[Anna]

Thank you for your reply. I guess I’m more asking what income I should be putting against the benefit? I assume it needs to match what I input on my tax return which will be low to keep below the threshold, and will then make the benefit payments increase.

[Anna]

Thank you so much for your reply. I can see what you are saying and if I understand correctly this would refer to centerlink payments that are classed as taxable income? The payments I receive are not taxable, how much I get depends on my husband’s and mine combined income, the less we earn the more family benefits we would receive. I am a sole trader so on my tax return I could put my income as quite low, which then once centerlink receives that info from the ATO and balances my payments for that year, I would end up with a much higher amount which I am guessing is not a good idea in case I get issued with a bill down the line? I am unsure how likely that is to happen? The payments happened automatically when our first child was born, and I am not yet at the stage of unravelling from all that but that is the eventual plan.

[Anna]

This is so interesting. Can you please confirm how you know your debt is gone?