I went onto newstart snd austudy when i commrnced fulltme studies in feb 2015. I also continue to work permanent part time for over 10 years, but i am coded as a casual by Centrelink.i report fortnightly, but i had field experience, ( like internship) for 5 weeks where i did not get work pay and claimed that from centrelink, which i also pay tax on as it is classed as my second income! My ex also provided child support but not what the agency says yet he claims the full amount from his tax. My family tax is adjusted to meet his supposed payment, so i get less.
This year i earnt 17000 from working and 11000 from centrelink. I paid two lots of tax on earnings and bc of newstart which i was forced on, i lost the 2200 threshold for my child, thus incurring a debt and centrelink have used the 5 weeks where i did not work, thry evened it out, did not take unto acct, snd said i was overpsid by getting paid and getting full newstart. My accntant told me just to pay it, tax dept said pay it. I have been in twice to centrelink with all payslips and uni docs, yet they told me put in on website. No thanks.
I suffer from alopecia, which is heightened st times of stress, I have lost most of my eyebrows. I have been continually crying to the point that i have spoken to dr about signs of depression. I know its only under 500, but esp over holidays this has been so cruel.
I think the govt has a right to catch cheats, i know plenty in my line of wotk, but for those that already work snd have the newstart to help make ends meet i think the fact that we pay tax already, maybe we should be able to keep a higher amount of centrelink.