You've been told you have a debt: what now?

Q: Where can I find the official rules for you've been told you have a debt?

The official source is Services Australia. All information on this page is checked against that source and dated October 2026.

Q: Is this guide up to date?

This guide was last checked in October 2026. Centrelink rates and rules change — always verify against the official source before making decisions.

First: check the debt is correct

Ask Centrelink for a written explanation of how the debt was calculated. Common errors include:

Income not correctly matched to the right assessment period
Employer Single Touch Payroll data not matching your payslips
Partner's income incorrectly included

If you believe the debt is wrong, request a review immediately.

Setting up repayments you can afford

If the debt is correct, Centrelink must set up a repayment plan you can afford. Call 132 490 to negotiate. You can ask for:

A reduced repayment rate
A temporary pause on repayments
Repayments automatically deducted from your ongoing payment

Penalty interest

Centrelink does not charge interest on most debts. However, if you do not engage with Centrelink about repayment, it may refer the debt to the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) or DHS Debt Recovery.

Get free help

The National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) provides free financial counselling and can help you deal with Centrelink debts.

Questions about this guide

Where can I find the official rules for you've been told you have a debt?

The official source for this guide is Services Australia. All information on this page is checked against that source and dated October 2026.

Is this guide up to date?

This guide was last checked in October 2026. Centrelink rates and rules change — always verify against the official source before making decisions.

Can I use this guide to make a claim?

This guide will help you understand your entitlements and prepare your claim, but you must submit the actual claim through myGov or at a Centrelink service centre. We never ask for or store any personal information.