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I have spent countless hours on the phone to Centrelink and it's just going around in circles

Debt amount: 
$1600
Date debt issued: 
Wednesday, 7 August 2019
Period debt occurred: 
July 2019
Has your case been referred to a collection agency?: 
No
Payment Type: 
Newstart Allowance
Tell us about your debt and how has this affected you? e.g. anxiety levels, financial and accommodation stress: 

I have spent countless hours on the phone to Centrelink and it's just going around in circles. They can't even work out if it's a Newstart debt or an Austudy debt. I know that I do no owe them anything.

I spent time this morning crying and distraught after being treated really badly by a Centerlink officer because I asked her to explain the debt to me. She didn't explain it to me, the lady from the complaints line, who I called directly after explained it to me and it doesn't make any sense, yet I have to appeal it.

I have done everything Centerlink has asked of me, down to the letter.

To add to this, I am trying to complete my final Masters assignments for this trimester. I don't need this!!!

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

It's ridiculous. I was called by the Austudy team today who admitted to me that the notice is confusing and it isn't actually an Austudy debt despite it saying that it is on the notice. Yes, I knew that, as I wasn't receiving Austudy when they claim I didn't report my husbands earnings. Which, by the way, I did.

I'm frustrated and I won't be paying this debt and it's not mine... and now I am wondering if the debt that I'm still paying off from years ago is actually accurate, because I never checked it. I just assumed it was correct.