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Alana1998(Newbie)Newbie
26 Sept 2024

I have researched and calculated how much my employers should withhold for the financial year to cover my HECS debt, however what has been paid is more. I paid off $450 more than what my percentage works out to be so I am wondering how we find out how much exactly we are supposed to pay?


I have tried calling multiple times and I can’t even get through to a queue, it just keeps telling me to look online and then hanging up, but I am trying to ask specific questions that can’t be found online…


I was supposed to pay 3.5% of my earnings which would be $2743 for the year but I paid $3193 off my HECS this year?

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1,014 views
3 replies

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Most helpful reply

RileyATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
26 Sept 2024

Hi @Alana1998,


You can work out how much your compulsory repayment should be by using the info on our Study and training loan repayment thresholds and rates page.


It's calculated as a percentage of your repayment income, that page explains how repayment income is worked out. For example, if you salary sacrifice, your repayment income can increase which would increase your compulsory repayment.

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Most helpful reply

RileyATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
26 Sept 2024

Hi @Alana1998,


You can work out how much your compulsory repayment should be by using the info on our Study and training loan repayment thresholds and rates page.


It's calculated as a percentage of your repayment income, that page explains how repayment income is worked out. For example, if you salary sacrifice, your repayment income can increase which would increase your compulsory repayment.

Alana1998(Newbie)Newbie
30 Sept 2024

Hi Riley,


thanks for the help. Based on the information you have provided, I have paid more back than I should have so how do I go about contacting someone about this?

TamaraATO(Community Support)Community Support
30 Sept 2024

Hi @Alana1998,


It can be a pain sometimes. 😔


We also try to deter people from reaching out if they don't have to, for that very reason!


You'd need to contact our individual enquiries line for info on HECS/HELP repayments. If your account is showing as being in credit, you can request a refund of that amount from us. 📱


We recommend trying very first thing when we open, or late arvo/early evening for a decent chance. Try changing what you enter for the IVR options too as this can affect your chances also. ⏲

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How do you find out how much hecs debt you should pay each year | ATO Community