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I've been a stay at home mum since 2016 and not earning a wage

Debt amount: 
$4000
Date debt issued: 
Monday, 9 July 2018
Period debt occurred: 
May 2011 to August 2013
Has your case been referred to a collection agency?: 
Yes
Payment Type: 
Carer Payment
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: 

Centrelink contacted me in 2017 about resubmitting my payslips from 2011 to 2013, which I did twice, I was then informed in 2018 that I had this debt to pay which I had contested and wanted it reviewed. Centrelink didn't bother to tell me that I lost and I was contacted by their collection agency that I had to pay this amount. I told them that I've been a stay at home mum since 2016 and not earning a wage and couldn't possibly pay them, also I couldn't ask my partner to pay the debt either, it's on hold at the moment and I have no one to help me.

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

While on the phone to Centrelink and trying to give them information while trying to wrangle a screaming toddler and pregnant, even the person on the phone realised how stupid it was harassing me for something 7 years ago, I am still without any advice or guidance other than "get on a payment plan and pay the amount" with what?