How to apply to the SSAT for review of a Centrelink decision
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How to Apply
Applications for review of Centrelink decisions can be lodged with the SSAT over the telephone, in writing (using an SSAT application form or by sending an email to the SSAT) or in person at any SSAT registry.
Applications for review of Centrelink decisions can also be lodged in writing at any Centrelink office. Please contact the SSAT if you require further information.
Each application received by the SSAT is assigned to an individual Case Manager who will handle the case.
It is helpful, although not essential, if you can provide the SSAT with your Centrelink reference number and the date of the Centrelink decision you want reviewed. This information will be on the Authorised Review Officer's written decision on your case.
When to lodge an application
Applications for review of Centrelink decisions can be lodged anytime after a review of the original decision by a Centrelink Authorised Review Officer (ARO). If the review is about payment of a Centrelink benefit, it is best to lodge the application as soon as possible (certainly within 13 weeks), because back-pay may not be possible if a successful application for review is lodged more than 13 weeks after the Centrelink ARO's decision.
International applicants
There are two ways overseas applicants can apply for an SSAT review:
Telephone: Reverse charges +61 3 62 112800 - the toll free 1800 number does not work for international calls.
Email: Hobart@ssat.gov.au
It is helpful and efficient if international applicants can supply the SSAT with an email address for communication.
Costs
It costs nothing to apply for an SSAT review. There are also no penalties or fees if an application is withdrawn.
The SSAT may pay reasonable public transport travel expenses for an applicant to attend the hearing.
If required, an interpreter will be provided for the hearing at no cost.
Withdrawing an application
If you decide that you no longer wish to proceed with your SSAT review you simply need to contact your SSAT Case Manager and advise him or her of your decision. The SSAT will then take no further action in relation to your application.
Forms
SSAT application forms are available in both Portable Document Format (PDF) and Rich Text Format (RTF). Hard-copies are available from any office of the SSAT upon request.
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the PDF version of forms. It is available as a free download from the Adobe web site. Viewing options and tools to assist with visually impaired access to PDF files are available at the Adobe Accessibility Resource Centre. Rich Text Format (RTF) documents can be opened in most major word processing programs (such as Microsoft Word and WordPerfect).
Application Forms (Centrelink reviews)
To apply for a review of a Centrelink decision by the SSAT, print out the following application form, complete it and post it to the SSAT (online application is not yet available). You may want to make a copy for your own records.
SSAT Application for Review Form - Centrelink decisions (pdf, 27KB)
SSAT Application for Review Form - Centrelink decisions (rtf, 5.6MB)
Authority for Information
To authorise the SSAT to obtain information relevant to your Centrelink review, please complete and return the following form. You may want to make a copy for your own records.
Authority for Information Form (pdf, 20KB)Authority for Information Form (rtf, 5.5MB)
Authority for Medical Information
To authorise the SSAT to obtain medical information relevant to your Centrelink review, please complete and return the following form. You may want to make a copy for your own records.
Authority for Medical Information Form (pdf, 24KB) Authority for Medical Information Form (rtf, 5.6MB)
Applicant Statement of Financial Circumstances (Centrelink reviews)
As your financial circumstances may be relevant to the SSAT's decision, please complete this form and bring it to your hearing or post it to us as soon as possible. You may want to make a copy for your own records.
Applicant Statement of Financial Circumstances Form (pdf, 61KB)Applicant Statement of Financial Circumstances Form (rtf, 5.7MB)
Applicant Record of Expenditure and Savings
The information you give in this form will help the SSAT decide your Youth Allowance or Austudy review. You may want to make a copy for your own records.
Applicant Record of Expenditure and Savings
(pdf, 90KB)Applicant Record of Expenditure and Savings
(rtf, 5.4MB)
Help with my application
See also:
Information in Other Languages
Below are contact details for organisations in each State or Territory for assistance with your application for review. The organisations listed in the following documents may be able to assist you with your Centrelink application for review.
Please note these organisations are independent of the SSAT and may have their own rules for providing assistance.
Australian Capital Territory
Review Assistance - ACT (pdf, 25KB)Review Assistance - ACT (rtf, 5.6MB)
New South Wales
Review Assistance - NSW (pdf, 23KB)
Review Assistance - NSW (rtf, 3.27MB)
Northern Territory
Review Assistance - NT (pdf, 21KB)
Review Assistance - NT (rtf, 5.6MB)
Queensland
Review Assistance - QLD (pdf, 19KB)
Review Assistance - QLD (rtf, 5.6MB)
South Australia
Review Assistance - SA (pdf,
31KB)Review Assistance - SA (rtf, 5.6MB)
Tasmania
Review Assistance - TAS (pdf,
24KB)Review Assistance - TAS (rtf, 5.6MB)
Victoria
Review Assistance - VIC (pdf, 34KB)
Review Assistance - VIC (rtf, 5.6MB)
Western Australia
Review
Assistance - WA (pdf, 32
KB
Review Assistance - WA (rtf, 5.6MB)