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neilMdevi(Newbie)Newbie
21 Oct 2023

I would like to seek clarification regarding the current HECS payment system. I find it perplexing that HECS payments are deducted from our pays every fortnight cycle but not directly paid into our HECS accounts. Instead, I am left wondering where this money sits until the end of the financial year.

My primary concerns are:

  1. Transparency: there are millions of people paying their student loans each week but don't know where that money sits all year. The Australian population with student debt is entitled to an itemized transaction summary detailing where their HECS payments go each pay cycle. Without a clear breakdown, it is challenging for taxpayers to understand the allocation of these funds.
  2. Interest Accrual: Additionally, I am concerned about the lack of information on where the deducted money is kept until the end of the financial year. Is it earning interest, and if so, who benefits from this interest? Taxpayers deserve transparency regarding the handling of their funds.
  3. Individual Control: I am puzzled as to why there isn't an option for individuals to deposit the allocated HECS amount into their own accounts, allowing them to earn interest until the end of the financial year to pay a lump sum. Providing taxpayers with the choice to manage their own funds could be a fairer approach.

I kindly urge the ATO to address these concerns promptly and transparently. Clarity on these matters is crucial for all taxpayers, as it impacts the general public's financial planning and understanding of the HECS repayment process. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a comprehensive and detailed response.

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1,767 views
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CaroATO(Community Support)Community Support
24 Oct 2023

Hi @neilMdevi,


A great place to start is the Study Assist website. This is where you'll find the most recent FEE-HELP information booklet. Keep in mind when a person completes their Request for a FEE-HELP loan form, they're declaring they've read the booklet and are aware of their obligations under FEE-HELP. You'll find on page 14 is where it starts to talk about repaying your HELP debt.


Another great resource is an article we've on our website that talks about paying your HECS HELP student loan. It explains why a payslip may not show HELP repayments and why they aren't showing up in myGov for example.


The Reserve Bank of Australia, (RBA) looks after Australian government finances. I found the financial statements in the Annual Report 2023 an interesting read. Note 4 shows a breakdown of interest income and interest expenses.


I totally get where you're coming from when you talk about the option for individual control. We follow the same principle as pay as you go withholding, to help minimise debt when it comes time to lodge tax returns.

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Most helpful reply

CaroATO(Community Support)Community Support
24 Oct 2023

Hi @neilMdevi,


A great place to start is the Study Assist website. This is where you'll find the most recent FEE-HELP information booklet. Keep in mind when a person completes their Request for a FEE-HELP loan form, they're declaring they've read the booklet and are aware of their obligations under FEE-HELP. You'll find on page 14 is where it starts to talk about repaying your HELP debt.


Another great resource is an article we've on our website that talks about paying your HECS HELP student loan. It explains why a payslip may not show HELP repayments and why they aren't showing up in myGov for example.


The Reserve Bank of Australia, (RBA) looks after Australian government finances. I found the financial statements in the Annual Report 2023 an interesting read. Note 4 shows a breakdown of interest income and interest expenses.


I totally get where you're coming from when you talk about the option for individual control. We follow the same principle as pay as you go withholding, to help minimise debt when it comes time to lodge tax returns.

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