Hello Ozbargainers,
I've just applied for the HECS-HELP benefit which is a rebate offered to graduates who studied science, education or nursing. Just wondering whether anyone has applied for this in the past and if so, what the turn-around time for that was. It's been almost 2 weeks since I've sent through my application and I'm yet to hear back.
You're welcome. A few things to keep in mind:
1) If applying for 13/14 (like myself), make sure you do so before 30 June 2016 since it expires after 2 years.
2) If applying for multiple income years, you'll need to fill in separate forms.
3) I think 14/15 might be the last year to claim. Think I read somewhere that they are no longer offering the rebate for future income years.
Hmmm… Interesting. Just to clarify, my wife graduated in 2011 and still has an outstanding HECS debt.
She is a full time primary school teacher with a Bachelor of Education.
Does this mean that for the 13/14 FY she can have $1,716.85 written off her debt and then $1,761.49 in the 15/16 FY?
Yes, I would think so as along as she completed her course after 30 June 2009 and she is fully employed in the income year. You can check the eligibility criteria that's one the application form (link in my original post)
Cool. Yeh, was looking through the link, missed the 30/6/09 part. Thanks for that.
Thanks Op, wouldn't of known about this without you.
Big thanks again OP - my other half got her HECS-HELP for 2014-15 refunded last week because of your post. Took about 2 weeks for it to be processed by the ATO direct into her account.
Hey mate, just to confirm, was it put against her HECS loan account? Or cash refunded to her bank?
Cash refund. The amount still comes off her hecs debt.. It's basically getting your hecs debt paid for free!
Double awesome. Thanks.
Never applied for it - never knew it existed until this post. Will be lodging for my partner to claim it for 13-14 and 14-15 (and 15-16!)
Thanks OP!