Once HELP debts have passed to the Government, extremely strict rules apply to cancelling the debts that are set by the Government. This is because the debt is held by the Governmentand they have carried the financial impact of that debt for a period of time, at a cost to them.
There’s only 2 circumstances by which the Government will allow a change or cancellation of HELP debt (https://www.studyassist.gov.au/paying-back-your-loan);
- If the University / Education provider has made a mistake in the charging of the debt
- If the student experienced extenuating circumstances during the semester of delivery
With regard to “extenuating circumstances” the Government refers to this as “special circumstances” and strictly defines what constitutes such circumstances
In brief, to meet special circumstances, you need to show that what affected you:
- was beyond your control;
- did not make the full impact on you until on or after the census date(s) of the unit(s); and
- made it not practicable for you to complete the unit(s).
You can read about special circumstances in much more detail by visiting the Govt’s website: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/paying-back-your-loan/cancel-your-help-debt-under-special-circumstances