How to apply for a HELP debt reduction

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Am I eligible?

You may be eligible for an indexation waiver if you:

  • have completed an initial teacher qualification and
  • are working or have worked as a teacher at a school, pre-school or centre-based day care in a very remote area as defined by the ABS Remoteness Structure and
  • have an outstanding HELP debt when you commenced working in a very remote area.

To be eligible for a HELP debt reduction you must meet the above criteria and have completed 1,400 days of full-time service within a 6-year period.

Teachers who do not meet the full-service requirement may still qualify where exceptional circumstances apply.

When to apply

You can apply for a 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 HELP debt reduction (recommended) or
  • when you leave the very remote community or
  • once a year - on the anniversary of your employment start date in the very remote community.

No matter when you apply for an indexation waiver you will receive the same benefit.

Before you apply

Prepare your supporting documents

You must provide the following documents with each application. Your application may be delayed or rejected if they are not provided.

1. Statement of Service (SoS)

You must provide an SoS from each employer. This is usually issued by the relevant state or territory government education department and shows your employment history for the period you are claiming.

If you teach at an independent school or in early childhood education you may instead provide a letter from your principal. The letter must be on official letterhead, signed and dated and cover the period you are claiming.

It must include:

  • your full name
  • your position title
  • name and address of school, centre-based day care or pre-school
  • whether you were full-time, part-time or casual (a breakdown is required if you worked in several different roles)
  • your FTE if you were part-time
  • exact start and end dates of employment
  • the number of days worked if you were a casual teacher.

You can only apply for service you have completed. This means the end date of the period which you are claiming will be:

  • the end date listed on your SoS or
  • if you are a permanent ongoing teacher at an eligible school the date the SoS is produced or signed.

Tips on your employment evidence:

  • Please do not submit an employment contract as it does not include details of your past service history.  
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2. 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.

  1. Log in to myGov.
  2. Click on Services.
  3. Select the Australian Taxation Office.
  4. In ATO Online Services scroll down to loan accounts.
  5. Select your HELP loan account.
  6. Click the filter button and a new screen will appear. In the From date field type in 01/06/2018 and in the To date type in today's date. Then click the Filter button in the bottom right corner.
  7. 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.

Note: In ATO Online Services an automatic filter is applied to your HELP Debt Statement for the last 24 months. You must make sure you adjust the filter and generate a statement for your entire HELP debt 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.
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3. Academic transcript

You must provide an Academic transcript/statement of results from your university confirming completion of your initial teacher education 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.

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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, 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: veryremoteHELP@education.gov.au.

Application Process

  1. Read the information on when you should apply and what documents you will need.
  2. Collate your supporting documents – Statement of Service, ATO HELP Debt Statement and Academic Transcript.
  3. Register in the myHELP Reduction Portal, complete and submit your application.
  4. 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

Find out more about the Very Remote HELP Debt Reduction Program and read our Frequently Asked Questions.

If you have any further questions, please contact us at veryremoteHELP@education.gov.au.