'I've spent many nights crying': welfare recipients on the true cost of robodebt

Those who stressed and sacrificed repaying Centrelink debts they could not disprove under a scandal-hit scheme are yet to be offered refunds

Over Christmas, Andrea Godwin's fridge broke down. It was the worst timing for a working mother of two young boys, let alone someone who also relies on Centrelink to get by.

At times like these Godwin would usually request an advance on her parenting payment. But these days she is barred from accessing them. Centrelink claims she owes it money - an $8,500 robodebt.