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Take This Advice, It May Help You

Debt amount: 
$3600
Date debt issued: 
Thursday, 1 November 2018
Period debt occurred: 
June 2014
Has your case been referred to a collection agency?: 
Yes
Payment Type: 
Sickness Benefit
Appealing Debt?: 
Yes & I won
Tell us about your debt and how has this affected you? e.g. anxiety levels, financial and accommodation stress: 

I've been on this journey since coming back from Europe last September with a alleged #RoboDebt of initially $3800.00 then reduced to $3600 and ordered to pay, with as you know, NO REASON OR EVIDENCE.

I was on sickness payments due to a broken hand and casual and obviously couldn't work, as such after a period, I gained work again. Dating back 2015 - 16.

Now, upon the news of this debt I posted a Facebook status and a mate sent me a link to #NotMyDebt website. I pondered and started to investigate this matter further. Was certain there was no debt as I was subsequently suspended from payments finding work again. I also found it a challenge yet interesting to say the least in the amount of people this has effected.

Then I joined this group and was welcomed by all and learned different LEGAL processes to challenge the alleged debt. AMAZING.

So then through this page and #Admin and reading peoples experience here, I was lead onto the Victorian Legal Aid website, who believe the system is illegal and do have a template to use for request for a ARO ( Authorised Review Officer) head office in Canberra. This ultimately was KEY in a start moving forward to fight this system.

Went straight to Clink and spoke to front desk lady who knew straight away it was a serious matter by her facial expressions and promptly got me a appointment for interview. Second lady was great and also took it serious and I firmly asked her to upload everything and provide receipt number and name and also (important) provide myself with copies of all uploaded documents. I left grinning, pondering. Yet determined.

Now, some 3 months odd later, I get a sms from my Mum, address is there for postal, stating she has a letter arrived from Clink..... I quickly asked to open it, she did....... apparently the debt is now $67 odd. Okay cool, a victory to say the least, and today also checked my email to see My Gov has some letters unread. I haven't been getting notifications of said letters.

These unread letters backdated through January with ATO bullcrap from Clink with a total of 4 letters sent over a month odd to now..... With the last letter STATING that I'm to ignore all previous letters and now owe $0.00 ZERO, NOTHING, ABOLISHED, GONE.

To say I danced and laughed a little is a understatement lol.
Just wanted everyone to know it can be done.
Your not alone. Ask here for help.
I honestly did minimal research and logged a ARO order letter. I've dealt with legal stuff in past and funny enough, enjoy the challenge. Stay positive people..
A small win on a LARGE scale for all.

Have a good one. Thank You.

My last letter is signed....
Delegate of the Chief Executive Centrelink.

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

Handled what ??? They have done nothing to help.