Investigating administrative or computer error debts for Social Security payments 107-02040030
Expand allThis document outlines information on investigating a debt caused by an administrative or computer error.
Recoverable debts
An excess payment is only legally recoverable if allowed under one of the debt creation provisions, contained in either:
- the Social Security Act 1991, or
- another Act
Legislation inter-relationship
Check the interrelationship between section 1223(1) and subsections 1223(1AC), (1AD) and (1AE) of the Social Security Act 1991.
The References page contains specific examples of the types of considerations that need to be taken into account.
Overpayment due to computer/administrative error
Administrative error occurs where a person complies with social security law and a debt is created. For example, where a person has:
- provided detail(s) that affects their qualification, and
- the detail(s) is not processed
A significant delay in processing may also constitute administrative error in some circumstances.
'Computer error' occurs where the Services Australia's computer program makes a payment, or part of a payment, that should not have been made.
Consider Administrative error waiver in these cases. All criteria must be met for a waiver to apply.
Related links
Finalised 'no debt' (FND) or 'zeroing' debts that are not legally recoverable
Categories of debt raised under subsection 1223(1)