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Investigating administrative or computer error debts for Social Security payments 107-02040030

For staff responsible for raising debts only.

This document outlines information on investigating a debt caused by an administrative or computer error.

Administrative or computer error debts

Step	Action
1	Has a customer received an amount in excess of their entitlement? + Read more ... Yes, go to Step 2 No, there is no overpayment/debt. Procedure ends here
2	Computer or administrative error + Read more ... Is the overpayment due to computer/administrative error caused by Services Australia? Yes, go to Step 3 No, examine the overpayment in relation to normal debt provisions. See Debt investigation and Debt raising
3	Was the debt caused by a notifiable event or change of circumstances? + Read more ... Yes, go to Step 4 No, go to Step 6
4	Was Services Australia advised of the notifiable event or change of circumstances? + Read more ... Yes, go to Step 6 No, go to Step 5
5	Was the customer given a valid notice of their obligations? + Read more ... Yes, go to Step 6 No, go to Step 7
6	Apply Section 1223(1): + Read more ... Raise the debt Calculate the debt from the first date of the incorrect rate as: Subsection (1AC) allows a computer/administrative error debt to be raised without constraint of the determination provisions Subsection (1AD) does not inhibit (1AC) as the change of circumstances was notified Subsection (1AE) states the normal date of effect rules in divisions 8, 9 and 10 of part 3 of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 do not apply Consider waiver, if applicable, see Administrative error waivers. Procedure ends here.
7	Apply subsection (1AD) + Read more ... Finalise no debt. Do not backdate effect to the event or change in circumstance as The event has not been notified No valid notice exists