As a customer of Pacific Link Housing we need to know and confirm some of your details held by the Australian Government Department of Human Services (the department).
We have been assessed and approved by the department to provide these services.
In being approved for these services, we must comply with strict guidelines around who accesses the information and how the information is collected and stored.
Who is eligible to use these services?
Customers who are receiving Rent Assistance or paying rent using Centrepay can authorise us and the department to exchange information.
What services are available?
1. Centrelink Confirmation eServices (CCeS) - Income Confirmation
CCeS is an electronic service that allows you to authorise the department to provide or confirm your Centrelink details directly to/with us. This saves you having to obtain the details from Centrelink yourself to provide to us.
How does it work?
If you wish to use CCeS, the department will send your details to us electronically so we can assess your eligibility for services we provide.
What details will the department send to us through CCeS?
Only information that we need will be provided or confirmed by the department. This may include:
• name, address, concession card status, income, assets, shared care arrangements, partner status
• the type of pension or payment, and the amount and date paid
• amounts being deducted from your Centrelink payments (for example Child Support, Easypay or Centrepay), and
• details of any other income you have told the department about.
What if some household members choose not to participate in CCeS, or don’t receive Centrelink payments?
Household members who don’t or can’t authorise us to use CCeS will be required to provide proof of their income. This means if they receive a Centrelink payment they will need to request an income statement from Centrelink to provide to us. If they do not receive Centrelink payments, they will need to provide other details of their income, for example, wage slips.
It remains the applicant or tenant’s responsibility to make sure income details of all household members are available when required.
How will the information be used?
The information will be used by us to assess your entitlement to services we provide such as reduced rent and ongoing eligibility for housing assistance based on our policy.
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2. Centrepay
Centrepay is a voluntary, free and direct bill-paying service. You can choose to have your rent amount deducted from your Centrelink payments and paid directly to us.
Each fortnight the balance of your Centrelink payments is paid into your nominated bank account as it would be normally.
How does it work?
You, as the tenant, will need to set up a Centrepay deduction. This can be done via:
• Online: use your Centrelink online account via myGov
• Telephone: call the department on your regular payment number. You will be asked to give your consent.
• In person: visit a Service Centre
• Multiple Consent Form
• Through our Business: we are able to organise your Centrepay Deductions for you. You will need to provide your consent for a Deduction to be made.
Once your deductions are set up, you may agree to allow Pacific Link Housing to update your Centrepay deduction, if your rent amount changes. We will obtain your consent prior to contacting the department to tell them of the new rent amount payable.
The department will pay us the amount and will send us statements each month.
What details are exchanged?
We will tell the department:
• to change your existing Centrepay deduction or target amount from time to time to ensure your housing payments are met, and
• of your correct account or billing number if required.
How will the information be used?
The information will be used to ensure the correct amount of rent is being deducted and paid.
Why use these services?
• These are free services.
• You will save time by not having to phone or pick up an income statement or Rent Certificate.
• It is easy and convenient because we will contact the department on your behalf. What do I do if I want to stop one or all of the services?
You can cancel one or all of the services at any time by contacting us or the department.
By cancelling your Centrepay deduction, Income Confirmation or EVOR, you are removing your consent.
We cannot make a deduction unless you provide your consent. If you cancel your Centrepay deduction and still need to pay us rent, you will need to make alternative arrangements with us to pay your rent to ensure you don’t fall behind.
Also, if you withdraw your consent for us to use CCeS or EVoR you will need to provide the information to us (that we would have received from the department electronically).
If you would like more information visit humanservices.gov.au
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