Please ATO confirm when refunds of credits in out study accounts. The credit has been sitting there for a month now with no movement.
Im reading that should have been done by now. Please comfirm when will refunds commence.
I too am also waiting, I’m wondering if anyone has actually received the credit as yet
Hi @Alfy,
Most refunds from the 20% HECS-HELP reduction will be processed by the end of January. We're currently processing the 20% debt reductions in batches; some were completed in December 2025.
Refunds are processed separately from the debt reduction. If your loan account is in credit after the reduction, you'll automatically receive a refund to your nominated bank account. You don't need to call us - it's processed automatically.
We'll notify you when we've reduced your debt through SMS, email or your myGov inbox. You won't receive a separate notification for the refund, but once processed, it should appear in your account within 3 business days (depending on your bank's processing times).
Check your bank account details are up to date with us to avoid any processing delays. You can view your study loan account status using the ATO app or ATO online services through myGov to monitor your debt reduction and potential refund.
Thanks fir the response. Is tgere a way to expedite refund due hardship?
Hi @Alfy,
If you phone our individual area, you can talk about your situation and see what can be done to process the credit faster.
If you do have any outstanding tax or other Commonwealth debts, the credit will be applied to these debts first. If that happens, we can explain how it will affect the amount you get.
In that scenario, you can ask us to release you from the debt because of hardship but you'll need to show evidence of serious hardship.
also waiting, I spoke with someone from ATO - not very helpful but said she would put through a request to issue the refund which could take 12-28 business days. Now my mygov is not showing any credit at all as of 5/1/26- but still have not received my20% hecs refund in my account.
Thanks for the information. I rang the ATO and been told 2 different stories. Was told yesterday that the refund was processed and should see momey in my nominated account in next few days. then today i rang back (my call was disrupted) to confirm my details and was told that it hasnt been processed and that it will be an automated process for the refund to occur.
No idea whats going on at the ATO.
@Alfy any update from the ATO on your refund? I'm still waiting for mine as well, the credit has been sitting there for well over a month now and nothing from the ATO apart from the vague 'it is expected all refunds will be completed by end of January 2026' but I can't actually find anyone who's received a refund at all.
Exactly the same here
I'm in the same boat as you and the others - have seen the credit listed on my ATO account for over a month and still no notification of the credit being paid out as at 27/06 and no other debts it would be allocated towards.
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