4.2.4.30 Claim action 3 - TFN not provided

Is a letter required?

Yes.

Content of the letter

The letter must request:

• the outstanding TFN details for TFN claim persons (1.1.T.50), or
• authorisation for Centrelink to obtain TFN details from the Commissioner of Taxation.

The letter should advise that the outstanding TFN details, or an authorisation to obtain them, must be lodged with Centrelink within 14 days of the letter being received by the individual (1.1.A.72).

What to do

Centrelink must advise the individual that the date of the FTB claim will be the date the original claim was lodged if:

• the TFN statement or authorisation is provided within 14 days of the request being received by the individual, or
• the individual attends an interview within 14 days of contact.

If the individual requests an exemption from the TFN requirements, their request must be considered and an exemption either granted or refused. If the exemption is refused, the individual must be advised in writing.

Consequences of not complying with the request

If the individual is unwilling or unable to provide the TFN information or authorisation within 14 days, the claim is not effective (1.1.E.10).

The individual should be advised that an ineffective claim cannot be reinstated by any Centrelink action, and if they want to test their eligibility for FTB in the future they must lodge a new claim.

Declining to provide a TFN statement is not an offence.

Record-keeping

An electronic or paper file record of this advice should be kept.