Work Development Permit Scheme
The Work and Development Permit Scheme (WDP) provides a non-financial way for people to clear their unpaid fines, with the support of a sponsor organisation like Prace. If you have unpaid fines, the WDP could be for you!
The Work and Development Permit Scheme (WDP) is for people who have unpaid fine debt, and are unable to pay their fines. Once your application for a WDP is approved by Fines Victoria, any study you undertake at Prace from that point on can contribute towards paying off your fine debt. A fine can be included in a WDP if it is an outstanding infringement, that is not under review. Multiple fines can be included on a WDP.
Fines that are not eligible for a WDP are court fines, Sheriff notices, or fines where a 7 day notice has been served.
Courses or activity that you cannot undertake as part of a WDP are:
- mutual obligation activities required for the purposes of Centrelink benefits
- attendance at school during normal school hours for children of compulsory school age
- activities that are ordered by a court
Eligibility criteria
To join the WDP, you must meet one of the following criteria.
- are experiencing acute financial hardship (including being on a Centrelink payment)
- have an addiction to drugs, alcohol or other volatile substance
- are experiencing homelessness
- are experiencing family violence
- have a mental disability, disorder or illness
- have an intellectual disability, disorder or illness
Please note you will need to provide evidence of how you meet one of the above criteria.
Work-off rate
Every WDP activity has a work-off rate. This is the rate at which participation in activities will determine the amount the fine debt is reduced. Through your attendance in your course or activity, you can pay your fine debt at a rate of $54.52 per hour of course or activity attendance.
Your WDP arrangements
When you join the scheme you will need to maintain the following arrangements:
- remain enrolled in your course or activity
- attend your course or activity a minimum of once per month (data is reported to Fines Victoria monthly, and activity must have occurred in that time)
- after 28 days of no attendance at your WDP activity, Fines Victoria will cancel the WDP and you must then continue to pay the fine.
What does it cost?
The WDP is a free service. However, you will need to pay any fees associated with the course you enrol in.
Many courses at Prace are low-cost or free.
More information
For more information or to discuss join the WDP, call Prace on 9462 6077.