I got 2 letters last week from Centrelink saying I was overpaid ccb and ccb rebate in the 2013/14 period, apparently I owe $360
I don't understand how I could possibly be in debt, I'm a single mum of 5 kids, 100% in my care, child support exemption, so on full rate of payments, I had 1 child in daycare 2 days a week and 1 child 1 day, so not even close to the 50 hours a week I was eligible to use
I went into Centrelink yesterday and they couldn't tell me why I've suddenly been landed with this debt, that someone will call me to discuss it
I've read and reread the letters and nowhere does it say how to appeal or question it
I can't ring myself as I'm only on prepaid and I simply don't have the credit to sit on the phone for hours
Whilst I'm waiting, can anyone offer any insight as to why they may have made this decision and what the appeal process (if there is one :/ ) involves
Is it possible my ex has contacted them saying he had the kids for some of that time or gave me money or something like that? Surely they'd tell me right?
9 Replies
Do you work? Or a SAHM? Could it be your income was over what you estimated? Or that your ex paid you more child support than you stated etc?
I wasn't working at all, not a cent in child support, I was on full Centrelink payments at the time
Are you actually eligible for 50hrs if you're a full time SAHM? I thought 50hrs was for working parents and it was only 15hrs for people on who do not work? Maybe that's where the debt comes from? If one child was in 2 days a week that would have been 16-20hrs per week you were claiming and if they were paying it and the entitlement is actually only 15hrs then that's cause an over payment..
I'm not the OP but I think students are entitled to 50hrs, too.
All my letters have always said 50 hours
I was getting carers allowance for 3 of my children ( I could have applied for carers pension but chose not to) so I don't know if that changes it?
The one in for 2 days was so she could interact with neurotypical kids as her 4 other siblings are autistic and she was copying their behaviours ( on advice of speechie and social worker) and the younger one was in the one day so I had 1 day to book appointments for the others without having to worry about dragging along a full on toddler
Everyone is entitled to 24 hours at least, I would have been using 12 max, and nothing came up when they balanced at the end of that financial year
Maybe that has changed? I am on carers for my disabled son and am only entitled to 15hrs (I don't use t yet but have also been advised to put him in so he can interact with neurotypical kids). Anything more than this and I wouldn't be considered a carer as he's out of my care for more than 15hrs each week...
I think you seriously need to question them on that
From the Centrelink website:
You can get up to 24 hours of care per child per week without participating in any Work, Training or Study test activities. If you meet the test, or are exempt from it, you can get up to 50 hours of care per child per week.
And yes, you can still get carers even if your child goes to daycare or school
What it doesn't cover is like a month in respite or something like that
This is nearly 3 years ago... we are finishing the 15/16 financial year in a weeks time... Sounds like nothing happens fast in government... Take advantage of this - they propbably won't progress the issue fast (which may be why no-one has been in touch yet).
I would send them a formal response in writing. If there is no contact email, then print the letter out and hand deliver to your Centrelink office and demand a receipt for it so you have evidence they got it. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt.
In your response you acknowledge receiving the letter and their query. You state your income and responsibilities for that year, attach a copy of your tax assessment notice for 2013-14 (that's the statement you get back after they process your tax return). Ask them to review their assessment and get back in touch with you.
I've never had a Centrelink payment, but surely they don't just deduct repayments without speaking to you in person first? So, when they get in touch remind them of your letter. It will show you are proactive and it will also give you a chance to put your thoughts and evidence in order. I hope it goes well.
If you were over paid, they would organise you pay like $13 a fortnight or something. Don't panic :)