I was already stressed when I got the letter that they were reviewing my records in case I owed them money and I had to verify some info from 6 years ago. How am I supposed to do that? Trying to login to myGov wasted my whole afternoon with no success so I phoned Centrelink. Highly stressed and anxious at this stage. They said I shouldn't need to worry as it all seemed to check out and I should not see any change.
I got that Same information in writing and then...
I got a debt for $300 payable in 2 weeks. I had spent months trying to keep my head above water with huge bills still to pay and had not budgeted for this at all. I haven't claimed a Centrelink benefit since 2014. I was so upset and did not want to pay on prinicipal. I have always been diligent in reporting my correct earnings.
Now that I have found out I'm one of the lucky ones I am more appalled at our government. This is the worst way to treat the citizens of Australia and those who do not deserve such disregard.
I didn't receive anything to show how they came up with the amount owing. How do they think it's right to go back 6 years and attack someone who just needed a little help and then got back on her feet.
I'm sure there is heaps of things about the process that is illegal. It certainly is immoral. They even smashed my pensioner dad and his pensioner partner for $300 each. They just paid it without a fuss. Imagine how many people are doing that?
I think this government is completely irresponsible, unethical and abusive. They have attacked the disabled, pensioners, the sick, the young, the struggling and the poor. Disgusting. They need to stop and they need to pay all the money back now.
As for the process... first dog on the moon nails it. That is not satirical. It is exactly what happens.
You get the debt. You lodge a complaint and an appeal. You hear nothing so you phone them. They tell you that you will need to pay the debt and if your appeal is successful you will get the money back. I wonder how long it will take for them to review my appeal.
I contacted the ombudsman and they said they couldn't help me until the appeal
Process was complete.
It all sux hard really.