Hard hit Australians to resume paying back Centrelink debts
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Here's a bit of unexpected news for our members who have had their Centrelink debt responsibilities temporarily suspended due to the 2022 floods – you will soon be expected to resume making payments.
Services Australia announced that people in Queensland and New South Wales who were affected by the series of natural disasters late last summer would 'gradually' be required to start paying back their loans again.
Australians who were affected by the floods may soon have to start paying Centrelink again. Credit: Getty.
'The date your repayments will begin will depend on which event you were affected by,' the agency said in a statement.
'We'll let you know when your repayments will restart and what you need to do. We'll also send you a reminder before your repayments start.'
People living in areas hit by subsequent floods, such as those in May and June throughout Australia's east, will need to start making repayments as early as October 1.
To people's relief, though, Services Australia has taken the initiative to reassure them that they do not have to pay back their debt 'all at once'.
'Most people set up a payment arrangement and repay it over time,' it said. 'We're here to help you repay the money in a way that best suits you.'
If you're not sure if you have a Centrelink debt, you may watch the video below to find out how much money is due in your account:
Credit: Services Australia.
How to repay Centrelink debt
Here, we'll show you the ropes if you're ready to start paying off your debts but don't yet know where to start.
You only need to do this if you either:
For those who are still receiving Centrelink payments, Services Australia will start deducting money from each payment you receive. You don't need to do anything to set this up.
For more information on repayment, refer to this link.
If you are having trouble financially or have any queries regarding your debt, you may also call Services Australia at 1800 076 072 for assistance.
To our members who are still struggling to recover from the recent natural disasters, please know that you are not alone and that support is available. Follow this link to find out more information on where to get help.
Services Australia announced that people in Queensland and New South Wales who were affected by the series of natural disasters late last summer would 'gradually' be required to start paying back their loans again.
Australians who were affected by the floods may soon have to start paying Centrelink again. Credit: Getty.
'The date your repayments will begin will depend on which event you were affected by,' the agency said in a statement.
'We'll let you know when your repayments will restart and what you need to do. We'll also send you a reminder before your repayments start.'
People living in areas hit by subsequent floods, such as those in May and June throughout Australia's east, will need to start making repayments as early as October 1.
To people's relief, though, Services Australia has taken the initiative to reassure them that they do not have to pay back their debt 'all at once'.
'Most people set up a payment arrangement and repay it over time,' it said. 'We're here to help you repay the money in a way that best suits you.'
If you're not sure if you have a Centrelink debt, you may watch the video below to find out how much money is due in your account:
Credit: Services Australia.
How to repay Centrelink debt
Here, we'll show you the ropes if you're ready to start paying off your debts but don't yet know where to start.
You only need to do this if you either:
- don’t currently get a payment from Centrelink
- want to make extra payments or pay the money you owe in full
For those who are still receiving Centrelink payments, Services Australia will start deducting money from each payment you receive. You don't need to do anything to set this up.
For more information on repayment, refer to this link.
If you are having trouble financially or have any queries regarding your debt, you may also call Services Australia at 1800 076 072 for assistance.
To our members who are still struggling to recover from the recent natural disasters, please know that you are not alone and that support is available. Follow this link to find out more information on where to get help.
