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.D.50 Debt, debtor

Definition: debt

Generally, if a person has been paid more PLP or DAPP than was payable to them, the excess amount is a debt to the Commonwealth. If an employer is paid PPL funding amounts (1.1.P.180) and an equivalent amount is not paid as PLP instalments (1.1.I.80), the amount not paid is a debt to the Commonwealth by the employer.

Note: Not all debts are recoverable. Depending on the circumstance, some debts may not be recoverable; they may be waived or written off.

Definition: debtor

A debtor is a person who owes a debt to the Commonwealth.

Act reference: PPLAct Part 4-3 Division 2 Main debts recoverable under this Act, section 193 When debts can be written off, Part 4-3 Division 7 Waiver of debts, section 201 Overseas application of debts

Policy reference: PPL Guide 7.3 Debt recovery

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