How to avoid indexation on HECS 

Learn how to avoid indexation on HECS and manage your student debt wisely. HECS, the Higher Education Contribution Scheme, utilizes indexation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to adjust the debt annually for inflation. Discover effective strategies to stay ahead of the rising 7.1% indexation rate, the highest since 1990, and its potential impact on millions of individuals, especially those in their 20s and 30s. Take control of your finances and find ways to minimize the effects of indexation on your HECS debt repayment timeline.

First things first, HECS does not charge interest on the debt.

The debt is instead subject to indexation on HECS, which is an adjustment made in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This indexation is used yearly to make sure that the debt’s value maintains up with inflation.

The indexation is applied every year on the debt on June 1 and the HECS debt is not indexed until it is 11 months old.

The rate will significantly rise this year to 7.1%, which will be the highest level since 1990. According to the statistics, approximately three million people will be affected by this hike in Australia, most of whom are between their 20s and 30s, and it is anticipated that it would also lengthen the average payback period by six months.

Here’s a table for indexation on HECS rates over the past years.

How is the annual Indexation on HECS is Calculated?

Here’s how it is calculated:

• The yearly indexation for HECS-HELP debt is calculated based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• The CPI for the current year and the CPI for the prior year are compared in the computation.
• The indexation rate will be positive if the CPI has climbed, and negative or zero if the CPI has declined or stayed the same. 
• The indexation rate is then applied to the outstanding HECS-HELP debt as of June 1st of the following year. The entire debt amount rises as a result.

One major drawback of indexation on HECS is a rise in the overall amount of debt. The HECS debt grows at the same pace as the CPI on an annual basis. As a result, debtors will owe more money than they originally borrowed, which may result in a longer repayment period.

It might also discourage many individuals from continuing their education because of the accumulating debt. This may result in fewer people seeking further education, which might have an impact on the growth of workforce skills as well.

7 Ways To Prevent Effect Of Indexation

Here a few ways to prevent or lessen the effect of indexation on your HECS debt. You can also visit our article Managing HECS Debt to manage your Debts. :

1. Make Voluntary Payments:

You can lower the balance of your HECS debt prior to indexation by making voluntary repayments. There are no penalties for making voluntary repayments to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) earlier than agreed. But the indexation can only be avoided if you pay off the entire debt.

2. Consider increasing your repayments: 

Your HECS debt is automatically collected from your paycheck through the tax system if you are employed and earning more than the minimum repayment level (interlink- https://mytaxdaily.com.au/hecs-calculator-australia/), which is increased annually. To pay off your debt more quickly, you might opt to make extra payments. This might assist you in avoiding increased interest fees brought on by indexation.

3. Take any available government contributions:

The Australian government provides a number of initiatives and incentives to help with student loan repayment. Earlier introduced government schemes such as the ‘Voluntary Repayment Bonus” proved to be beneficial in getting up to a 5% repayment bonus. Unfortunately, this incentive was discontinued in 2017. Utilising such programmes can help you lower your HECS debt and lessen the effects of indexation.

4. Pay Off Your Loan Early:

 You may prevent future indexation hikes by paying off your HECS loan as fast as feasible. The quicker you pay off the loan, the less time it has to be subjected to indexation.

5. Loan Remissions for remote teachers:

Legislation has been approved to allow HELP debt forgiveness for teachers who begin teaching in remote regions. The programme begins by providing a relief to teachers who work in remote locations from debt indexation; after a qualifying period (about four years), a loan waiver is then available.

The teachers working in any of the following: primary or secondary schools; centres for nurseries; or preschools are eligible for this.

6. Think about salary sacrifice:

Some businesses provide plans that let you pay a percentage of your pre-tax income towards your HECS debt. This speeds up debt repayment while lowering your taxable income.

7. Make lump-sum payments: 

If you have the financial resources, think about paying off your HECS debt in one single amount. You can lower the sum owed and lessen the impact of indexation by making greater repayments.

FAQs:

Conclusion

HECS-HELP has changed the life of many students in Australia. However, it is crucial that people consider both the short- and long-term effects of balancing big debts as HELP payments may have a substantial impact on one’s financial condition. Therefore, this article will help you to calculate and avoid indexation rates.

However, for the most precise and recent information on managing your HECS debt and tactics to reduce indexation, it is preferable to seek out personalised advice from a financial expert or speak with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Remember that It’s important to keep up with any changes to the HECS programme since financial rules and laws might change over time. For the most recent information, always go to reputable and latest sources like Australian Government – StudyAssist, MoneySmart by ASIC and Australian Taxation Office (ATO) etc.