I'm still studying and working full-time to support myself, and finally get off Centrelink payments, the whole time I was getting them was stressful.
I've been threatened with a debt 3 times over the last 5 years, the first debt apparently occurred when I was 16.
Got issued the debt letter just as my uni holidays started.
Have spent all my free time gathering information to fight the debt, am unable to concentrate on study or work.
Whenever I ring centerlink it ends in tears because they refuse to give me any answers.
I've been forced onto a payment plan "to stop my debt having interest applied".
Has completely taken over my life and has caused immeasurable stress.
They even wanted my partner (who has never received a Centrelink payment) to help me pay back the debt because I told them that I couldn't afford $50 a week.
It's just criminal.
How in the world can I be charged with a debt that isn't my fault, I have correctly reported my earnings and they have stuffed up.
It's insane, I'm still in shock it's allowed to happen.
Will be fighting this debt until they wipe it.