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Change in Minimum Repayment Amount for Centrelink Debts at Australia Post
Centrelink recipients who settle their debts at Australia Post will soon face a new minimum repayment requirement. Starting from June 12, 2025, Services Australia has announced that the minimum amount due for repayment at Australia Post will be raised to $5. This means that individuals will be unable to make in-person debt repayments for amounts less than this specified threshold.
Payment Methods Available
Recipients indebted to Services Australia have several payment options available, including:
- Direct Debit
- BPAY
- Credit Card
- Payments in Person at Australia Post outlets
It is important to note that the increase to a $5 minimum repayment only applies to in-person transactions at Australia Post. Payments made through other methods, such as direct debit, BPAY, or Australia Post’s online Post Billpay service, will not be impacted by this change.
Considerations for Smaller Payments
If you typically repay smaller amounts than the mandated minimum, it may be prudent to explore other payment methods that could better suit your financial circumstances. For those considering the use of credit cards for these repayments, it’s essential to be mindful of potential additional charges. Financial institutions may impose interest and cash advance fees when using credit cards.
Changes to Other Payment Policies
The update follows an earlier change on December 19, when Services Australia ceased accepting foreign currency cheques and money orders as valid repayment methods. While Centrelink continues to issue payments via cheques, recipients should expect those payments to arrive at least two weeks later than payments made through direct deposit.
Repayment Options
Recipients have the flexibility to repay their debts fully or to establish a repayment arrangement. Additionally, there exists the option to arrange for regular deductions from Centrelink payments over a predetermined period.
For further details regarding repayment methods, you can visit Services Australia.
This change is aimed at streamlining the debt repayment process for recipients while ensuring compliance with updated policies.
