Extra information about Centrelink debt reviews
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What can the Tribunal review?
The Tribunal can review a Centrelink decision:
- about whether you owe Centrelink a debt
- about the amount of a debt
- whether you should repay all or some of a debt.
A debt is the difference between the amount you were paid by Centrelink and the amount you should have been paid in a particular period.
Most debts are caused by a change in circumstances. For example if there is a change in your income, assets or family situation, your payments may need to be lowered or stopped
What does the Tribunal need to decide?
The Tribunal looks at what caused the debt. It then works out the amount you should have been paid under the Social Security Law.
What information can I provide to support my review?
The Tribunal will consider all the information that you present. We may also ask you about the debt and your circumstances. For example you might be asked about your income, employment and/or family situation.
The most useful information to provide to the Tribunal about whether you owe a debt is:
- information about your circumstances between the dates when Centrelink says the debt starts and ends.
The most useful information you can provide to the Tribunal about whether you should repay all or any of a debt is:
- information about your circumstances now.
You can also provide more or different information, depending on your individual case.
What information can I provide if...
The most helpful evidence to provide includes:
- payslips
- income statements or payments summaries from your employer
- tax returns
- tax notice of assessments
- bank statements
- other documents about the gross employment income (before tax is deducted) you received.
The most helpful evidence to provide includes:
- valuation from a qualified valuer (a specific valuation of your asset will be more helpful than a general valuation)
- evidence of sale for a similar asset
- evidence from valuation services or websites.
The most helpful evidence to provide includes:
- receipt numbers of your contacts with Centrelink
- phone records showing the date you contacted Centrelink
- copies of letters or emails to Centrelink
- any other details about how, when and why you contacted Centrelink.
The most helpful evidence to provide includes:
- academic transcript
- letter from the Institution where you studied
- attendance records
- any other document that proves you met study requirements
- medical reports or other documents that show why you couldn’t meet study requirements.
In some cases, a debt might be waived or reduced because of the special circumstances of the case. The Tribunal can make a decision about whether special circumstances apply in your case.
If you believe there are special circumstances in your case, examples of evidence you can provide are:
- an explanation of your circumstances
- information about how repaying the debt will affect you
- if your special circumstances are about your health:
- medical reports
- if your special circumstances are about your ability to repay the debt:
- a completed Statement of Financial Circumstances form (the Tribunal will send you this form)
- bank statements, invoices or letters about any other current debts
- details of bankruptcy (if this applies to you).
What if I have more questions?
You can contact us if you need more information or have any questions about your review.