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DVA
Jun 27, 2023 9:33:34 GMT 7
Post by onemore on Jun 27, 2023 9:33:34 GMT 7
In MARCH of this year I notified DVA of my intention to travel overseas mentioning that I didn't know when I was returning to Australia.
After six weeks went by I noticed there was no reduction in my allowances, not to worry they will catch up to me sooner or later.
Yesterday I received notification that I owe them $298 and that my pension will be reduced by $20 a fortnight until the slate is wiped clean.
I am returning in July so I will be getting those funds back plus some.
Is this how Robodebt started?
I suppose someone neglected to tic a box when I made the phone call.
Just goes to show.
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Post by tasjo on Jun 27, 2023 11:39:19 GMT 7
hi onemore - did you receive a receipt number for your call and were you told that there would be no reduction in your allowances after 6 weeks?
Unfortunately, if DVA is that same as Centrelink, even if you did notify them you were going overseas and the debt was incurred through no fault of your own, there was still a debt and Centrelink are 'allowed' to recover it.
But no, Robodebt was different. A lot of the robodebt debts were due to people who worked part of the year and had their income 'averaged'. This often meant that some fortnights the recipient had been overpaid. Previous to robodebt a person would check prior to any debt notice being sent out, however, to save money, this 'human oversight' was largely removed (I believe unless the debt was over a certain amount).
So, for example - a student who only works in holidays and receives Austudy, receives minimal payment (or $0) during the holidays, but may receive max payment while studying... if averaged out it may look like they have been overpaid.
Hope that helps.
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DVA
Jun 27, 2023 13:51:28 GMT 7
Post by onemore on Jun 27, 2023 13:51:28 GMT 7
No I didn’t ask that question about, not thinking that I am special and wouldn’t be excluded from the rules, but now I am thinking why bother with a phone call.
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Post by itsmylife08 on Jun 27, 2023 18:20:41 GMT 7
www.austpayroll.com.au/payroll-overpayment/ Personally, I think it's a cop-out by the Government with this type of behavior if it's their mistake they should accept responsibility for it end of story. Hopefully, the above article may be able to shed more light on the issue. Cheers Itsa
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Post by nomadic on Jun 27, 2023 20:03:40 GMT 7
Many years ago, before net banking and I was living pay day to pay day I told them to stop my rent assistance after I was leaving again. They didn't and I had no idea I was still getting and spending it. Finally, they picked it up and asked for a return. I told them the truth that I had no idea and no money and never heard any more again. Wasn't my fault as I told them to stop it.
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Post by tasjo on Jun 28, 2023 15:02:16 GMT 7
Centrelink or DVA 'may' wipe the debt due to there being nothing further you could have done to prevent it occurring... but, no guarantee.
Centrelink especially 'expect' that any welfare recipient is aware of when their payment should cease, and if it doesn't should hold onto it in case they receive a debt (in theory).
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DVA
Jun 28, 2023 15:23:39 GMT 7
bear likes this
Post by onemore on Jun 28, 2023 15:23:39 GMT 7
Thanks for the heads up. I called DVA this morning and advised them of my return in July.
Their response to me was to make sure I call them on the morning I arrive to let them know that I am back in the country.
I am thinking that the belief that when we go through immigration and we show our passport that’s all covered in the different agencies being notified of my return could be a furphy.
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Post by nomadic on Jun 28, 2023 20:09:25 GMT 7
I was in a Centrelink office on my last visit about some other matter. He saw that I go away and told me I have to notify them before I left. I said no I don't. Yes, you do. No, I don't as not once in 10 years. Oh, he said and shrugged. Was all bluff like so many other things. As to why, I have no idea. Incompetent most likely.
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Post by tasjo on Jun 28, 2023 20:59:25 GMT 7
Thanks for the heads up. I called DVA this morning and advised them of my return in July. Their response to me was to make sure I call them on the morning I arrive to let them know that I am back in the country. I am thinking that the belief that when we go through immigration and we show our passport that’s all covered in the different agencies being notified of my return could be a furphy. Not at all onemore - the immigration 'triggers' definitely do work. A few years ago (pre covid) I went away for longer than the 4 weeks portability (I don't have UP), my DSP suspended at 28 days and reactivated as soon as I re-entered Australia. I didn't notify them of my travel plans as at the time we thought we may be away for longer.
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Post by Banjo on Jun 29, 2023 6:29:02 GMT 7
I was in a Centrelink office on my last visit about some other matter. He saw that I go away and told me I have to notify them before I left. I said no I don't. Yes, you do. No, I don't as not once in 10 years. Oh, he said and shrugged. Was all bluff like so many other things. As to why, I have no idea. Incompetent most likely. It's disappointing to hear that portability still baffles a lot of them.
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Post by latindancer on Jun 30, 2023 5:18:09 GMT 7
Many years ago, before net banking and I was living pay day to pay day I told them to stop my rent assistance after I was leaving again. They didn't and I had no idea I was still getting and spending it. Finally, they picked it up and asked for a return. I told them the truth that I had no idea and no money and never heard any more again. Wasn't my fault as I told them to stop it. Something similar also happened to me years ago, and at that time there was a rule whereby if there was no fault of yours, they wrote off the money. I think there was a limit. But mine got written off too. It's probably all changed now (though it would definitely be worth checking), including the ever-increasing incompetence. I said no I don't. Yes, you do. No, I don't as not once in 10 years. Oh, he said and shrugged. Did you feel like Bugs Bunny arguing with Daffy Duck ? They often had a similar exchange.
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DVA
Jun 30, 2023 19:54:46 GMT 7
bear likes this
Post by nomadic on Jun 30, 2023 19:54:46 GMT 7
I felt like Yosemite Sam. After that wascally wabbit. I think he was Daffy Bunny.
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