Applying for a HELP debt reduction - very remote teachers

On this page:

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
  • if 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

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 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.

Example: Employment evidence

Tips on your employment evidence:

  • Please do not submit an employment contract as it does not include details of your past service history.  
Right arrow/chevron

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.

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 and generate a statement for your entire HELP debt history.

Instructions to generate the ATO HELP Debt Statement:

  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 down arrow next to the word ‘Filter” below the Download button and additional filter options will appear. In the From date field type in 01/06/2018 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.

Example: ATO HELP Debt Statement

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.
Right arrow/chevron

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.

Example: Academic transcript

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.

Right arrow/chevron

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

For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions.

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