10.20.7.30 Overpayments Resulting from Arrears of Norwegian Benefits

Overpayments

Article 26 of the Agreement allows for a debt to be raised against individuals who have been overpaid an Australian benefit as a result of the grant of a Norwegian benefit. Recovery of a debt can be by cash refund or withholding from future entitlement to any Australian pension, benefit or allowance.

The recovery from future entitlements would generally only apply when:

• the arrears are insufficient to fully recover the overpayment, or
• the arrears have been released directly to the applicant.

In addition to the above, from 1 July 2004 a debt can be raised against both an applicant AND THEIR PARTNER (if applicable) under SSAct section 1228A. For more detail, see 4.3.6.10 Income from Overseas Payments - General Rules.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 19 Norway

SSAct section 1228A Comparable foreign payment debt recovery

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Last reviewed: 16 May 2011