 2016 to September 2018

Has your case been referred to a collection agency?:

Payment Type:

Parenting Payment

Appealing Debt?:

I don't know how to

Tell us about your debt and how has this affected you? e.g. anxiety levels, financial and accommodation stress:

I am a single mum and victim of domestic violence.
My husband committed suicide and i am left to take care of two kids by myself.

I work 4 times per week and receive single parent payment from Centrelink.
I have anxiety and depression and I live pay check by pay check.

For the first time in my life, I have contemplated life isn’t worth living.
The $13,000 debt came as a shock and has increased my anxiety levels.
It came out of nowhere.

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

It’s just wrong. It’s ethically and morally wrong.

I have never ripped money off anyone.

Even though I would be better off staying at home and earning more money from Centrelink, I choose to work to set an example for my kids.

I have tried calling the number provided, the call center people referred me to a Complaints Officer.
I called the number they had given me and left multiple messages.
No response yet.

I am relying on my ATO tax return and now I have been told that my tax return will be withheld.

I honestly feel hopeless and shamed.