Centrelink debt

Anon Imperfect Mum

Centrelink debt

Does anyone else have a debt with Centrelink and still received their tax return and/or FTB reconciliation payment?
I have heard that Centrelink will be using all such payments to recover debts from now on.
I have a debt, which I am paying off every fortnight and am happy to do so, but would rather continue to pay it off gradually.
So, is anyone else in a similar boat and actually GOT their refunds?

Posted in:  Money

11 Replies

Anon Imperfect Mum

Yep, they take the lot. I am also paying off a FTB debt and have been advised that I will not receive the supplement or my tax return as it is now used to repay the debt.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Doesn’t matter if you have a payment agreement, they take what is owed, if there is anything left over after they take the debt you get that amount

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Anon Imperfect Mum

I have read that you can apply under financial hardship to not have it all taken, but sadly the few friends I know that had debts lost all of the supplement to the debt.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

You only get a "refund" when you've been UNDER paid what your entitled to! How does one expect a "refund" when they owe Centrelink money???????

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Totally over your head . Are you answering in the wrong feed? Read her post again .

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Anon Imperfect Mum

In regards to the ftb reconciliation refund/ payment

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Anon Imperfect Mum

They changed it this year and gave a bit of warning that they were doing so. Any debts with CL will automatically be taken out regardless of payment plans in place.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

I didn’t get any warning at all. Just found out two days ago on Facebook

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Anon Imperfect Mum

It’s up to you/ourselves to find out this information which is readily available online :) the news sites were also reporting it.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

I have a centrelink debt which I am paying off and I still received my full tax return as long as you have an agreement with them they won’t take your tax return.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

I have a debt with clink, but the debt has gone to a debt collection company and I pay them. I am waiting on my tax return now and I am desperately needing the money for bills and rent etc. I hope they do not take it or I’ll be stuffed! D:

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