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When to apply
You can apply for full (100%) or partial (50%) HELP debt reduction after you have completed the required service period. This is when you become eligible.
For indexation waivers you can apply:
- at the same time you apply for a full (100%) or partial (50%) HELP debt reduction (recommended) or
- if you leave the rural, remote or very remote community or
- once a year - on the anniversary of your employment start date in the rural, remote or very remote community,
No matter when you apply for an indexation waiver you will receive the same benefit.
You can check your required service period by reviewing the program milestone table.
Before you apply
Prepare your supporting documents
To assess your application, we require specific supporting documents. Please read the requirements for each document carefully and ensure all required information is provided.
We use this evidence to confirm your eligibility. As a Commonwealth program, we must verify supporting documentation before approving an application to ensure decisions are fair, consistent and in accordance with the legislation.
If a document is missing, incomplete or does not meet the evidence requirements, we will contact you to request further information. This may delay the assessment of your application. If the required evidence is not provided, we may reject your application.
1. Statement of Service (SoS)
You must provide a SoS from each employer showing your employment history for the period you are claiming. If you cannot get a SoS, you may provide a letter from your employer.
The letter must be on official letterhead, signed and dated, and cover the period you are claiming.
The SoS or letter must include:
- your full name
- description of your role and duties performed
- the location i.e. the address of where you worked (where you are working in multiple locations, a list of addresses must be provided)
- exact number of hours worked each week (where you are working in multiple locations, a breakdown of hours worked at each location is required)
- exact start and end dates of employment
- periods of unpaid leave more than 10 business days.
You can only apply for work you have completed.
The end date of the period which you are claiming will be the employment end date listed on your SoS/letter or the SoS/letter issue date if still currently employed.
Tips for your employment evidence:
- Please do not submit an employment contract as it does not include details of your past service history.
2. Proof of Residency
You must provide evidence that you resided in the rural, remote or very remote location and that you resided continuously for the period of your employment.
This documentation will be used to verify you were residing at the address for the dates you have provided.
You must provide residency evidence that shows you resided at the address when you started and finished employment, and for each year in between.
| Residential Document | Document Requirements |
|---|---|
Utility bill - from an electricity, gas or internet provider. Note: water rates and council rates are not accepted. | Your utility bill must include:
|
| Lease agreement | Your lease agreement must include:
|
Rental ledger
| Your rental ledger must include:
|
| Home and Contents insurance document | Your certificate of insurance must include:
|
Accommodation provided by your employer
| If your accommodation was provided by your employer, you may provide a letter from your employer as proof of residency. This letter must be dated and signed by your employer, and include:
|
Using a Commonwealth statutory declaration
If you are unable to collate all of the required residency documents, you may be able to bridge a gap in your residential evidence through the use of a Commonwealth statutory declaration available through myGov.
You will still need to provide independent corroborating residential evidence as we are unable to accept a Commonwealth statutory declaration alone for proof of residency.
The Commonwealth statutory declaration available through myGov is the only acceptable form of statutory declaration and must include:
- a statement that you are making this declaration for the purposes of your application for the HELP Debt Reduction Program for Rural Health Practitioners
- the eligible residential address
- the period you resided at this address (exact start and end date)
- a detailed explanation as to why you are unable to provide the required documentation above
- what documents you have been able to supply and how they relate to your residency.
Tips on residential evidence:
- Make sure you provide residential evidence to cover your entire employment period. If your residential information does not match your employment periods, some service may not be eligible.
3. Australian Taxation Office (ATO) HELP Debt Statement
You must provide a current ATO HELP Debt Statement in PDF form. A PDF can be downloaded from ATO Online Services in your myGov account.
Note: In ATO Online Services an automatic filter is applied to your HELP Debt Statement for the last 24 months. You must change the filter (see step 6) and generate a statement for your entire HELP debt history.
Instructions to generate the ATO HELP Debt Statement:
- Log in to myGov.
- Click on Services.
- Select the Australian Taxation Office.
- In ATO Online Services scroll down to loan accounts.
- Select your HELP loan account.
- Click the down arrow next to the word “Filter” below the Download button and additional filter options will appear. In the From date field type in 01/06/2021 and in the To date type in today's date. Then click the Filter button in the bottom right corner.
- Click the print friendly version button at the top of the screen and save as a PDF.
The statement must show your full name, Tax File Number and full HELP loan transaction history.
Tips on your ATO HELP Debt Statement:
- Make sure your statement shows your full HELP debt history by adjusting the filters as needed.
- Export your statement as a PDF from ATO Online Services. Excel or Word files are not accepted.
4. Academic transcript
You must provide an Academic transcript/statement of results from your university confirming completion of your medical/nurse practitioner qualification.
The transcript must show:
- your full name
- all course units, including any credited prior study, recognition of prior learning, or advanced standing
- conferral or course completion date.
Tips on your academic transcript:
- Make sure it covers your complete study history.
- Make sure it's an ‘Official’ transcript.
Contact your higher education provider if you need assistance.
How to apply
You apply for a reduction and indexation waiver (including an extension to an existing indexation waiver) using the myHELP Reduction Portal.
The portal allows you to lodge and monitor the progress of your application.
Note: Before you start you will need your Statement of Service, Proof of residency, ATO HELP Debt Statement and Academic transcript to upload with your application. A portal user guide is available to assist you. View the Privacy Statement and Terms & Conditions.
If you are unable to complete your application online, please email us at: HealthPractitionerHELP@education.gov.au.
Application process
- Read the information on when you should apply and what documents you will need.
- Collate your supporting documents – Statement of Service, Proof of residency, ATO HELP Debt Statement and Academic transcript.
- Register in the myHELP Reduction Portal, complete and submit your application.
- Keep an eye on your email for confirmation your application has been received, requests for additional information and the outcome of your application.
Further assistance
For more information read our Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have any further questions, please contact us at HealthPractitionerHELP@education.gov.au.