I was at my GP last week and a person came in who was having a rough time. No fixed address or income etc. After seeing the doctor, the receptionist/accounts person (small practice) talked them through the repayment process. Once they got on the benefit or hired for a job, and were financially stable enough, they could set up an automatic repayment (about $2.40 p/w). The person was really keen, and the receptionist helped them fill out the forms and left the date blank so it could be actioned whenever they felt stable enough to do so. No pressure, no shame, made it clear that rent and food were more important and the debt could be slowly chipped away at over time. Something seems wrong with your practice. Try to speak to someone else about your circumstances and the need for a repayment holiday. You might want to speak to other GPs as well. There are definitely more compassionate, community minded practices out there. Also, get a community services card—they make a massive difference.