Appeals & Filings Toolkit
A step-by-step guide to appealing your pension denial, with document checklists and letter templates to help you build a strong case.
Act Within 13 Weeks
You must request an ARO review within 13 weeks of your denial letter. Don't delay — contact Centrelink on 132 300 as soon as possible.
Step-by-Step Appeal Guide
When Services Australia (Centrelink) denies your Age Pension application, they must provide you with a written decision letter explaining: • The specific reasons for the denial • The legislation or policy they relied upon • Your rights to request a review Read this letter carefully. If you don't understand it, call Services Australia on 132 300 and ask them to explain it in plain language. You have the right to request a copy of all documents they used to make their decision.
Document Checklist
Tick off each document as you gather it. Required items are marked with a star.
Letter Templates
Download and customise these templates for your appeal. Fill in the sections in [brackets] with your own information.
Request for ARO Review Letter
A formal letter template to request an Authorised Review Officer review of your pension denial.
AAT Application Cover Letter
A cover letter to accompany your Administrative Appeals Tribunal application.
Letter to Your Local MP
A template for writing to your federal Member of Parliament to request their assistance.