First contact and information

First contact and information

First contact

A GEERS Case Manager (CM) will make initial contact with you within a week or receiving a GEERS claim form.

The Department appreciates forewarning of any insolvency which may require GEERS involvement. This ensures efficient and effective processing of claims.

 

Initial information

During the first contact the CM will:

  • Provide you with general information regarding GEERS (this information is also available from the DEEWR Website)
  • Request information relating to the business entity, including:
    • number of affected employees
    • whether the employees have been terminated
    • the likelihood, extent and timeframe of employees receiving payments through the insolvency process, for example from:
      • the sale of business assets
      • employer or industry-based funds
      • advances from other sources

    • the likelihood that at any time during the insolvency process:
      • the employer's interests or assets will be sold or otherwise transferred to another business
      • the employees will be offered or accept employment with the new owner of the business
      • the director or owner of the business will start another business

  • Request copies of reports to creditors, Deed of Company Arrangements (DoCAs) or Trusts, Personal Insolvency Agreements (PIA) or Debt Agreements entered into in the last 12 months by the employer
  • Query your ability to conduct the GEERS work within the required timeframe of 4 weeks
  • Request formal confirmation in writing that you are able to conduct the work required for the GEERS case
  • In certain circumstances the CM may also request a quote to carry out the work. Please refer to Quotes (link) for further information
  • After the initial contact, the CM will be in contact with you by phone or email, on a regular basis, to monitor the progress of the case

 

Additional information

After confirming your ability to carry out the GEERS work, the CM will request that you:

  • familiarise yourself with the GEERS Operational Arrangements (OAs), which state the eligibility requirements and the extent of GEERS
  • ensure all employees receive a GEERS Claim Form
  • do not provide any undertakings to any party about eligibility for GEERS assistance