Save
Centrelink to resume debt recovery program
Centrelink’s debt recovery program is set to resume from Monday, 2 November, but money owed will not need to be repaid until next year, Services Australia has said.
Centrelink to resume debt recovery program
Centrelink’s debt recovery program is set to resume from Monday, 2 November, but money owed will not need to be repaid until next year, Services Australia has said.
In a statement, Services Australia has confirmed that it will begin contacting welfare recipients from next week if they think they have been overpaid previously on welfare benefits.
Those living in Victoria have been excluded from the resumption scheme as will any other state or area that is declared a disaster.
Despite informing welfare recipients of money owed, they will not be expected to start making payments until February 2021.
Government Services Minister Stuart Robert said this will give people time to plan for their future.
“Delaying debt recovery until February 2021 recognises the difficulties many people are still facing,” the minister said.
“It will provide time for people to consider their circumstances, engage with Services Australia about their options in a transparent way and plan for their future. This could include adjusting the information they are reporting to Services Australia.”
While highlighting Australians receiving payments will not be expected to pay the money back until February 2021, Mr Roberts encouraged those who want to make a repayment to do so voluntarily.
“People continue to have the option of repaying any overpayments assessed prior to the debt pause if they choose to and it can be managed within their personal circumstances.”
“Services Australia has a range of services to help people manage an overpayment, including online tools and specialist staff such as social workers who can provide short-term counselling, information and referrals to other services for Australians in need.”
Centrelink’s debt recovery program has been plagued with scandals in recent years as a result of its automated system known as robodebt illegally charging consumers.
The federal government was forced to adjust key details of the robodebt scheme contracted 370,000 people who were illegally issued debt collection notices.
Services Australia began rolling out $721 million in refunds for the illegal scheme from July 2020.
Are you entitled to a refund from the scheme? Here’s what you need to do.
RELATED ARTICLES
About the author
About the author
Debt Consolidation
Mastering debt consolidation: Essential tips for success
Debt consolidation is a strategic approach to managing multiple debts by combining them into a single, more manageable loan. Read more
Debt Consolidation
Credit cards or personal loans: What’s best for debt consolidation?
When it comes to debt consolidation, Australians have several options at their disposal. Among the most common are credit cards and personal loans. Read more
Debt Consolidation
Court approves robodebt class action settlement
The settlement of the robodebt class action has been approved by the Federal Court of Australia, meaning a further $112 million in compensation will be paid to approximately 380,000 Aussies. Read more
Debt Consolidation
Heard of robodebt – a controversial government scheme or buzzword?
What exactly is robodebt? We’ve heard all the buzz, now it’s time to know what this controversial government scheme actually is. Read more
Debt Consolidation
Robodebt class action settles for $1.2bn
The federal government has agreed to a “landmark” class action settlement worth $1.2 billion over its controversial robodebt recovery program, which raised automated debts against welfare ...Read more
Debt Consolidation
When should you use debt?
Despite record-low interest rates and changes to credit regulation making it easier for consumers to get a loan, a wealth educator has urged Australians to keep their debt low in order to build wealthRead more
Debt Consolidation
Fresh robodebt allegations delay Centrelink class action
New allegations have been added in the class action against the Commonwealth government over the robodebt scheme that saw Services Australia illegally issue debt collection notices to more than ...Read more
Debt Consolidation
Robodebt refunds are now available: What do I need to do?
Refunds from the government’s illegal robodebt scheme are now being rolled out to affected customers – so what do you need to do to receive your refund? Read more
Debt Consolidation
Mastering debt consolidation: Essential tips for success
Debt consolidation is a strategic approach to managing multiple debts by combining them into a single, more manageable loan. Read more
Debt Consolidation
Credit cards or personal loans: What’s best for debt consolidation?
When it comes to debt consolidation, Australians have several options at their disposal. Among the most common are credit cards and personal loans. Read more
Debt Consolidation
Court approves robodebt class action settlement
The settlement of the robodebt class action has been approved by the Federal Court of Australia, meaning a further $112 million in compensation will be paid to approximately 380,000 Aussies. Read more
Debt Consolidation
Heard of robodebt – a controversial government scheme or buzzword?
What exactly is robodebt? We’ve heard all the buzz, now it’s time to know what this controversial government scheme actually is. Read more
Debt Consolidation
Robodebt class action settles for $1.2bn
The federal government has agreed to a “landmark” class action settlement worth $1.2 billion over its controversial robodebt recovery program, which raised automated debts against welfare ...Read more
Debt Consolidation
When should you use debt?
Despite record-low interest rates and changes to credit regulation making it easier for consumers to get a loan, a wealth educator has urged Australians to keep their debt low in order to build wealthRead more
Debt Consolidation
Fresh robodebt allegations delay Centrelink class action
New allegations have been added in the class action against the Commonwealth government over the robodebt scheme that saw Services Australia illegally issue debt collection notices to more than ...Read more
Debt Consolidation
Robodebt refunds are now available: What do I need to do?
Refunds from the government’s illegal robodebt scheme are now being rolled out to affected customers – so what do you need to do to receive your refund? Read more
More articles
OUR PLATFORMS AND BRANDS
- Accountants Daily
- Accounting Times
- Adviser Innovation
- Australian Aviation
- Broker Daily
- Cyber Daily
- Defence Connect
- Fintech Business
- HR Leader
- Independent Financial Adviser
- Investment Centre
- Investor Daily
- Lawyers Weekly
- Money Management
- Nestegg
- Property Buzz
- Real Estate Business
- Smart Property Investment
- SMSF Adviser
- Space Connect
- Super Review
- The Adviser
- Wellness Daily
- World of Aviation
EVENTS AND SUMMITS
- Accountants Daily 30 Under 30 Awards
- Adviser Innovation Summit
- Australian Accounting Awards
- Australian Aviation Awards
- Australian Broking Awards
- Australian Defence Industry Awards
- Australian Law Awards
- Australian Space Awards
- Australian Space Summit
- Better Business Summit & Awards
- Broker Daily Business Awards
- Corporate Counsel Summit & Awards
- Cyber Security Summit & Awards
- Defence Connect Budget Lunch
- Defence Connect DSR Summit
- Fund Manager of the Year Awards
- ifa Excellence Awards
- ifa Future Forum
- Investor Daily ESG Summit
- Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards
- Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Forum
- New Broker Academy
- Partner of the Year Awards
- REB Awards
- Reinnovate
- SME Broker Bootcamp
- SMSF Adviser Technical Day
- Super Fund of the Year Awards
- Women in Finance Awards
- Women in Law Awards
- Accountants Daily Podcast Network
- Australian Aviation Podcast Network
- Broker Daily Podcast Network
- Defence Connect Podcast Network
- HR Leader Podcast Network
- REB Podcast Network
- Relative Return
- Space Connect Podcast
- The Adviser Podcast Network
- The ifa Show
- The Lawyers Weekly Show
- The Smart Property Investment Show
PODCASTS
LEARNING AND EDUCATION
MOMENTUM MARKETS NETWORK
LINKS
STAY CONNECTED
Make your nest egg grow. Register now for nestegg updates.