The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

6.7.3 Non-recovery of debts

Introduction

This section details the circumstances in which debts may be waived or written-off under the SSAct.

Section 1235 of the SSAct extends the waiver provisions under this Part to debts arising under the Social Security Act 1947. A note under section 1235 also clarifies that overpayments arising under SSAct section 1228 (overpayments arising under other Acts and schemes) are NOT debts for the purposes of SSAct Part 5.2 and accordingly cannot be waived or written off under SSAct Part 5.

Last reviewed: 20 September 2022