Post by Banker on Nov 20, 2012 6:31:05 GMT 7
If you disagree with a Centrelink decision you can:
talk to the person who made the decision
ask to see the documents (if any) that Centrelink relied on under the freedom of information laws
ask for an internal review by an authorised review officer.
If you disagree with the with outcome of the internal review you can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Tribunal.
If you are not happy with Centrelink’s service you can also make a complaint.
Talk to the person who made the decision
If you are not happy with a Centrelink decision, first talk to the person who made the decision. If you are still unhappy, ask for a review of the decision by an authorised review officer.
It’s important to get legal advice if Centrelink claims that you have deliberately or knowingly received payments you shouldn’t have and you disagree with this decision. See Get help.
Make a request under the freedom of information laws
Centrelink is required to keep all the records they have about you and you can get copies of this information.
It is often in a form that is difficult to understand but if Centrelink have made an obvious mistake about you or recorded wrong information you may be able to see it in the Centrelink documents provided. If you are having trouble understanding the documents get help.
Ask for an internal review of the decision
An authorised review officer will look at the decision. The officer is a more senior person in Centrelink who has not been involved in your case.
You should ask for a review of a decision within 13 weeks from the date of the original decision. If the review is decided in your favour, you will usually only get back payments if the request is lodged within this 13-week period.
Appeal to the tribunal
If you disagree with the outcome of the review, you can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Tribunal (link below). You can only appeal to the tribunal after your original decision has been reviewed by an authorised review officer.
There are no costs for making an appeal unless you hire a lawyer, which is not usually necessary. Most people represent themselves. An interpreter can be arranged if you need one.
If you disagree with the decision made by the Social Security Appeals Tribunal you have the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. This is also free. However, it is important to get legal advice before doing this.
The National Welfare Rights Network website (link below) has a fact sheet about how to appeal a Centrelink decision.
Complaints
Centrelink also has a complaints process that you can use if you are unhappy with the service you received. You can make a complaint over the phone or in writing. You can remain anonymous if you prefer.
Centrelink aims to resolve complaints within five working days of receiving them. Complex complaints may take longer than five working days, but Centrelink should advise you if this will be the case with your complaint.
Your complaint may be dealt with more quickly if you contact them by phone.
You can also complain to the Commonwealth Ombudsman (link below). Usually, the Ombudsman will ask that you first try to resolve your complaint directly with Centrelink.
www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/4797.htm
talk to the person who made the decision
ask to see the documents (if any) that Centrelink relied on under the freedom of information laws
ask for an internal review by an authorised review officer.
If you disagree with the with outcome of the internal review you can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Tribunal.
If you are not happy with Centrelink’s service you can also make a complaint.
Talk to the person who made the decision
If you are not happy with a Centrelink decision, first talk to the person who made the decision. If you are still unhappy, ask for a review of the decision by an authorised review officer.
It’s important to get legal advice if Centrelink claims that you have deliberately or knowingly received payments you shouldn’t have and you disagree with this decision. See Get help.
Make a request under the freedom of information laws
Centrelink is required to keep all the records they have about you and you can get copies of this information.
It is often in a form that is difficult to understand but if Centrelink have made an obvious mistake about you or recorded wrong information you may be able to see it in the Centrelink documents provided. If you are having trouble understanding the documents get help.
Ask for an internal review of the decision
An authorised review officer will look at the decision. The officer is a more senior person in Centrelink who has not been involved in your case.
You should ask for a review of a decision within 13 weeks from the date of the original decision. If the review is decided in your favour, you will usually only get back payments if the request is lodged within this 13-week period.
Appeal to the tribunal
If you disagree with the outcome of the review, you can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Tribunal (link below). You can only appeal to the tribunal after your original decision has been reviewed by an authorised review officer.
There are no costs for making an appeal unless you hire a lawyer, which is not usually necessary. Most people represent themselves. An interpreter can be arranged if you need one.
If you disagree with the decision made by the Social Security Appeals Tribunal you have the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. This is also free. However, it is important to get legal advice before doing this.
The National Welfare Rights Network website (link below) has a fact sheet about how to appeal a Centrelink decision.
Complaints
Centrelink also has a complaints process that you can use if you are unhappy with the service you received. You can make a complaint over the phone or in writing. You can remain anonymous if you prefer.
Centrelink aims to resolve complaints within five working days of receiving them. Complex complaints may take longer than five working days, but Centrelink should advise you if this will be the case with your complaint.
Your complaint may be dealt with more quickly if you contact them by phone.
You can also complain to the Commonwealth Ombudsman (link below). Usually, the Ombudsman will ask that you first try to resolve your complaint directly with Centrelink.
www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/4797.htm
