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.

11.1.12.20 Treatment of existing Centrepay deductions under income management

Treatment of existing Centrepay deductions

Where a person has existing Centrepay deductions, Centrelink will need to determine whether the deductions are for priority needs and discuss with the person the best method to continue these payments.

If the deductions are for priority needs then, when deductions are discussed at the initial interview, the same deductions could be considered for continued payment from the person's income managed funds.

If the existing Centrepay deductions are not related to a priority need the following options apply:

  • the deductions could be paid, using Centrepay, from the person's discretionary (i.e. non-income managed) funds, with the agreement of the person
  • the deduction could be paid from income managed funds, if the delegate is satisfied that the current, and reasonably foreseeable, priority needs of the person, their partner and dependants can be met from the person's income management account (11.1.3.50).

If the existing Centrepay deductions relate to priority needs, but exceed income managed funds, then the balance could be paid from the person's discretionary funds with the agreement of the person, depending on any other identified priority needs.

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