Centrelink Debts

Just because Centrelink advises a family that there is a debt doesn’t mean this is correct. The Welfare Rights Centre advises that Centrelink customers should always check the details of debts, because Centrelink may be incorrect. Individuals can still claim payments from Centrelink even if they have outstanding debts.

Customers should check the detail of the debt carefully, because even if there is a debt, it may not have been calculated correctly. Some debts can be waived, for example if Centrelink made a mistake and the customer received the money in good faith, or if there is financial hardship or some other special circumstances.

For information about how to repay debts, and how Centrelink handles them click here.

Providing information about financial hardship can help when negotiating the rate of repayments or asking for a debt to be waived.

Customers can be prosecuted for fraud if the Director of Public Prosecution decides there is sufficient evidence that a customer deliberately gave false information, withheld information or claimed a payment to which they were not entitled. If a customer is advised that their case is being considered for prosecution they should seek legal advice.

For more information about debts see the Welfare Rights Network Fact sheets.

• Debts – what to do if you have a Social Security debt
  
  
• Prosecution of Social Security Offences