If Centrelink has made a decision which a person does not agree with, they can challenge it by making an appeal. An appeal is a formal request to Centrelink for a review of the decision to determine whether it was correctly made. Keep in mind that complaining about something is not the same as requesting an appeal or a review of it, see Appeal Process for information on the steps required to commence an appeal or review.

A person lodging an appeal or review of a decision should be mindful that there is no guarantee of a favourable outcome on appeal or review. If, as part of the review process, the person is unsuccessful in their application and it is determined that they actually owe Centrelink money, then they can be ordered to pay the amount owed.

Legal advice should therefore be sought before commencing an appeal or review of a Centrelink decision.

A person wanting to appeal should do it as soon as possible, or at least within 13 weeks of Centrelink's decision, so that they can receive any back pay they may be entitled to if they are successful.