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Raising and attribution of Service Update debts 107-04120000



For staff responsible for raising debts only.

This document outlines what action to take with debt activities created by Service Updates.

How to action a Service Update debt

Step

Action

1

Is a debt to be raised following investigation of the Service Update? + Read more ...

2

Check if recovery fee is required + Read more ...

Check if the debt is a working age payment

3

Record debt details on Debt Management and Information System (DMIS) + Read more ...

Use the Debt Action script to raise/waive the debt. If more debts arise due to the investigation ensure these are:

  • combined
  • raised on the Service Update debt shell
  • Finalised - No debt

Do not 'no debt' the Service Update debt shell when first received The debt shell is used by the script to attribute debts to the Service Update review.

Identify the Service Update debt shell by the Service Profile reference in the Project Code field on the Modify/Assess Debt (OPMA) screen:

Refer to the Resources page for details of how to attribute it manually to the Service Update.

4

Integrated Review System (IRS) + Read more ...

Attribute the debt to the Integrated Review System (IRS) review. The Debt Action script automates the attribution of debts resulting from Service Updates.

See the Resources page for information on manual attribution if the script is not available.

The Integrated Review Debt Details (IRDD) screen lists all 'COM'pleted debts (even zero amounts) attributed to the IRS Service Update. The screen displays:

  • the Debt ID number
  • reason
  • amount
  • date the debt shell was created
  • the date the debt was raised, and
  • the status of the debt

The IRS links to DMIS, which enables debt updates. This includes:

  • raising of the debt
  • changes made to the debt amount after the Service Update has been finalised

5

Record the details of the debt + Read more ...

Record a DOC for all completed debts. The DOC should contain:

  • details of the debt
  • 10% recovery fee (where applicable)
  • evidence and calculation sheets used to determine the debt

See Calculating Centrelink entitlements and gathering information when investigating debts for more information.

6

Notify the customer or nominee of the debt + Read more ...

Consider calling the customer before sending the Account payable letter, for:

  • a first debt, particularly when the debt may have been preventable
  • debts likely to have a large impact on the customer (for example, homeless youth)
    • If appropriate, discuss the customer's circumstances with their Social Worker first
  • large debts not caused by fraudulent behaviour

Phone contact is not desirable or practical when:

  • fraudulent behaviour is suspected as phone contact may impede a successful prosecution
  • the customer is:
    • living overseas
    • deceased, or
    • whereabouts unknown
  • third party debts
  • the customer has a history of anxiety, mental illness or violent behaviour

Send the account payable letter to the customer.

7

Further action may be required in some cases + Read more ...

Check if any of the following action is needed: