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7/31/2019 Vet Fee-help 2012 Booklet - Update
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www.deewr.gov.au/veteehelp
inormation or 2012VET FEE-HELP
7/31/2019 Vet Fee-help 2012 Booklet - Update
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To request VET FEEHELP assistance you are required to complete theRequest for VET FEEHELP assistance orm below.
When you sign the orm, you declare that you have read this booklet and
that you are aware o your obligations under VET FEEHELP.
If you are studying with an
approved VET provider and
are requesting VET FEE-HELP,you must sign this form:
You must read this booklet before You
sign and submit the form below
You must fll out a Request for VET FEEHELP assistance orm or each
course o study or which you wish to obtain VET FEEHELP assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Department o Education, Employment and Workplace
Relations has endeavoured to ensure that the inormation in this publication isconsistent with the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (the Act) and guidelines made
under the Act, available at www.comlaw.gov.au. However, there may be dierences
between this publication and the Act or guidelines - i there is any inconsistency the Act
will take precedence.
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VET FEE-HELP information 2012 i
Who is this booklet for?
ThisbookletisforpeopleenrollinginVocationalEducationandTraining(VET)
levelcoursesatthediplomalevelandabove.VETFEE-HELPprovidesloansfor
eligiblestudentsdoingVETaccrediteddiploma,advanceddiploma,graduate
certicateandgraduatediplomacourses.
IfyouneedinformationaboutloansforstudentsinCommonwealthsupported
placesorfeepayingplacesathighereducationproviders,pleaseseethe
Information for Commonwealth supported students and HECS-HELP 2012bookletor
theFEE-HELP information 2012booklet(availablefromwww.goingtouni.gov.au).
Using this booklet
Asyoureadthrough,youwillnoticethatcertaintermsarehighlightedinblue.
Thesetermsaredenedintheglossary.
Ifyouneedtoknowwhotocontactifyouhavespecicquestions,thecontacts
listattheendofthebookletwillhelpyou. Youcangetmoreinformationfromwww.deewr.gov.au/veteehelp .
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table of contents
Who is this booklet or? ........................................................................................ i
Using this booklet ................................................................................................. i
Glossary ................................................................................................................ v
1. Introduction to VET FEE-HELP .........................................................................1
1.1 WhatisVETFEE-HELP?................................................................................1
1.2 Howdoesitwork?......................................................................................1
1.3 CoursescoveredbyVETFEE-HELP...............................................................1
1.4 Whataretuitionfees?.................................................................................1
2. Eligibility or VET FEE-HELP ..............................................................................2
2.1 AmIeligible?.............................................................................................. 2
2.2 HowdoIknowifImstudyingwithanapprovedVETFEE-HELPprovider
(approvedprovider)?.................................................................................. 2
2.3 Citizenshipandresidencyrequirements...................................................... 32.4 Fullfeepayingstudentsandsubsidisedstudents........................................4
2.5 Previousstudy............................................................................................. 4
2.6 WhatistheFEE-HELPlimit?.........................................................................4
2.7 DomyassetsorincomeaffectmyeligibilityforVETFEE-HELP?.................. 5
3. Paying or my study and VET FEE-HELP ...........................................................6
3.1 HowdoIpaymytuitionfees?..................................................................... 6
3.2 Whatsthedifferencebetweenthecensusdateandtheadministrativedate?.................................................................................... 6
3.3 WhatVETFEE-HELPdoesntcover............................................................... 7
3.4 YourFEE-HELPbalance................................................................................ 7
3.5 IstherealoanfeeforVETFEE-HELPloans?..................................................7
3.6 Aremytuitionfeestaxdeductible?.............................................................8
4. How do I apply or VET FEE-HELP? .................................................................. 9
4.1 Submittingyourapplication.......................................................................9
4.2 Request or VET FEE-HELP assistanceform...................................................... 9
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VET FEE-HELP information 2012 iii
4.3 Whatyouagreetobysigningtheform......................................................94.4 DoIhavetoprovidemytaxlenumber(TFN)?.......................................10
4.5 WhatifIdonthaveataxlenumber(TFN)?...........................................10
4.6 WhenistheclosingdateforrequestingVETFEE-HELPassistance?............ 10
4.7 WhatifIchangemycourseormyapprovedprovider?............................. 11
4.8 WhatifIchangemymindaboutstudying?.............................................. 11
4.9 WhatifIchangemymindaboutwantingVETFEE-HELP?......................... 11
4.10CanIgetVETFEE-HELPformorethanonecourse?................................... 12
5. Keeping track o your VET FEE-HELP ............................................................. 13
5.1 YourCommonwealthHigherEducationStudentSupport
Number(CHESSN).................................................................................... 13
5.2 YourCommonwealthAssistanceNotice(CAN)......................................... 13
5.3 CheckyourFEE-HELPbalanceatmyUniAssist............................................. 14
6. Withdrawing rom studies .............................................................................15
6.1 HowdoIwithdrawfromaunit?............................................................... 15
6.2 WhathappensifIwithdrawbythecensusdate?...................................... 15
6.3 WhathappensifIwithdrawafterthecensusdate?................................... 16
6.4 WillchangingmystudyloadaffectmyeligibilityforYouthAllowance,
Austudy,ABSTUDYorPensionerEducationSupplement?......................... 16
6.5 WhathappensifIfailaunit?..................................................................... 16
6.6 HowcanIapplytohavemyVETFEE-HELPdebtremovedandmy
FEE-HELPbalancere-creditedunderspecialcircumstances?.................... 16
7. Repaying your HELP debt ..............................................................................187.1 WhatisaHELPdebt?................................................................................ 18
7.2 WhendoIstartrepayingmyHELPdebt?..................................................18
7.3 Howmuchwillmyrepaymentsbe?.......................................................... 18
7.4 Isinterestchargedonmydebt?................................................................ 20
7.5 Repaymentsfromjob,benetorsuperannuationincome.........................20
7.6 Repaymentsfrombusinessorinvestmentincome..................................... 21
7.7 WhatifIdisagreewithmycompulsoryrepayment?................................. 217.8 WhatifIhavedifcultiesmakingmycompulsoryrepayment?.................. 22
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7.9 CanImakevoluntaryrepayments?........................................................... 227.10 CanIgetabonusforvoluntaryrepayments?............................................ 23
7.11 HowdoImakeavoluntaryrepayment?.................................................... 24
7.12 Aremyrepaymentstaxdeductable?......................................................... 26
7.13 WhathappenstomydebtifIdie?............................................................ 27
7.14 WhathappenstomydebtifIgobankrupt?..............................................27
7.15 WherecanIgetinformationonmyHELPaccount?.................................. 27
Contacts ...............................................................................................................28
YourapprovedVETFEE-HELPprovider.............................................................. 28
DepartmentofEducation,EmploymentandWorkplaceRelations(DEEWR)..... 28
AustralianTaxationOfce(ATO).......................................................................29
Centrelink......................................................................................................... 29
DepartmentofImmigrationandCitizenship(DIAC)......................................... 30
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glossary
Accumulated HELP debt TheconsolidatedtotalofanyVETFEE-HELP,FEE-HELP,HECS-HELPorOS-HELPdebtsyouhaveincurred(including
anyGovernmentloansforstudyincurredbefore2005).
Administrative date Adate(beorethecensusdate)setbyyourapproved
VETFEE-HELPprovider(approvedprovider)bywhichtheywantyoutosubmityourRequest or VET FEE-HELP assistance
formortowithdrawyourenrolment.
Note:youcanstillsubmityourapplicationforaloanorwithdrawfromaunitaftertheadministrativedate(butby
thecensusdate)withoutincurringaVETFEE-HELPdebtbutyoumayhavetopayalateenrolmentfeeoralate
withdrawalfee.See section 3.2.
Approved VET FEE-HELP
provider (approvedprovider)
AnorganisationthathasbeenapprovedbytheAustralian
GovernmentundertheHigher Education Support Act 2003asanapprovedVETproviderabletoofferVETFEE-HELPloans
toitsstudents.
Census date Deadlineforvariousrequirements,includingsubmitting
yourRequest or VET FEE-HELP assistanceform,makinganyup-frontpaymentofyourtuitionfeesandformally
withdrawingfromanyunits. See section 3.2.
Commonwealth
Assistance Notice (CAN)NoticefromyourapprovedproviderdetailinginformationaboutyourCommonwealthassistanceusageforeachstudy
period.See section 5.2.
Commonwealth HigherEducation Student
Support Number
(CHESSN)
Youruniqueidenticationnumberasapersonaccessinga
HELPloan(orstudyinginaCommonwealthsupportedplace).See section 5.1.
Course o study Studiesleadingtoavocationaleducationandtraining(VET)award,(forexampleadiploma,advanceddiploma,
graduatecerticateorgraduatediploma).
Eligible unit o study
(or VET FEE-HELP)
AunitthatispartofacourseofstudyleadingtoaVET
awardatthediploma,advanceddiploma,graduatecerticateorgraduatediplomalevelundertakenthrough
anapprovedprovider.
FEE-HELP AustralianGovernmentloanprogramtohelpeligible
feepayingstudentstopaytheirtuitionfees.
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FEE-HELP balance TheamountofVETFEE-HELP(and/orFEE-HELP)youhaveleftbeforereachingtheFEE-HELPlimit.See sections 3.4 and 5.3.
FEE-HELP limit ThemaximumamountofVETFEE-HELP(and/orFEE-HELP)youcanuseoveryourlifetime.See section 2.6.
Fee paying student Astudentwhopaysfulltuitionfeesfortheircourseatanapprovedprovider.
Higher Education LoanProgram (HELP)
AustralianGovernmentloanprogramwhichhelpseligiblestudentspaytheirtuitionfees(VETFEE-HELPorFEE-HELP),
studentcontributions(HECS-HELP)andoverseasstudy
expenses(OS-HELP).Theseloansarerepaidthroughthetaxsystem.
Indexation YouraccumulatedHELPdebtisadjustedon1JuneeachyeartoreectchangesintheConsumerPriceIndex. See section 7.4.
Registered training
organisation (RTO)
AtrainingorganisationthathasbeenapprovedbytheState
GovernmentortheAustralianSkillsQualityAgency(ASQA)toprovidevocationaleducationandtraining(VET)courses.
Repayment threshold TheincomelevelabovewhichyouarerequiredtomakeacompulsoryrepaymentonyouraccumulatedHELPdebt.
See section 7.2.Request for VET FEE-HELPassistance
Theformthatyoumustsubmittoyourapprovedprovider
toapplyforaVETFEE-HELPloan.
Special circumstances SpecicrequirementssetoutintheHigher Education SupportAct 2003anditsassociatedguidelinesthatyoumustmeettohaveyourVETFEE-HELPdebtremovedandyourFEE-HELP
balancere-credited.See section 6.6.
Subsidised student AstudentenrolledinacourseatanapprovedproviderwhichissubsidisedbytheStateGovernment.See section 2.4.
Tax fle number (TFN) YouruniqueidenticationnumberfromtheAustralianTaxationOfceforeverythingtaxrelated,includingmaking
VETFEE-HELPrepayments.
Tuition ees Feesthatfeepayingstudents(i.e.thosenotenrolledina
Commonwealthsupportedplace)arecharged.Thesefeesaresetbyindividualproviders.
VET FEE-HELP AnAustralianGovernmentprogramprovidingloanstohelpeligiblestudentsenrolledinhigher-levelVETcoursespay
theirtuitionfees.
VET FEE-HELP debt ThedebtyouincurifyouborrowfundsthroughtheVETFEE-HELPschemetopayyourtuitionfees.
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VET FEE-HELP information 2012 1
1. introdUction to Vet fee-helP
1.1 What is VET FEE-HELP?
VETFEE-HELPisanAustralianGovernmentloanschemethathelpseligible
studentspaytheirtuitionfeesforhigher-levelvocationaleducationandtraining
(VET)coursesundertakenatapprovedVETFEE-HELPproviders(approvedproviders).
1.2 How does it work?YoucanuseVETFEE-HELPtocoverallorpartofyourtuitionfees.Whenyoutake
outaVETFEE-HELPloan,theGovernmentpaystheloanamountdirectlytoyour
approvedprovider.
ThereisamaximumamountyoucanborrowthroughVETFEE-HELPoveryour
lifetime.ThisisknownastheFEE-HELPlimit(see section 2.6).
Youwillrepaytheloangraduallythroughthetaxsystemonceyourincomeis
abovethecompulsoryrepaymentthresholdsetbytheAustralianTaxationOfce.For201112therepaymentthresholdis$47,195.Youcanmakeavoluntary
repaymentofyourVETFEE-HELPdebtatanytime(see section 7.9).
1.3 Courses covered by VET FEE-HELP
VETFEE-HELPisavailableforcoursesatapprovedprovidersatthelevelof:
diploma;
advanceddiploma;
graduatecerticate;and
graduatediploma.
1.4 What are tuition ees?
Feepayingstudentspaytuitionfeesfortheirstudies.Tuitionfeesarenotregulated,
soapprovedprovidersdeterminetheamountoftuitionfeestheywanttocharge
fortheunitsofstudytheyoffer.Asapprovedproviderssetthetuitionfees,students
needtobeawareoftheirFEE-HELPbalance(see section 3.4)toensuretheywillhave
enoughfundingavailableintheirFEE-HELPbalancetopaythetuitionfeesrequiredfor
theircourse.
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2. Eligibility for VEt fEE-HElP
2.1 Am I eligible?
You may be eligible orVET FEE-HELP assistance i you:
are studying or a diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certifcate or graduate
diploma at an approved VET FEE-HELP provider (approved provider),
see section 2.2;
have submitted a valid Request for VET FEE-HELP assistanceorm;
are a ullee paying student or are studying in a reorm state or territory
(visit www.deewr.gov.au/vetfeehelp or more inormation on this) as either
a ull ee paying student or a subsidised student (see section 2.4);
are undertaking an eligible unit o study at an approved provider
(see section 2.2);
meet the citizenship and residency requirements (see section 2.3); and
have not exceeded yourFEE-HELP limit (see section 2.6).
To fnd out what you will need to do to apply, see section 4.1.
2.2 How do I know if Im studying with an approved
VET FEE-HELP provider (approved provider)?
An approved provider is a registered training organisation that has been approvedby the Australian Government to oer VET FEE-HELP loans to eligible students.
For a list o approved providers, see the Department o Education, Employment
and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) website at www.deewr.gov.au/vetfeehelp .
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2.3 Citizenship and residency requirementsTobeeligibleforVETFEE-HELPassistanceforaunitofstudy,youmustbe:
anAustralian citizen or
theholder o a permanent humanitarian visa;
AND
youmustberesidentinAustraliaforthe
durationofyourunit
Australian citizenship
YoumayautomaticallyacquireAustraliancitizenshipbybirthoradoptionin
Australia,oryoumayapplyforAustraliancitizenship.Ifyouare16yearsofage
andoveratthetimeyoumakeanapplicationforcitizenshipbyconferral,youwill
obtainAustraliancitizenshiponlyafteryouhavemadethepledgeofcommitment
andhavebeenissuedwithEvidenceofAustralianCitizenshipfromtheDepartment
ofImmigrationandCitizenship(DIAC).
Forinformationontheeligibilityrequirementsandapplicationprocessfor
Australiancitizenship,studentsshouldvisitDIACscitizenshipwebsiteat
www.citizenship.gov.auorphonetheCitizenship Information Line on13 18 80.
You should allow sufcient time or your application or Australian citizenship
to be considered i you are intending to become an Australian citizen beore
you enrol in a course o study.
Residency requirements
TodeterminewhetheryouareresidentinAustraliaforthedurationofyourunit,
anyperiodofresidenceoutsideAustraliawillbedisregardedif:
a) itcannotreasonablyberegardedasindicatinganintentiontoresideoutside
Australiaforthedurationoftheunit;or
b) itisrequiredforthepurposeofcompletingarequirementofthatunit.
Youwillnotmeettheresidencyrequirementsifyourapprovedproviderreasonably
expectsthatyouwillnotbeinAustraliaundertakinganyunitscontributingtothecourseofstudyinwhichyouareenrolled.
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2.4 Full ee paying students and subsidised studentsTobeeligibleforVETFEE-HELPyouneedtobeenrolledasafullfeepaying
studentorbestudyinginareformstateorterritoryaseitherafullfeepaying
studentorasubsidisedstudent.Youcancontactyourapprovedproviderfor
moreinformationonreformstatesandterritoriesorvisittheDEEWRwebsiteat
www.deewr.gov.au/veteehelp .
Full ee paying students
Afullfeepayingstudentisastudentenrolledinacourseofstudyatanapproved
providerwhichisnotsubsidisedbytheStateGovernment.
Subsidised students
Asubsidisedstudentisastudentenrolledinacourseforwhichtheapproved
providergetsStateGovernmentfunding.
SubsidisedstudentsareonlyeligibleforVETFEE-HELPiftheyareboth:
studyingforadiplomaoradvanceddiploma;and
studyingwithanapprovedproviderinareformstateorterritory.
2.5 Previous study
Previousqualicationsandstudyresultsdonotaffectyoureligibilityfor
VETFEE-HELP.
2.6 What is the FEE-HELP limit?
TheFEE-HELPlimitisthemaximumamountyoucanborrowthrough
VETFEE-HELP(orFEE-HELP)overyourlifetime.
AnyamountborrowedundereitherschemewillreduceyourFEE-HELPbalance
untilyourFEE-HELPlimitisreached.OnceyouhavereachedtheFEE-HELPlimit
(theindexedamountfortherelevantyear)youwillnotbeabletoreceivefurther
VETFEE-HELP(orFEE-HELP)topaytuitionfeesevenifyouhavepartiallyorfully
repaidyourFEE-HELPloan.
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VET FEE-HELP information 2012 5
TheFEEHELPlimitin2012is$112,134formedicine,dentistryandveterinary
sciencestudents(asdenedintheHigher Education Support Act 2003)and
$89,706forallotherstudents.
This limit is indexed on 1 January each year and excludes any loan ee.
2.7 Do my assets or income aect my eligibility or
VET FEE-HELP?
No.Yourassetsorincome,orthoseofyourpartnerorfamily,donotaffectyour
eligibilityforVETFEE-HELP.However,yourincomewilldeterminewhenyoumake
acompulsoryrepaymentonyourdebt(see section 7).
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3. Paying for my stUdy and Vet fee-helP
3.1 How do I pay my tuition ees?
YourapprovedVETFEE-HELPprovider(approvedprovider)setsthetuitionfeeand
paymentdeadline(i.e.thecensusdateoradministrativedatesee section 3.2)
foreachunit.Thefeesarepublishedonyourapprovedproviderswebsite.
IfyouareeligibleforVETFEE-HELP,youhavethreepaymentoptions:
paythefulltuitionfeeup-fronttoyourapprovedprovider,sothatyoudo
notuseaVETFEE-HELPloan;
paysomeofthetuitionfeeup-fronttoyourapprovedproviderandrequest
aVETFEE-HELPloanfortheremainder;or
requestaVETFEE-HELPloanforthefulltuitionfee.
Notethatyoudonthavetochoosethesameoptionforallyourunits.
AslongasyouhavesuccessfullysubmittedaRequest or VET FEE-HELP
assistanceformtocoveryourcourse(see section 4),youwillautomaticallyreceiveaVETFEE-HELPloanforwhateveramountofyourtuitionfeesyouhavenot
paidup-frontbythecensusdate.IfyouuseaVETFEE-HELPloan,theAustralian
Governmentpaysyouroutstandingtuitionfeesdirectlytoyourapprovedprovider
onyourbehalf.
3.2 Whats the dierence between the census date and the
administrative date?
ThecensusdateisthelastdaytosubmityourRequest or VET FEE-HELPassistanceformortowithdrawyourenrolmentwithoutincurringatuitionfee
oraVETFEE-HELPdebtforthatunit.Theapprovedprovidersetsthisdate,soit
variesacrossthedifferentapprovedprovidersandcourses.
Someapprovedprovidersalsosetanadministrativedate(beforethecensusdate)by
whichtheywantyoutosubmityourformorwithdrawyourenrolment.Ifyoumiss
thisdateyoumayhavetopayalateenrolmentfeeoralatewithdrawalfee,butyou
canstill(bythecensusdate)submityourapplicationforaloanorwithdrawfroma
unitwithoutincurringthenancialcostanddebtassociatedwiththeunit.Checkwithyourapprovedprovidertoseewhenthecensusdateisandiftheyhave
anadministrativedateaswell.
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3.3 What VET FEE-HELP doesnt coverVETFEE-HELPisfortuitionfeesonly.Itdoesnotcoveraccommodation,general
livingexpensesorfeesforanythingotherthantuition.
However,youmaybeabletogetincomesupportthroughYouthAllowance,
Austudy,ABSTUDYorPensionerEducationSupplement(see Contacts).
3.4 Your FEE-HELP balance
YourFEE-HELPbalanceistheamountofVETFEE-HELP(orFEE-HELP)youcanstillborrowbeforeyoureachtheFEE-HELPlimit.
YouareresponsibleforkeepingtrackofyourFEE-HELPbalanceandlettingyour
approvedproviderknowifyoudonothaveenoughlefttocoveryourtuitionfees.
ForinformationonhowtokeeptrackofyourFEE-HELPbalance,see section 5.
IfyouenrolinaunitandthetuitionfeeexceedsyourFEE-HELPbalance,you
willhavetopaytheremainderup-fronttoyourapprovedprovider.Otherwise
yourapprovedprovidermayhavetocancelyourenrolmentifyouhavefeesthat
areunpaid.
VET FEE-HELP loan + FEE-HELP loan = FEE-HELP debt incurred
FEE-HELP limit FEE-HELP debt incurred = FEE-HELP balance
3.5 Is there a loan ee or VET FEE-HELP loans?
ThereisnoapplicationfeeforaVETFEE-HELPloan.
However,ifyouareafullfeepayingstudentyouwillbechargedaloanfeeof20%.ThisisincludedinyourVETFEE-HELPdebtbutdoesnotcounttowardsyour
FEE-HELPbalance.TheloanfeedoesnotcounttowardsyourFEE-HELPlimit.
TheloanfeeiscalculatedagainsttheamountofVETFEE-HELPassistancethatyou
receivefortheunit.Forexample,ifyoutakeoutaVETFEE-HELPloanof$500for
yourunitofstudy,yourloanfeewillbe$100(500x0.20)andyourVETFEE-HELP
debtwillbe$600.However,astheloanfeeisnotincludedinyourFEE-HELPlimit,
yourFEE-HELPbalancewillonlydecreaseby$500.
TheamountofyourloanfeewillbeshownonyourCommonwealthAssistance
Notice(see section 5.2).
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Students who will not incur a VET FEE-HELP loan eeIfyouareenrolledasasubsidisedstudent(see section 2.4)inareformstate
orterritory(contactyourapprovedproviderorvisittheDEEWRwebsiteat
www.deewr.gov.au/veteehelp formoreinformationonthis)youwillnotbe
chargedaloanfee.
ThereisnointerestchargedonyourVETFEE-HELPdebt.However,yourdebtis
indexedannuallybytheAustralianTaxationOfcetomaintainitsrealvalue.
3.6 Are my tuition ees tax deductible?
Youmaybeabletoclaimyourtuitionfeesasataxdeductionregardlessof
whetheryouusedaVETFEE-HELPloantopaythem,orpaidup-front.Tuitionfees
maybetaxdeductibleiftherewasadirectconnectionbetweenyourstudiesand
yourworkactivitiesatthetimeyoupaidforyourcourse.
Formoreinformation,checkwiththeAustralianTaxationOfce
(see Contacts).
Theloanfeeandanyrepaymentsyoumakearenottaxdeductible.
See section 7formoreinformationonrepayingyourVETFEE-HELPdebt.
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4. hoW do i aPPly for Vet fee-helP?
4.1 Submitting your application
Foryourapplicationtobesuccessful,youmust:
beenrolledintheeligibleunitofstudybythecensusdatefortheunit
(see section 3.2);
meetthetaxlenumberrequirements(see section 4.4);and
havesubmittedaRequest or VET FEE-HELP assistanceformbythecensusdate
foryourunitofstudy(see sections 3.2 and 4.2).
4.2 Request for VET FEE-HELP assistanceorm
TheRequest or VET FEE-HELP assistanceformisonlyavailablefromanapproved
VETFEE-HELPprovider(approvedprovider).
Thecensusdateisthelastdayyoucansubmitthecompletedform.However,bear
inmindthatyourapprovedprovidermayrequireyoutosubmityourformbytheadministrativedate(see section 3.2).Checkwithyourapprovedprovidertomake
surethatyousubmityourformbythecorrectdate.
Ifyoumissthecensusdateforsubmittingyourform,youwontbeabletoaccess
VETFEE-HELPforthatstudyperiod.
Someapprovedprovidersallowstudentstocompletetheirformonline.
Contactyourapprovedprovidertoseeifthisappliestoyou.Youcantsubmit
aphotocopiedorfaxedform.Ifyouneedhelpwithunderstanding,completing
orsubmittingtheform,contactyourapprovedprovider.
4.3 What you agree to by signing the orm
Whenyousignyourform,youareagreeingthat:
youhavereadthisbooklet,andtheform,andareawareofyourobligations
ifyouaccessaVETFEE-HELPloan;
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youwanttheAustralianGovernmenttolendyouwhateveramountofyourtuitionfeesyouhaventpaidbythecensusdatefortheunitsofstudycovered
bytheform,andtopaythistoyourapprovedprovideronyourbehalf;and
youwillbeginrepayingtheloan,includingtheloanfeeifapplicable,through
thetaxsystemwhenyourincomeinanancialyearisabovethethresholdfor
compulsoryrepayment(see section 7.2).
4.4 Do I have to provide my tax fle number (TFN)?
YouneedtoprovideyourTFNonyourformorattachaCertifcate o applicationor a tax fle numbertoyourformifyouwanttouseaVETFEE-HELPloan.
4.5 What i I dont have a tax fle number (TFN)?
IfyoudontalreadyhaveaTFN,youwillneedtocompleteaTax fle number
application or enquiry or an individualform,availablefromtheAustralianTaxation
Ofce(ATO).ForinformationonhowtoapplyforaTFN,orifyoucannotndyour
TFN,contacttheATO(see Contacts).
ATFNisusuallysuppliedwithin28 daysofsubmittingtheTax fle number
application or enquiry or an individualform.YoushouldapplyforyourTFNasearly
aspossibletomakesureitarrivesbeforethecensusdate(orearlieradministrative
date)whenyouneedtosubmityourform.
IfyouhaveappliedforaTFNbuthavenotreceiveditwithin10 daysbeforethis
deadline,youshouldrequestaCertifcate o application or a tax fle numberfrom
theATOandgiveittoyourapprovedproviderasproofthatyouhaveapplied.
YoucangetthiscerticatebyvisitinganATOshopfrontorbycontactingtheATO
(see Contacts).
Youhave21 daysfromthedaytheATOissuesyouaTFNtogiveittoyour
approvedprovider.
4.6 When is the closing date or requesting VET FEE-HELP
assistance?
Youneedtosubmitthecompletedformtoyourapprovedproviderbythecensus
datefortheunitsyouarerequestingVETFEE-HELPfor.Ifyourunitshavedifferentcensusdates,youneedtosubmityourformbytheearliestcensusdate.Check
withyourapprovedproviderifyoudontknowthecensusdatesforyourcourse.
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Ifyoumissthecensusdateforsubmittingyourform,youwontbeabletogetaVETFEE-HELPloanforthatstudyperiod.
4.7 What i I change my course or my approved provider?
Ifyouchangeyourcourseorapprovedprovideryouwillneedtosubmitanew
formforeachcoursethatyouwantVETFEE-HELPfor.
Youalsoneedtoofciallywithdrawfromanyunitsyouhaveenrolledinanddonot
wanttocontinuewithsothatyoudonotincuraVETFEE-HELPdebtaswithdrawal
willnotautomaticallyhappenwhenyoutransfertoanothercourseorapproved
provider.Contactyourapprovedproviderforinformationonhowtowithdraw
yourenrolmentcorrectly(see section 6).
Ifyouwithdrawafteryouroriginalapprovedproviderscensusdate,orifyoudo
notwithdrawcorrectly,youwillincuraVETFEE-HELPdebtforthatstudyperiod
andyouwillloseanyup-frontpaymentsofyourtuitionfeesforthoseunitsof
studyaswell.
4.8 What i I change my mind about studying?
Ifyouchangeyourmindaboutstudyingyouhaveuntilthecensusdateto
withdrawfromtheunitsyouareenrolledinwithoutincurringaVETFEE-HELP
debtforyourunpaidfees.
Youcaneithercancelyourform(see section 4.9)orwithdrawyourenrolment
ineachunitofstudy(see section 6).
Besuretofollowyourapprovedproviderswithdrawalprocesstomakesurethat
youwithdrawcorrectlybeforethecensusdate.Ifyouneedhelpwiththisprocess,
contactthestudentadministrationareaatyourapprovedprovider.
4.9 What i I change my mind about wanting VET FEE-HELP?
IfyouchangeyourmindaboutwantingaVETFEE-HELPloanforastudyperiod,you
dontnecessarilyneedtocancelyourform.Allyouneedtodoispayyourfulltuition
feesup-frontbythecensusdatefortherelevantstudyperiodsothatyouwillhave
nooutstandingamountlefttobepaidwithaVETFEE-HELPloan.Ifyoucorrectlycancelorwithdrawyourenrolmentbeforethecensusdate,youshouldnotincur
aVETFEE-HELPdebtforthatstudyperiod(see section 6).
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YouwillonlyincuraVETFEE-HELPdebtifafterthecensusdateyou: arestillenrolledinunitscoveredbyyourform;and
haventpaidyourfulltuitionfeesfortheseunitsup-front.
Ifyouhavenotpaidyourtuitionfeesforaunitofstudyandyouwanttomake
surethatyoudonotincuraVETFEE-HELPdebtforthatunit,youneedtocancel
anyformthatcoverstheunitbythecensusdateforthatunit.Contactthestudent
administrationareaatyourapprovedproviderformoreinformation.
4.10 Can I get VET FEE-HELP or more than one course?
YoucangetVETFEE-HELPformorethanonecourseaslongasyouhaveenough
FEE-HELPbalancetocoverit(see section 5.3).
Youwillneedtosubmitaseparateformforeachcourse,eveniftheyarewiththe
sameapprovedprovider.
YouareresponsibleformakingsureyouhaveenoughFEE-HELPbalancetocover
yourtuitionfees.Ifyoudonthaveenough,youneedtoletyourapproved
providerknowandmakealternativepaymentarrangements.
Ifyouarestudyingwithmorethanoneapprovedproviderandarenearingyour
FEE-HELPlimit(see section 2.6),youneedtonotifyeachapprovedproviderofthe
amountofFEE-HELPbalanceyouhaveleftandhowyouwillpayforyourtuition
feesateachapprovedprovider.
Otherwise,yourapprovedprovidermaycancelyourenrolmentifsomeofyour
tuitionfeesareunpaid.
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5. keePing track of yoUr Vet fee-helP
5.1 Your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support
Number (CHESSN)
Yourtertiar yadmissionscentreorapprovedVETFEE-HELPprovider(approved
provider)willallocateyouaCHESSNaspartoftheadmissionsapplicationprocess.
TheCHESSNisauniqueidentierthatremainswithyouthroughoutyourstudies
andafterwards.Ithelpsyou,approvedprovidersandtheAustralianGovernmentkeepuptodatewithinformationaboutanyCommonwealthassistancethatyou
mayhaveused.
YoucanuseyourCHESSN(andotherpersonalidentifyingdetails)tologintothe
myUniAssistdatabaseatwww.goingtouni.gov.au,whichprovidesinformation
abouthowmuchCommonwealthassistanceyouhaveused.Forexample,ifyou
areusingaVETFEE-HELPloantopayforyourstudies,myUniAssistwillrecordhow
muchVETFEE-HELPyouhaveusedforeachstudyperiod.
YouwillbenotiedofyourCHESSNinyourCommonwealthAssistanceNotice.
IfyouhaveanyquestionsorneedanyhelpwithyourCHESSN,pleasecontactyour
approvedprovider.
5.2 Your Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN)
Afterthecensusdateofeachstudyperiod,yourapprovedproviderwillsendyou
aCAN.Thisnoticemustbeissuedtoyouwithin28 daysofthecensusdateandit
willdetailinformationon:
theamountofVETFEE-HELPdebtyouhaveincurredforeachunityouare
enrolledinduringthatstudyperiod;and
anyVETFEE-HELPloanfeeyoumayhaveincurred.
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Is your CAN correct?YoushouldcheckthedetailsonyourCANcarefullytoensuretheyarecorrect.
Inparticular,makesure:
thetuitionfeesontheCANarethesameaswhatyouwereexpectingtopay
(youcancheckthisamountagainstaninvoiceortheinformationpublished
onyourapprovedproviderswebsite);andthat
theCANdoesntincludeanyunitsyoucorrectlywithdrewfrombythecensus
date(see section 3.2).
IfyouthinkthereareincorrectdetailsonyourCAN,youhave14 days(someapprovedprovidersmayallowmoretime)fromthedateoftheCANtosubmit
awrittenrequestforcorrection.
5.3 Check your FEE-HELP balance at myUniAssist
YoushouldkeepallCANsthataresenttoyousothatyouhavearecordofthetotal
amountoftuitionfeesthathavebeenpaidonyourbehalfusingVETFEE-HELP(and
FEE-HELP).ThiswillassistyoutokeeptrackofyourFEE-HELPbalancetoensureyou
haveenoughtopayyourtuitionfees.
YoucancheckyourFEE-HELPbalanceonmyUniAssistatwww.goingtouni.gov.au.
YouwillneedyourCHESSNtologin(see section 5.1).
Note: How to use the inormation on myUniAssist
ItisimportantthatstudentsunderstandthatDEEWRmustvalidatethedatasubmittedby
approvedproviderstoensureitiscorrectbeforeDEEWRcanuploadthatinformationfor
studentsonmyUniAssistandreportthatdatatotheAustralianTaxationOfce.
Giventhetimelag,youmayneedtoaddanyunitsyouhaverecentlyenrolledin/are
currentlyenrolledin(refertoyourCANfortherelevantstudyperiod)totheinformation
shownonmyUniAssisttodetermineyourentitlements.
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6. WithdraWing from stUdies
6.1 How do I withdraw rom a unit?
TowithdrawfromaunitwithoutusingupyourremainingFEE-HELPbalance,
incurringaVETFEE-HELPdebtfortheunitorlosinganup-fronttuitionfee
payment,youneedtocompleteyourapprovedVETFEE-HELPproviders(approved
providers)formalwithdrawalproceduresbythecensusdate(see section 3.2).
Youneedtocompletetheformalwithdrawalprocessforeveryunityouwanttowithdrawfrom,includinganyunitsinfuturestudyperiods.Ifthecourseyouare
withdrawingfrominvolvedenrollingwithmorethanoneapprovedprovider,you
needtoformallywithdrawfromcourseswitheachapprovedprovider.
Thecensusdateisnotthesamethingastheacademicwithdrawaldatethe
datesetbyyourapprovedproviderforwithdrawingfromaunitwithouthaving
afailgraderecordedonyouracademictranscript.
Themainpointsare:
yourformalwithdrawalneedstobeinwritingontheformrequiredbyyour
approvedprovider;
youneedtosubmitthisformintimeforittobedeliveredandprocessedby
thecensusdate;
youmayneedtowithdrawonlinecheckwithyourapprovedproviders
studentadministrationarea;and
keepacopyofyourwithdrawaldocumentationasconrmationthatyou
completedyourapprovedprovidersformalwithdrawalproceduresbythecensusdate.
Formoredetailsorifyouneedanyhelpwiththeprocess,contactyour
approvedprovider.
6.2 What happens i I withdraw by the census date?
Ifyouformallywithdrawfromaunitbythecensusdate,yourFEE-HELPbalance
willnotbereducedandyouwillnotincuraVETFEE-HELPdebtforthatunit.
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6.3 What happens i I withdraw ater the census date?Ifyouwithdrawfromaunitafterthecensusdate,yourFEE-HELPbalancewillbe
reducedandyouwillincuraVETFEE-HELPdebt.
Youcannottransferordeferthisdebttoanotherunitofstudy.
Ifyouwithdrawfromaunitafterthecensusdatebecauseyoubecomeseriouslyill
orbecauseofotherspecialcircumstances(see section 6.6)youcanapplytoyour
approvedprovidertohaveyourFEE-HELPbalanceforaunitre-creditedandany
VETFEE-HELPdebtfortheunitremoved.
6.4 Will changing my study load aect my eligibility or Youth
Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY or Pensioner Education
Supplement?
Itmay.YouneedtonotifyCentrelinkwithin14 daysafteryouchangeyour
studyload.Theywillthenassesswhetheryouremaineligibleforincomesupport.
Formoreinformation,contactCentrelink(see Contacts).
6.5 What happens i I ail a unit?
Ifyoufailaunit,youwillstillhavetopaythedebtforthatunit,regardlessof
whetheryouattendedanyclassesorwillrepeattheunit.Studentswhofailaunit
willberequiredtopayforthatunitasecondtimeiftheyundertakeitagain.
Incertainspecialcircumstances(see section 6.6)youcanapplytoyour
approvedprovidertohaveyourFEE-HELPbalanceforaunitre-creditedand
anyVETFEE-HELPdebtfortheunitremoved.
6.6 How can I apply to have my VET FEE-HELP debt removed
and my FEE-HELP balance re-credited under special
circumstances?
Ifyoufailaunit,underthespecialcircumstancesprovisions,youcanapplytoyour
approvedprovidertohaveyourVETFEE-HELPdebtremovedandyourFEE-HELP
balancere-credited.
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Yourapprovedproviderwillre-credityourFEE-HELPbalanceifitissatisedthatspecialcircumstancesappliedtoyouthatwere:
beyondyourcontrol;and
didnotmaketheirfullimpactonyouuntilonorafterthecensusdate;and
weresuchthattheymadeitimpracticableforyoutocompleteyourunit(s)ofstudyrequirements.
Yourapprovedproviderwilldecidewhethertore-credityourFEE-HELPbalanceinaccordancewiththerequirementsoftheHigher Education Support Act 2003
anditsassociatedguidelines.Youwillneedtoprovideindependentsupportingdocumentationtosupportyourclaimthatspecialcircumstancesoccurred.
Ifyouhavesuccessfullycompletedaunitofstudy,youcannotapplytohaveyourFEE-HELPbalancere-creditedandyourVETFEE-HELPdebtremoved.
How to apply
Youneedtoapplytoyourapprovedprovider.Yourapplicationmustindicatetheunit(s)ofstudyforwhichyouareseekingtohaveyourFEE-HELPbalance
re-credited(andyourVETFEE-HELPdebtremoved).Itmustalsodetailthespecialcircumstancesthatyoubelievemadeitimpracticableforyoutocompletethoseunits.Youshouldcontactyourapprovedprovidertondouthowtosubmitan
applicationunderthesecircumstances.
Time limit or applying
Yourapplicationmustreachyourapprovedproviderwithin12 monthsofyourwithdrawalday.
Thewithdrawaldayisthedayyourapprovedproviderspeciesinitsnoticetoyouasthedaythewithdrawaltakeseffect.Ifyouhavenotwithdrawn,yourwithdrawaldayisthelastdayoftheperiodinwhichyouweretoundertaketheunit.
Yourapprovedprovidermayextendthetimelimitifitissatisedthatitwasnot
possibleforyoutoapplywithinthe12months.
Can I appeal the decision?
Ifyouareunhappywithyourapprovedprovidersdecision,youmustapplytotheminwritingwithin28 days(ortheperiodallowedbyyourapprovedprovider)
forareviewoftheirdecision.Ifyouareunhappywiththerevieweddecision,youhave28 daystoapplytotheAdministrativeAppealsTribunal(AAT)foran
independentreview.Formoreinformation,visitwww.aat.gov.au.
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7. rePaying yoUr helP debt
7.1 What is a HELP debt?
YourHELPdebtismadeupofanyHECS-HELP,FEE-HELP,VETFEE-HELPorOS-HELPdebtsyouhaveincurred.Allofyourdebtsareaddedtogetherandarereferredto
asyouraccumulatedHELPdebt.
7.2 When do I start repaying my HELP debt?YouwillstartrepayingyouraccumulatedHELPdebtwhenyourrepaymentincomeisabovetheminimumcompulsory repayment threshold.Thisthresholdisadjustedeachincomeyear.Forthe201112incomeyearthethresholdis$47,195.
RepaymentsareforyouraccumulatedHELPdebt,notforeachindividualloanyoumayhaveused.
Evenifyouarestillstudying,ifyourrepaymentincomeisovertheminimumthresholdyouwillstartrepayingyourHELPdebt.
TheAustralianTaxOfce(ATO)worksoutyourrepaymentincomefromtheamountsgivenonyourincometaxreturnfor:
yourtaxableincome;
reportablefringebenets(reported on your payment summary);
totalnetinvestmentloss(whichincludesnetrentallosses);
reportablesupercontributions;and
exemptforeignemploymentincomeamounts.
Formoreinformationonthis,contacttheATO(see Contacts).
YoucanalsomakevoluntaryrepaymentsofyourHELPdebt(see section 7.9).
7.3 How much will my repayments be?
Theamountyourepayeachyearisapercentageofyourrepaymentincome.Thepercentageincreasesasyourincomeincreases.TheATOwillcalculateyourcompulsoryrepaymentfortheyearandincludeitonyourincometaxnotice
ofassessment.
Therepaymentthresholdsareadjustedeachyeartoreectanychangeinaverage
weeklyearnings.
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Table 1: 201112 repayment rates
Repayment incomeRepayment rate
(% o repayment income)
Below$47,196 Nil
$47,196$52,572 4.0%
$52,573-$57,947 4.5%
$57,948-$60,993 5.0%
$60,994-$65,563 5.5%
$65,564-$71,006 6.0%
$71,007-$74,743 6.5%
$74,744-$82,253 7.0%
$82,254-$87,649 7.5%
$87,650andabove 8.0%
Compulsoryrepaymentscontinueuntilyouhaverepaidyourwholedebt.
Yourcompulsoryrepaymentincreasesasyourrepaymentincomeincreases.Themoreyouearn,thehigheryourrepayment.Yourcompulsoryrepayment
isbasedonyourincomealone,nottheincomeofyourparentsorspouse.
CompulsoryrepaymentscontinueuntilyouhaverepaidyourHELPdebt.
YoumuststartrepayingyourHELPdebtwhenyourrepaymentincomeisabove
theminimumrepaymentthreshold,evenifyouarestillstudying.
Example
Heathstaxableincomeforthe201112incomeyearis$47,820.Inhisincometax
return,heclaimsatotalnetinvestmentlossof$2,250andhasatotalreportable
fringebenetsamountof$3,890,areportablesupercontributionamountof
$1,500andanexemptforeignemploymentincomeamountof$2,580.
Heathsrepaymentincomeis:
$47,820+$2,250+$3,890+$1,500+$2,580=$58,040.
Heathscompulsoryrepaymentfor2011-12is:$58,040x5.0%=$2,902.
IfthecalculatedrepaymentismorethanthebalanceofyouraccumulatedHELPdebt,youonlypaythebalance.
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7.4 Is interest charged on my debt?Youarenotchargedinterestonyourdebt.However,youraccumulatedHELPdebt
isadjusted(indexed)on1 JuneeachyeartoreectchangesintheConsumerPrice
Index(CPI).Indexationmaintainstherealvalueofthedebtbyadjustingitinline
withchangesinthecostoflivingasmeasuredbytheCPI.Theindexationgureis
calculatedeachyearaftertheMarchCPIisreleased.Youcanndoutcurrentand
pastindexationratesfromtheATOwebsite.
HELPdebtsarenotindexeduntiltheyaremorethan11monthsold.
AnydebtyouincurbetweenJanuary2012andJune2012willbeindexedon
1June2013andtheindexedamountwillbecomepartofyouraccumulated
HELPdebt.
AnydebtyouincurbetweenJuly2012andDecember2012willbeindexedon
1June2014andwillalsobecomepartofyouraccumulatedHELPdebt.
7.5 Repayments rom job, beneft or superannuation incomeIfyouearnincomefromajob,benetorcompensationpayments,or
superannuation,youremployerorotherpayermaywithholdamountsfromyour
paytocoveryourcompulsoryHELPrepayment.
YouneedtoadviseyourpayerifyouhaveanaccumulatedHELPdebtonaTax fle
number (TFN) declaration or Withholding declarationform.IfyoudohaveaHELP
debt,yourpayerhastowithholdadditionalamountsfromyourpayonceyou
earnovertheminimumrepaymentthreshold.
TheadditionalamountswithheldaretocoveranycompulsoryHELPrepayment
youmayhavetomakefortheyear.TheyarenotcreditedtoyourHELPaccount,
butformpartofthetotaltaxwithheldshownonyourannualPAYG payment
summaryandonyourincometaxnoticeofassessmentatPAYGcreditsandother
entitlements.Yourcompulsoryrepaymentwillnotbecalculateduntilyourincome
taxreturnforthatyearisprocessed.Ifyouhadtoomuchwithheldduringtheyear
andyouhavenootheroutstandingdebts,theATOwillrefundtheexcesstoyou.
Payments rom more than one payer
Ifyouearnmorethantherepaymentthresholdforanincomeyearfromallyour
jobs,acompulsoryrepaymentmaybeincludedonyournextnoticeofassessment.
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Youcanaskoneormoreofyourpayerstowithholdadditionalamountstocoveranycompulsoryrepayment.Todothis,completeaWithholding declaration
upwards variationform(availablefromtheATO).
Holiday or temporary jobs
Ifyouhaveaholidayortemporaryjobandyouearnovertheweeklyminimum
repaymentthresholdbutyourrepaymentincomeforthewholeincomeyearisnot
abovetheannualminimumrepaymentthreshold,youcanapplytotheATOtoget
yourpayertostopwithholdingadditionalamountsforyourHELPdebt.Youwill
needtosubmitaPAYG withholding variation application 2012form(availablefromtheATO).Youcanlodgeyourapplicationelectronicallyatwww.ato.gov.au.
No compulsory repayment required because o low amily income
IfyourfamilyincomeislowenoughtoentitleyoutoareductionoftheMedicare
levyoryoudonothavetopaytheMedicarelevy,youwillnothavetomakea
compulsoryHELPrepaymentforthatyear.YoucansubmitaMedicare levy variation
declarationform(availablefromtheATO)toyourpayerandtheywill
stopwithholdingadditionalamountsforthatyear.
7.6 Repayments rom business or investment income
IfyouusethePAYGinstalmentssystemtomakepaymentstowardsyourexpected
taxliabilityonyourbusinessandinvestmentincomeforthecurrentincomeyear,
theATOwillnotifyyouofaninstalmentamountandratethattakesintoaccount
anyaccumulatedHELPdebt.
7.7 What i I disagree with my compulsory repayment?
Youshouldcheckallthedetailsonyourincometaxnoticeofassessmentagainst
thedetailsinyourincometaxreturn.Ifyouthinkthereisaproblem,contactthe
ATO.Whenyouphone,haveyournoticeofassessmentand,ifpossible,acopyof
yourincometaxreturnwithyou.
IfafterspeakingtotheATOyoustillbelievethatthedetailsonyournoticeof
assessmentarewrong,youcanrequestanamendmentorlodgeanobjection.
ContacttheATOforinformationonhowtodothis(see Contacts).
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7.8 What i I have difculties making my compulsoryrepayment?
Ifyoubelievethatmakingyourcompulsoryrepaymentwouldcauseyouserious
hardshiporthatthereareotherspecialreasonswhyyoushouldnothavetomake
acompulsoryrepayment,youmayapplytotheATOtohavethatamount(orpart
ofit)deferred.TodothisyouneedtocompletetheformDeerring your compulsory
HELP, HECS or Financial Supplement repayment(availablefromtheATOwebsite).The
formasksforadetailedstatementofyourhouseholdincomeandexpenditureto
justifyyourclaimofserioushardship.TherearetimelimitsforapplyingtodeferyourcompulsoryHELPrepayment,
dependingontheincomeyear.Thereisatwoyeartimelimitonapplyingfora
defermentofyourcompulsoryHELPrepaymentfromthe2005-06incomeyear
andonwards.YoucanapplytodeferyourcompulsoryHECSrepayment(i.e.
relatingtoadebtfromthe200405incomeyearandearlier)atanytime.
TheATOwillwritetosaywhetheryourapplicationissuccessful.Ifyouareunhappy
withthedecision,youmayapply(within28 daysafterthedayyoureceivenotice
ofthedecision)tohaveitreviewed.
If,afterthereview,youstillbelievetheATOhasmadethewrongdecision,
youmaythenapplytotheAdministrativeAppealsTribunal(AAT)forareview.
YouneedtolodgeyourapplicationwiththeAATwithin28 daysaftertheday
youreceivetheletteradvisingyouoftheoutcomeofthereview.
Formoreinformationonapplyingtodeferacompulsoryrepayment,including
timelimits,contacttheATO(see Contacts).
7.9 Can I make voluntary repayments?
Yes.YoucanmakeavoluntaryrepaymenttotheATOatanytimeandforany
amount.MakingavoluntaryrepaymentreducesyourHELPdebtimmediately.
Voluntaryrepaymentsareinadditiontocompulsoryrepayments.Theyare
nonrefundable.
Youmaystillhavetomakeacompulsoryrepaymentaftermaking
avoluntaryrepayment.
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7.10 Can I get a bonus or voluntary repayments?
Changes to the HELP bonus or voluntary repayments
TheAustralianGovernmenthasannouncedareductionintheHELPbonusforvoluntaryrepaymentsof$500ormorefrom10%to5%from1January2012,subjecttothepassageofthelegislation.
Refertowww.deewr.gov.au/veteehelp forup-to-dateinformationonthestatusofthelegislation.
Ifyoumakeavoluntaryrepaymentof$500ormore,youwillreceiveabonusof10%.Thismeansyouraccountwillbecreditedwithanadditional10%ofyourpayment.Thebonusis10%ofthepaymentthatyoumake,not10%oftheoutstandingdebt.Youwillnotreceiveabonusonrepaymentamountsthataremorethanthebalanceofyouraccount.
Toworkouthowmuchyouneedtorepayyourtotaloutstandingdebt,divideyour
totaldebtby1.10.
ExampleVanessahasadebtof$5,250andmakesa$2,500voluntaryrepayment.With
the10%bonus,thevalueofherrepaymentis:$2,750($2,500x1.10).
Vanessastotaldebtisreducedto:$2,500($5,250$2,750).
Vanessasbonusamountis:$250($2,750-$2,500).
IfyouhaveanyHELPdebtsthathavenotbeenreportedtotheATOatthetimeyoumakethevoluntaryrepayment,the10%bonuswillbereversedoradjustedoncethosedebtsaretransferredtoyouraccount.
ThereisusuallyadelaybetweenthecensusdateforaunitofstudyandwhentheATOreceivesandrecordsyourdebtforthatunit.ContacttheATOifyouwanttomakeavoluntaryrepaymentagainstadebtforaunityouhaveonlyrecentlyenrolledin.
Youmaybenetfrommakingavoluntaryrepaymentbeforeindexationisappliedon1 June.Ifyouwanttodothis,allowenoughtimeforthepaymenttobe
receivedandprocessedtoyouraccountbefore1 June.
Ifyouwanttopayoffyourtotaldebtwithavoluntaryrepayment,youshouldmaketherepaymentbeforeyoulodgeyourincometaxreturn,otherwisea
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compulsoryrepaymentmaybeincludedinyourincometaxnoticeofassessmentandyoumaynotreceivethe10%bonus.
7.11 How do I make a voluntary repayment?
Thereareseveralwaysyoucanmakeavoluntaryrepayment.Youwillneedyour
PaymentReferenceNumber(PRN)tomakeavoluntaryrepayment.
What is my Payment Reerence Number?
YourPRNisyourcustomerreferencenumber.Itisprintedonthefrontofyourpaymentsliporonyouraccountinformationstatement.IfyoupayusingBPAY,
creditcardordirectcredityouwillneedthisnumber.
Electronic payments
YoucanmakeelectronicpaymentsthroughBPAYordirectcredit.TodothisyouwillneedthePRNprintedonthefrontofyourpaymentsliporonyouraccountinformationstatement.
Paymentsmadeoutofhoursoronaweekendorpublicholidaywillnotreachthe
ATOuntilthenextworkingday.IfyouwantthepaymenttoreachtheATObyaspecicdateyoushouldcheckprocessingtimeswithyourbank.
BPAY
DetailsyouwillneedtomakeapaymenttotheATOusingBPAYthrough
telephoneorinternetbanking:
Billercode: 75556Reference: Your PRN
RegisteredtoBPAYPTYLTDABN69079137518
Creditcard
Creditcardpaymentscanbemadeonlineorbyphone.TomakeacreditcardpaymenttotheATOyouwillneed:
acurrentVisa,MasterCardorAmericanExpresscard;and
yourPRN.
Acreditcardfeeappliestotransactionsmadeusingthecreditcardpaymentservice.
Tomakecreditcardpaymentsonlineorforfurtherinformationgotowww.ato.gov.au/howtopay.
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Tomakecreditcardpaymentsbyphonecall1300 898 089.
Directcredit
DetailsyouwillneedtomakeapaymenttotheATOthroughanonlinedirectcredittransferfromyourbankaccount:
Bank: Reserve Bank o AustraliaBSBnumber: 093 003Accountnumber: 316 385Accountname: ATO direct credit account
Reference: Your PRN
IfyoucannotndyourPRN,contacttheATO.
YoucanmailyourchequeormoneyordertotheATO.ChequesandmoneyordersshouldbeinAustraliandollarsandpayabletoDeputyCommissionerofTaxation.ChequesshouldbecrossedNotNegotiableandmustnotbepost-dated.
Donotsendcashthroughthemailorusepins,staples,paperclipsoradhesivetape.
Youneedtoincludeyourpaymentslip(seebelow)oranotethatstatesyour:
fullname,addressandtelephonenumber;
accountidentier:taxlenumber,Australianbusinessnumberorclientidenticationnumber;and
paymenttype:HELP.
IfyouliveinWA,SA,NT,TASorVIC,usethisaddress:
AustralianTaxationOfce
LockedBag1936ALBURYNSW1936
IfyouliveinNSW,ACTorQLD,usethisaddress:
AustralianTaxationOfceLockedBag1793
PENRITHNSW1793
AustraliaPost
Ifyouhavepre-printedpaymentslipswithabarcode,youcanpayinpersonatany
AustraliaPostoutlet.
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A$3,000limitappliestocashpayments.EFTPOSpaymentsaresubjecttodailywithdrawallimits.
ChequesandmoneyordersshouldbeinAustraliandollarsandpayabletoDeputy
CommissionerofTaxation.ChequesshouldbecrossedNotNegotiableandmust
notbepost-dated.
Orderabookofpaymentslips
YoucanorderabookletofpaymentslipsbyphoningtheATOon13 28 65.Youwill
needtogiveyourtaxlenumber.
Paying rom overseas
BPAY
IfyouhaveanAustralianbankaccountyoucanmakepaymentsusing
BPAYthroughphoneorinternetbanking.
Detailsyouwillneed:
Billercode: 75556
Reference: Your PRN
Creditcard
TopaybycreditcardyourequireacurrentVisa,MasterCardorAmericanExpresscard
andyourPRN.Paymentsfromoverseascanonlybemadeusingtheonlineservice.
DirectcreditthroughSWIFTorbymail
Forinformationaboutthesepaymentoptions:
visitwww.ato.gov.au/howtopay; phone+61 2 6216 1111andasktobeconnectedtoextension87811ATO
PaymentHelpdesk(8:00am5:00pm,MondaytoFriday);or
7.12 Are my repayments tax deductible?
Voluntaryrepaymentsmadebyyouorsomeoneotherthanyourpayerarenot
taxdeductible.Yourpayermaybeabletoclaimataxdeductionforvoluntary
repaymentsitmakesonyourbehalfbutitmayalsobeliableforfringebenets
taxontherepayments.
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VET FEE-HELP information 2012 27
7.13 What happens to my debt i I die?Yourestatehastopayanyoutstandingcompulsor yrepaymentrelatingtothe
periodbeforeyourdeath,buttheremainderofyouraccumulatedHELPdebt
iscancelled.
7.14 What happens to my debt i I go bankrupt?
YoustillhavetopayyouraccumulatedHELPdebtasifyouhadnotbeen
declaredbankrupt.
7.15 Where can I get inormation on my HELP account?
AtanytimeoftheyearyoucanphonetheATOtogetyouraccountbalanceor
requestastatement.
YourstatementissenttoyourlatesthomeaddressshownonATOrecordsor,ifthe
ATOdoesnthaveyourhomeaddress,tothepostaladdressonyourlatestincome
taxreturn.
Toprotecttheprivacyofyourinformation,theATOneedstoverifyyouridentity
beforeitcangivedetailsofyouraccounttoyouoverthephone.Todothis,you
needtogiveoneofthefollowing:
yourtaxlenumber;
yourAustralianBusinessNumber;or
yourname.
Ifyouhaveeverlodgedanincometaxreturn,youneedtogivethreeofthe
followingidentiers.Ifyouhaveneverlodgedanincometaxreturn,youneedtosupplyonlytwoofthefollowingidentiers:
yourdateofbirth;
youraddress(business,residential,postaloremail)ortelephonenumber;
yourcurrentbankaccountdetails;
detailsfromanATOletterornoticesenttoyouwithinthelastveyears;or
yourATOaccountdetailse.g.balance,amountofanyrefund,paymentor
interestimposed,amountandfrequencyofapaymentarrangement,orPAYG
instalmentamountorrate.
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contacts
Your approved VET FEE-HELP provider
They can help you with:
enrolments;
tuitionfees;
theircensusdatesandadministrativedates;
withdrawals;
applyingforVETFEE-HELP;
gettingyourFEE-HELPbalancere-creditedandyourVETFEE-HELPdebt
removedunderspecialcircumstances;
grievanceproceduresforstudentcomplaints;and
theCommonwealthHigherEducationStudentSupportNumber(CHESSN).
Department o Education, Employment and Workplace Relations(DEEWR)
They can help you with:
VETFEE-HELPandothercomponentsoftheHigherEducationLoanProgram
(HELP);and
otherformsofAustralianGovernmentassistance.
How to contact DEEWR:
visittheVETFEE-HELPwebsiteatwww.deewr.gov.au/veteehelp ;
callthestudentenquirylineon 13 38 73;
callthestudentenquirylineon1800 554 609TTYforhearingimpaired
andspeechimpairedstudents;or
logontomyUniAssistforthebalanceofyourentitlementsat
www.goingtouni.gov.au.
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VET FEE-HELP information 2012 29
Australian Taxation Ofce (ATO)
How to contact the ATO:
visitwww.ato.gov.au;
call1300 720 092togetthebookletRepaying your HELP debt in 201112;
call13 28 61forHELPandgeneraltaxinformation;
calltheHigherEducationLoanAccountsUniton1300 650 225forspecic
queriesaboutyouraccount;or
Call133 677TTYor1300 555 727TTYforhearingimpairedandspeechimpairedstudents.
Ifyouhaveataxlenumber,pleasehaveitreadybeforeyoucalltheATO.
Addresswrittencorrespondence(notvoluntaryrepayments)to:
AustralianTaxationOfce
POBox1032
ALBURYNSW2640
Centrelink
How to contact Centrelink:
visitwww.centrelink.gov.au;
callYouthandStudentServiceson13 24 90forinformationonYouth
Allowance,AustudyandPensionerEducationSupplement;
call13 23 17forinformationonABSTUDY;
call1800 639 109forABSTUDYTTYpaymentenquiries; call1800 810 586forotherTTYpaymentenquiries;or
call13 12 02forinformationinlanguagesotherthanEnglish.
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Department o Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
They can help you with:
visas;or
Australiancitizenship.
How to contact DIAC:
visitwww.immi.gov.auforvisainformation;
visitwww.citizenship.gov.auforcitizenshipinformation;
call13 18 81forvisaenquiries;or
call13 18 80forcitizenshipenquiries.
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Cpy
Commonwealth o Australia 2011
ISSN 1449-9282
This work is copyright. Apar t rom any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part
may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission rom the Commonwealth.
Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the
Commonwealth Copyright Administration, Attorney Generals Department, Robert GarranOfces, National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 or posted at http://www.ag.gov.au/cca.
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