I can't help that I got sick and couldn't work anymore

Debt amount:

$800

Date debt issued:

Sunday, 9 October 2016

Period debt occurred:

January 2013 to June 2013

Has your case been referred to a collection agency?:

Payment Type:

Sickness Benefit

Appealing Debt?:

Yes but I lost

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

ARO review only
Have been treated like a criminal - I can't help that I got sick and couldn't work anymore. I always declared income but apparently not to their specifications that I am finding out about 4 years later. I am regressing in my illness because of this stress that has been going on for 6 months!

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

Terrible — we are not second class citizens and I hope that they never have life changing events that dramatically adjust their life so they need to access benefits — or maybe they should to have some empathy — not everyone is defrauding the system.
Also they need to explain to people how to correctly declare income and take into account different time periods etc. especially taking into account those with illness and other issues impacting their lives.
I will personally drag myself from my illness imposed darkened room when the next election comes around and make sure I do everything in my power so that these people do not come into power again.