If you had a Centrelink debt between 2003 and 2020 that was linked to your employment income, you may be eligible for a compensation payment of up to $600. The Australian Government has set up the Income Apportionment Resolution Scheme after it found that it used an unlawful method to calculate some people’s social security payments.
Income apportionment was used when Centrelink did not have clear information about the fortnight in which employment income was earned. This method was stopped in December 2020 and was later found to be unlawful.
How much could you receive?
|
Debt amount
|
Resolution Scheme Payment amount
|
|---|---|
|
Less than $200
|
Full debt amount
|
|
$200 to $1,999
|
$200
|
|
$2,000 to $4,999
|
$400
|
|
$5,000 or more
|
$600
|
You can apply for a resolution scheme payment for each eligible debt.
Don’t miss the deadline
Applications close on 29 January 2027.
To apply, visit the Services Australia website.
You can also apply by calling 1800 560 870.
Before you accept a payment
It’s important to know that if you accept a resolution payment, you won’t be able to take legal action relating to income apportionment being used for that debt.
If you’re unsure about what to do, Economic Justice Australia has prepared a fact sheet with more information about the scheme. It also notes that you may wish to seek legal advice before accepting an offer. Read the fact sheet here.