Debt write-off criteria

Every debt established on or after 26 September 2002 must be checked against the debt write-off criteria to decide if the debt or part of the debt is recoverable.

You must first consider if the debt or any part of the debt was caused by error. You can use the information held on SWIFTT and CMS client event notes to help you decide, such as:

• check client event notes for details about information that client has provided - e.g. dates, amounts, change in circumstances
• check SWIFTT to see if all necessary actions taken

If the debt was not caused by error, or there is no indication of error on the client's record, then you can continue with debt recovery action.

Record your decision in SWIFTT (Debt recoverable indicator).

For more information see:

• Debt the result of an error
• Did not intentionally contribute
• Received the money in good faith
• Changed their position
• Inequitable in all circumstances

Note there should be no action to start recovering the debt while you are considering the debt write-off criteria. You may need to contact the client for information to help you decide the case.