What is Centrepay and how it works
On this page- What is Centrepay
- How does Centrepay work
- What bills can be paid using Centrepay
- Does it cost anything to use Centrepay
What is Centrepay
With Centrepay, customers pay their bills by having an amount deducted from their Centrelink payments and paid directly to your organisation. Customers arrange this by phoning us or by completing a Centrepay deduction form. They can also contact your organisation directly to arrange deductions.
How does Centrepay work
An agreed amount is deducted from the customer’s Centrelink payment before the payment is deposited into their bank account.
Once the customer notifies us to pay deductions to your organisation, you will receive a Centrepay report advising you of their request. When the deduction request is processed, we will send the customer a confirmation letter.
You receive a report when the Centrepay deduction is paid into your bank account. Your organisation will need to show the deduction payments on the customer's bills or accounts.
You can also find out if a customer’s Centrelink payments are suspended or cancelled, because deductions won't be made. Your organisation must resolve any payment error or underpayment directly with the customer.
What bills can be paid using Centrepay
Centrelink customers can use Centrepay to pay:
- private rent – including hostels, nursing homes, community housing, etc.
- electricity
- gas
- water
- telecommunications
- rental of household goods
- child care
- home care services
- court fines and legal fees
- education fees
- medical services and equipment.
Does it cost anything to use Centrepay
Centrepay is provided on a full cost recovery basis and your organisation pays a transaction fee (including GST) for each successful deduction. Your Centrepay Contract states that this fee must not be passed on to the customer. Centrepay is free for customers.