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afraid to push harder in case they cut my benefit completely

Debt amount: 
$2744
Date debt issued: 
Monday, 12 December 2016
Period debt occurred: 
June 2013 to July 2014
Has your case been referred to a collection agency?: 
No
Payment Type: 
Newstart Allowance
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 disputing this debt ever since it was raised. I provided all the information required to show there was no debt right from the start but to date they simply have not used it. Every time I call they tell me it will be reviewed and it will take three weeks. I have been forced to make a payment plan as I am currently on newstart payments after being told if I did not they would automatically deduct 13% of the debt total from my payments. The minimal amount they are taking is equivalent to the cost of my medications per month, which I now have to pay for out of my food budget. I am afraid to push harder in case they cut my benefit completely.

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

I believe the government is actually committing intentional criminal fraud. They are bullying and harrasing people for questioning their authority to steal back monies that were legally and legitimately paid.