I was medically retired 2009. Aged 40
Decided to retrain - had been put on disability - drs approved & supported retraining.
Took me 7 yrs to become an Registered Nurse
The day ( I was in the CL office) I told CL my new income I was told by their staff that I was receiving & by the time I got home I had received via email a notice to say I had to review my income back to 2011. 8 yrs.
Ok no problem - I knew I'd done the right thing. Only problem I needed the correct information from CL. The info CL provided on the notice was incorrect.
I informed them immediately. But was told just to sign off on it & they'd fix it. I refused. Telling them it was a legal document & it was fraud. I fought this til August when my last extension ran out. (March til August - every wk - visits & phone calls to CL office)
I was also paid during this time even though I'd informed them I was working. On one occasion I was in their office & was told uve just been paid. I was flabbergasted & told them to take it back. I was informed that wasn't possible- it would become a debt. Great! I was (am) soooo angry.
I also received 6x health care cards in 5 wks. Had my account suspended then reinstated etc. it's been a nightmare. Many phone calls visits to CL (2x different offices)
I finally got a 'manager' who again told me to sign off on the notice. I refused, again. I told him I wanted more information. He promised as did another staff member back in July. I've never received anything. I'm angry, annoyed, amazed at their lack of concern etc. no accountability. No follow up. I guess I can kiss my money goodbye well into retirement.
So much for beginning a new career. Oh yeah, they gave me a month to pay in full! They've also sent me a 2nd notice of intent to take my tax etc. That topped off a bad week for me. I will fight this but don't know where to start. ? Solicitor = more wasted money...I guess I'll end up paying. I would rather lose everything & be homeless than go on CL ever again!
I retrained to have a better life than the disability pension after a serious workplace injury. 2 yrs rehab.10 surgeries. Am as best I'll ever be medically. $30k HECS debt. Now this....what was the point of trying?
Oh yeah, I haven't told anyone as I'm so embarrassed & upset. I've already been accused of rorting the system by CL staff...imagine if my family found out. No I will somehow fix this or die trying! I will not be retiring now until I've paid this off as I simply can't afford to.
In short, Disgusted .....furious.....no accountability at all....ripping the heart out of those struggling....
No incentive to better one self. Disgraceful.