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

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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

Expand table

Step

Action

1

Has a customer received an amount in excess of their entitlement?
  • Yes, go to Step 2
  • No, there is no overpayment/debt. Procedure ends here

2

Computer or administrative error

Is the overpayment due to computer/administrative error caused by Services Australia?

3

Was the debt caused by a notifiable event or change of circumstances?

4

Was Services Australia advised of the notifiable event or change of circumstances?

5

Was the customer given a valid notice of their obligations?

6

Apply Section 1223(1):
  • 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)

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