What are my obligations if Centrelink asks me for information about my eligibility for a card?

In Plain English:

If you're applying for or already receiving an Australian apprenticeship support loan, Centrelink (Services Australia) has the power to ask you for information or documents to check if you're eligible, if you should be getting payments, or how much you should be paid. If you owe money to the government due to an overpayment, they can also ask for details about your financial situation or how to find you. You need to provide this information in writing, following the instructions in their notice, within the given timeframe.

Detailed Explanation:

Under the Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans Act 2014, Services Australia (which delivers Centrelink services) has specific powers to gather information related to Australian apprenticeship support loans.

• General Information Gathering: The Secretary (of the Department responsible for administering the Act) can request information or documents if it's considered relevant to:

  • Determining eligibility for the loan (Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans Act 2014 s 59(a))
  • Assessing whether the loan is payable (Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans Act 2014 s 59(b))
  • Verifying if the loan was correctly paid (Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans Act 2014 s 59(c))
  • Determining the correct rate of payment (Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans Act 2014 s 59(d))

• Information from Debtors: If you owe an overpayment debt to the Commonwealth, the Secretary can require you to provide information about your financial situation or produce relevant documents. You must also inform the Secretary of any address changes (Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans Act 2014 s 60).

• Locating Debtors and Their Assets: The Secretary can also request information from third parties who may have information about a debtor's location or financial situation (Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans Act 2014 s 61).

• Requirements for Notices: Any request for information must be made via a written notice that specifies:

  • How to provide the information or documents (Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans Act 2014 s 62(2)(b)(i))
  • The deadline for providing the information, which must be at least 14 days after the notice is given (Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans Act 2014 s 62(4))
  • The officer or class of officer to whom the information should be provided (Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans Act 2014 s 62(2)(b)(iii))
  • That the notice is given under this section (Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans Act 2014 s 62(2)(b)(iv))

You may be required to provide the information by appearing before a specified officer to answer questions (Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans Act 2014 s 62(5)).