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.

1.1.O.20 Overpayments

Definition

An overpayment arises where a payee (1.1.P.30) receives a payment to which they are not entitled. This includes where the amount payable under the relevant liability has been retrospectively changed.

A payee is taken to have received a payment if a debt they owe to the payer (1.1.P.40) has been offset against a liability that the payer owes to them.

Act reference: CSA Act section 143 Amounts paid where no liability …

CSRC Act section 4(1)-'carer debt', section 4(1)-'carer liability', section 69B Overpayments of payees

Policy reference: CS Guide 8.1.1 Overpayments

Last reviewed: