Centrelink payments

We can review most decisions made by Centrelink to reject a claim, but only if it has first been reviewed by a Centrelink Authorised Review Officer (ARO) or Subject Matter Expert (SME).

We can review most Centrelink decisions about:

• social security pensions, benefits and allowances
• concession and health care cards
• family assistance payments
• farm household support
• paid Parental Leave
• student assistance payments, including ABSTUDY. 

The Centrelink decision letter will tell you if we can review the decision.

We cannot:

• review a decision that has not been reviewed by a Centrelink ARO or SME
• investigate a complaint about Centrelink 
• consider a claim for compensation for detriment experienced because of defective actions or inaction (CDDA scheme)
• change the law.

The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online. 

To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review. 

Find out more about using our online services.

Paid Parental Leave (claimant)

If you want to lodge a review about a Paid Parental Leave decision, you must lodge your application in writing.  The easiest way to apply is online or you can fill in an application form [PDF, 973KB].

Paid Parental Leave (employer)

If you are an employer lodging an application about a Paid Parental Leave decision you must apply in writing. You cannot apply online. Strict time limits apply.

A Paid Parental Leave (employer) application must include:

• the condition or conditions that the employer believes are not satisfied
• a statutory declaration verifying the application.
• Application form for review of paid parental leave decision - employer [PDF, 996KB]

There are time limits for the first review of some Centrelink decisions. These are listed below.

There is no time limit for other Centrelink decisions. However, you might not receive back payment if you do not apply within 13 weeks after being given notice of the Authorised Review Officer (ARO) or Subject Matter Expert (SME) decision.

You can check the Centrelink decision letter to find out if there is a time limit and what the time limit is.

The following types of decisions have time limits:

Family assistance decisions

You must lodge the application within 90 days after you receive the ARO or SME decision.

However, there is no time limit if you receive family assistance payments by instalment or if the decision is about a family assistance debt.

Paid Parental Leave decisions as a claimant

You must lodge the application within 28 days after you receive the ARO or SME decision.

Paid Parental Leave decisions as an employer

You must lodge the application within 14 days after the date of the ARO or SME decision.

Student assistance decisions, including ABSTUDY debt decisions

You must lodge the application within 90 days after the date of the ARO or SME decision.

Requesting an extension

You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:

• when you lodge your application for review online
• when you fill in the application form
• by writing an email or letter.

We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit.

There is no fee to apply for a first review of a Centrelink decision.

After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.

We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. For Centrelink cases, the parties include:

• Centrelink
• in some cases, another person affected by the decision, such as the other parent or carer of the child in a review of a family assistance care percentage decision.

You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.

You can also look at the Common Procedures Practice Direction [PDF, 425 KB] for further detail.

It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.

Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish. 

However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support. 

We can review most decisions made by Centrelink to suspend or cancel a payment or allowance, but only if it has first been reviewed by a Centrelink Authorised Review Officer (ARO) or Subject Matter Expert (SME).

We can review most Centrelink decisions about:

• social security pensions, benefits and allowances
• concession and health care cards
• family assistance payments
• farm household support
• paid Parental Leave
• student assistance payments, including ABSTUDY. 

The Centrelink decision letter will tell you if we can review the decision.

We cannot:

• review a decision that has not been reviewed by a Centrelink ARO or SME
• investigate a complaint about Centrelink 
• consider a claim for compensation for detriment experienced because of defective actions or inaction (CDDA scheme)
• change the law.

The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online. 

To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review. 

Find out more about using our online services.

Paid Parental Leave (claimant)

If you want to lodge a review about a Paid Parental Leave decision, you must lodge your application in writing.  The easiest way to apply is online or you can fill in an application form [PDF 973KB].

Paid Parental Leave (employer)

If you are an employer lodging an application about a Paid Parental Leave decision you must apply in writing. You cannot apply online. Strict time limits apply.

A Paid Parental Leave (employer) application must include:

• the condition or conditions that the employer believes are not satisfied
• a statutory declaration verifying the application.
• Application form for review of paid parental leave decision - employer [PDF, 996KB]

There are time limits for the first review of some Centrelink decisions. These are listed below.

There is no time limit for other Centrelink decisions. However, you might not receive back payment if you do not apply within 13 weeks after being given notice of the Authorised Review Officer (ARO) or Subject Matter Expert (SME) decision.

You can check the Centrelink decision letter to find out if there is a time limit and what the time limit is.

The following types of decisions have time limits:

Family assistance decisions

You must lodge the application within 90 days after you receive the ARO or SME decision.

However, there is no time limit if you receive family assistance payments by instalment or if the decision is about a family assistance debt.

Paid Parental Leave decisions as a claimant

You must lodge the application within 28 days after you receive the ARO or SME decision.

Paid Parental Leave decisions as an employer

You must lodge the application within 14 days after the date of the ARO or SME decision.

Student assistance decisions, including ABSTUDY debt decisions

You must lodge the application within 90 days after the date of the ARO or SME decision.

Requesting an extension

You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:

• when you lodge your application for review online
• when you fill in the application form
• by writing an email or letter.

We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit.

There is no fee to apply for a first review of a Centrelink decision.

After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.

We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. For Centrelink cases, the parties include:

• Centrelink
• in some cases, another person affected by the decision, such as the other parent or carer of the child in a review of a family assistance care percentage decision.

You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.

You can also look at the Common Procedures Practice Direction [PDF, 425 KB] for further detail.

It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.

Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish. 

However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support. 

We can review most decisions made by Centrelink about the rate of a payment, but only if it has first been reviewed by a Centrelink Authorised Review Officer (ARO) or Subject Matter Expert (SME).

We can review most Centrelink decisions about:

• social security pensions, benefits and allowances
• concession and health care cards
• family assistance payments
• farm household support
• paid Parental Leave
• student assistance payments, including ABSTUDY. 

The Centrelink decision letter will tell you if we can review the decision.

We cannot:

• review a decision that has not been reviewed by a Centrelink ARO or SME
• investigate a complaint about Centrelink 
• consider a claim for compensation for detriment experienced because of defective actions or inaction (CDDA scheme)
• change the law.

The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online. 

To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review. 

Find out more about using our online services.

Paid Parental Leave (claimant)

If you want to lodge a review about a Paid Parental Leave decision, you must lodge your application in writing.  The easiest way to apply is online or you can fill in an application form [PDF 973KB].

Paid Parental Leave (employer)

If you are an employer lodging an application about a Paid Parental Leave decision you must apply in writing. You cannot apply online. Strict time limits apply.

A Paid Parental Leave (employer) application must include:

• the condition or conditions that the employer believes are not satisfied
• a statutory declaration verifying the application.
• Application form for review of paid parental leave decision - employer [PDF, 996KB]

There are time limits for the first review of some Centrelink decisions. These are listed below.

There is no time limit for other Centrelink decisions. However, you might not receive back payment if you do not apply within 13 weeks after being given notice of the Authorised Review Officer (ARO) or Subject Matter Expert (SME) decision.

You can check the Centrelink decision letter to find out if there is a time limit and what the time limit is.

The following types of decisions have time limits:

Family assistance decisions

You must lodge the application within 90 days after you receive the ARO or SME decision.

However, there is no time limit if you receive family assistance payments by instalment or if the decision is about a family assistance debt.

Paid Parental Leave decisions as a claimant

You must lodge the application within 28 days after you receive the ARO or SME decision.

Paid Parental Leave decisions as an employer

You must lodge the application within 14 days after the date of the ARO or SME decision.

Student assistance decisions, including ABSTUDY debt decisions

You must lodge the application within 90 days after the date of the ARO or SME decision.

Requesting an extension

You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:

• when you lodge your application for review online
• when you fill in the application form
• by writing an email or letter.

We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit.

There is no fee to apply for a first review of a Centrelink decision.

After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.

We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. For Centrelink cases, the parties include:

• Centrelink
• in some cases, another person affected by the decision, such as the other parent or carer of the child in a review of a family assistance care percentage decision.

You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.

You can also look at the Common Procedures Practice Direction [PDF, 425 KB] for further detail.

It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.

Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish. 

However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support. 

We can review most decisions made by Centrelink about a debt, but only if it has first been reviewed by a Centrelink Authorised Review Officer (ARO) or Subject Matter Expert (SME).

We can review most Centrelink decisions about:

• social security pensions, benefits and allowances
• concession and health care cards
• family assistance payments
• farm household support
• paid Parental Leave
• student assistance payments, including ABSTUDY. 

The Centrelink decision letter will tell you if we can review the decision.

We cannot:

• review a decision that has not been reviewed by a Centrelink ARO or SME
• investigate a complaint about Centrelink 
• consider a claim for compensation for detriment experienced because of defective actions or inaction (CDDA scheme)
• change the law.

The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online. 

To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review. 

Find out more about using our online services.

Paid Parental Leave (claimant)

If you want to lodge a review about a Paid Parental Leave decision, you must lodge your application in writing.  The easiest way to apply is online or you can fill in an application form [PDF 973KB].

Paid Parental Leave (employer)

If you are an employer lodging an application about a Paid Parental Leave decision you must apply in writing. You cannot apply online. Strict time limits apply.

A Paid Parental Leave (employer) application must include:

• the condition or conditions that the employer believes are not satisfied
• a statutory declaration verifying the application.
• Application form for review of paid parental leave decision - employer [PDF, 996KB]

There are time limits for the first review of some Centrelink decisions. These are listed below.

There is no time limit for other Centrelink decisions. However, you might not receive back payment if you do not apply within 13 weeks after being given notice of the Authorised Review Officer (ARO) or Subject Matter Expert (SME) decision.

You can check the Centrelink decision letter to find out if there is a time limit and what the time limit is.

The following types of decisions have time limits:

Family assistance decisions

You must lodge the application within 90 days after you receive the ARO or SME decision.

However, there is no time limit if you receive family assistance payments by instalment or if the decision is about a family assistance debt.

Paid Parental Leave decisions as a claimant

You must lodge the application within 28 days after you receive the ARO or SME decision.

Paid Parental Leave decisions as an employer

You must lodge the application within 14 days after the date of the ARO or SME decision.

Student assistance decisions, including ABSTUDY debt decisions

You must lodge the application within 90 days after the date of the ARO or SME decision.

Requesting an extension

You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:

• when you lodge your application for review online
• when you fill in the application form
• by writing an email or letter.

We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit.

There is no fee to apply for a first review of a Centrelink decision.

After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.

We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. For Centrelink cases, the parties include:

• Centrelink
• in some cases, another person affected by the decision, such as the other parent or carer of the child in a review of a family assistance care percentage decision.

You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.

You can also look at the Common Procedures Practice Direction [PDF, 425 KB] for further detail.

It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.

Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish. 

However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support. 

If we have already reviewed the decision you received from Services Australia, but you are not happy with our decision, you may be able to ask us to review it again.

The letter we sent you telling you about our decision will tell you if we can review the decision again and if you are a person who can apply for a review.

We cannot:

• review a decision that we already made to dismiss an application or refuse to reinstate an application for a first review
• review a decision if you are an employer and have received a first review decision from us about Paid Parental Leave.

The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online. 

To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review. 

Find out more about using our online services.

You must lodge an application for a second review of a Centrelink decision within 28 days after you receive the first review decision from the Tribunal.

What can I do if the time limit has expired?

You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:

• when you lodge your application for review online
• by filling in an Application for extension of time [PDF, 176 KB] form and sending it to us with the application for second review of decision form
• by writing an email or letter.

Check our contact details to lodge the application at one of our registries, or send the application by post, email or fax.  

What happens after you apply for an extension of time?

We will send a copy of your extension application to Centrelink. They have 14 days to tell us if they oppose the application.

If they do not oppose the application, we will generally make a decision without holding a hearing. If they oppose the application, we will usually hold a hearing before deciding the application. The hearing might be by telephone or in person at one of our Tribunal registries.

We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit. 

There is generally no fee for a second review of most Centrelink decisions.

Second review of a decision about paid parental leave

There is a fee of $1,121 for a second review of a decision about paid parental leave.

After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.

We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. For Centrelink cases, the parties include:

• Centrelink
• in some cases, another person affected by the decision, such as the other parent or carer of the child in a review of a family assistance care percentage decision.

You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.

You can also look at the Common Procedures Practice Direction [PDF, 425 KB] for further detail.

It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.

Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish. 

However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support.