Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:11 AM AWST
22/07/2026 8:11 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Deal with incorrect payments and debts
Deal with incorrect payments and debts
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPGSD409A
PSPGSD409A
State Code
C8141
C8141
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/12/2012
Field of Education
080313 - Public And Health Care Administration
Original Release Date
12/12/2012
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit covers detection and investigation of incorrect payments and debts and strategies to deal with them. It includes preventing or minimising debt, investigating payments and debts and negotiating repayments.In practice, dealing with incorrect payments and debts may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, using government processes, working with diversity, gathering and analysing information, etc.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prevent or minimise debt
- 1.1 Systems and procedures are implemented to prevent or minimise the impact of incorrect payments on those in receipt of government benefits, and the organisation.
- 1.2 Sources of incorrect payments or causes of debt are investigated and processes or procedures reviewed.
- 1.3 Risks and penalties associated with fraud and default are communicated to the team and service recipients to deter overpayments.
2. Investigate payments and debts
- 2.1 Incorrect payments and recoverable debts are identified promptly and corrective actions are recorded.
- 2.2 Legislation is researched to guarantee its correct application to outstanding debts.
- 2.3 Service delivery records are reviewed to identify under- and over-payments.
3. Instigate recovery action
- 3.1 Personal details and relevant information about recipients' circumstances and environment are confirmed, within established guidelines.
- 3.2 Repayment strategies are negotiated that are mutually acceptable and meet legislative and policy requirements.
- 3.3 Repayments are monitored to ensure compliance with the strategy and allow early intervention and negotiation on non-compliance to ensure a satisfactory outcome.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Legislation may include:
Social Security Act 1991
Social Security Administration Act 1999
Social Security International Agreements Act 1999
Australian Public Services Act 1999
Family Assistance Act 1999
Family Assistance Administration Act 1999
Student Assistance Act
Legislation may include:
Social Security Act 1991
Social Security Administration Act 1999
Social Security International Agreements Act 1999
Australian Public Services Act 1999
Family Assistance Act 1999
Family Assistance Administration Act 1999
Student Assistance Act
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients
PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
PSPGOV411A Deal with conflict
PSPGOV412A Use advanced workplace communication strategies
PSPGOV417A Identify and treat risks
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPGSD404A Administer delivery of financial and other benefits
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS401B Implement workplace safety procedures and programs
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
incorrect payments and debts dealt with in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to relating to benefits, payments and debt recovery
examples of repayment schedules for a range of circumstances
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when dealing with incorrect payments and debts
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when dealing with incorrect payments and debts, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
incorrect payments and debts dealt with in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
portfolios
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients
PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
PSPGOV411A Deal with conflict
PSPGOV412A Use advanced workplace communication strategies
PSPGOV417A Identify and treat risks
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPGSD404A Administer delivery of financial and other benefits
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS401B Implement workplace safety procedures and programs
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
incorrect payments and debts dealt with in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to relating to benefits, payments and debt recovery
examples of repayment schedules for a range of circumstances
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when dealing with incorrect payments and debts
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when dealing with incorrect payments and debts, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
incorrect payments and debts dealt with in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
portfolios
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWV07 | PSPGSD009 | Deal with incorrect payments and debts | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J283 | PSP40112 | Certificate IV in Government | Qualification |