Accommodation Supplement (type of accommodation) payment error

We've found an error where some people's Accommodation Supplement was paid incorrectly when they moved between renting, boarding and living in their own home. This means we owe some people money and others were overpaid.

Who's affected by this error

You may be affected if you:

  • got Accommodation Supplement from us before December 2014, and
  • moved between renting, boarding and living in your own home.

If you've been overpaid you don't have to pay the money back because it was our mistake. Our error will not affect any future payments you might get from us.

Check if you or someone else is owed money

If you:

  • currently get payments from us and were owed money because of this error, you were paid automatically in November 2016.
  • used to get payments from us, you can use the payment errors enquiry form to check if you're owed money. Our staff can't tell you if you're owed money or how much it is.

You can also use the 'Payment errors enquiry' form to enquire for someone else if:

  • they're not a current client
  • a person has died.
Information to make an enquiry for someone else
Information to make an enquiry for someone who has died

The form will check if you (or the person you're enquiring for) are owed money. It won't say how much you're owed. We'll write to tell you that.

 

Payment errors enquiry form

Using the enquiry form overseas

At this stage the enquiry tool can only be accessed from Australia and New Zealand.

If you're getting a benefit or allowance from us, they won't be affected for 12 months from when we pay you the money we owe.

If you:

  • still have this money after 12 months, you'll need to tell us and it will be counted for any benefits or payments that are asset tested
  • invest the money you get and earn interest, after 12 months you'll need to tell us and this will be counted as income.

Your payment won't affect your Working for Families payment because Accommodation Supplement payments aren't counted as income for Working for Families.

You won't have to pay tax on this payment because Accommodation Supplement payments aren't taxable. Any income you earn on it (for example, interest) will be taxable.

If you don't understand or agree with a decision we've made, please talk with us so we can explain it.

You have the right to ask us to review a decision you think is wrong. You can use the application form on our website, or write to us. We need to get your request within 3 months.

If you have a good reason why you can't ask us to review a decision within 3 months, get in touch. We may still be able to review the decision.

You can find out more on the review of a decision page of our website, or you can give us a call on 0800 559 009

Get a decision reviewed