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.

6.3.1.30 Wrong person receives a PLP instalment or PPL funding amount

Summary

Centrelink and employers are obliged to pay the right recipient the amount of PLP payment that is payable to them.

A debt will arise if the wrong person:

  • receives all or part of an instalment of PLP from Centrelink or an employer, or
  • receives all or part of a PPL funding amount from Centrelink, and
  • is not authorised by the right recipient (the person to whom the PPL payment is payable) or authorised under law to receive the instalment.

If the original payment is made by Centrelink, the amount received by the wrong person is a debt due to the Commonwealth by that person.

If the original PLP payment is made by the employer, the amount received by the wrong person is a debt due to the employer by that person.

Where the amount is paid by Centrelink into the wrong person's bank account, Centrelink may, under the 'recovery from an ADI' provision, recover the amount.

Act reference: PPLAct section 169 Wrong person receives PLP instalment or PPL funding amount, section 192 Recovery from an ADI

Policy reference: PPL Guide 6.3.4.60 Recovery from an authorised deposit-taking institution

Last reviewed: