QCAT Debt Recovery: How to File and What It Costs in Queensland

If someone owes you money in Queensland and will not pay, the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) is the fastest, cheapest way to recover debts up to $25,000. You do not need a lawyer.

What is QCAT?

QCAT is Queensland’s tribunal for resolving civil disputes without going to court. It is faster, cheaper, and less formal than the Magistrates Court or District Court.

QCAT handles two types of debt claims:

Minor debt claims — debts up to $25,000 arising from contracts, unpaid invoices, loans, or goods sold
Minor civil disputes — other money claims up to $25,000, including property damage, breaches of contract, or consumer disputes

Most unpaid invoice and debt recovery matters fall under the minor debt stream.

When to use QCAT for debt recovery

Use QCAT if:

The debt is between $0.01 and $25,000
The debtor is an individual or business located in Queensland
You have already sent a letter of demand and the debtor has not paid or responded
The debt is not genuinely disputed (if it is disputed, the hearing will focus on proving the debt exists)

Do not use QCAT if:

The debt exceeds $25,000 — file in the Magistrates Court instead
The debtor is a company and owes $4,000 or more — consider serving a statutory demand first
The matter is criminal, family law, or involves a will or estate — QCAT does not have jurisdiction

QCAT debt recovery fees (2025)

QCAT fees are fixed and significantly lower than court filing fees.

| Action | Fee | |——–|—–| | Filing a minor debt claim | $126.15 | | Filing a minor civil dispute claim | $126.15 | | Request for default decision (if debtor does not respond) | $63.10 | | Request for enforcement (if debtor does not pay after decision) | $63.10 |

Fee waivers are available if you hold a current concession card. Apply at the time of filing.

How to file a QCAT debt recovery application

Step 1: Send a letter of demand first

QCAT expects you to attempt to resolve the matter before filing. Send a letter of demand giving the debtor at least 14 days to pay. Keep proof of delivery.

Step 2: Complete the application form

Download Form 1 from the QCAT website, or complete it online through the QCAT portal.

You will need to provide:

Your details (applicant)
The debtor’s details (respondent) — full legal name and address
The amount owed
A clear explanation of how the debt arose (invoice number, contract date, loan agreement, etc.)
Copies of supporting documents (invoices, contracts, emails, bank statements, proof of delivery)

Be specific. Do not write “they owe me money.” Write “The respondent owes $3,450 for plumbing services provided on 12 March 2024 under invoice #1234, which remains unpaid despite a letter of demand sent on 15 April 2024.”

Step 3: File the application

File online through the QCAT portal or in person at a QCAT registry (Brisbane, Southport, Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton, or Toowoomba).

Pay the $126.15 filing fee by credit card or EFTPOS.

QCAT will issue your application and serve it on the respondent by post.

Step 4: Wait for the respondent to file a response

The respondent has 28 days to file a response. They can:

Admit the debt and agree to pay
Dispute the debt and explain why they do not owe it
Ignore the application (in which case you can request a default decision)

If the respondent admits the debt, QCAT may make a decision without a hearing. If they dispute it, QCAT will list the matter for a hearing.

Step 5: Attend the hearing (if required)

If the matter proceeds to a hearing, you will receive a notice with the date, time, and location. Hearings are typically held within 8–12 weeks of filing.

QCAT hearings are informal. You do not need a lawyer, but you must bring:

All original documents (invoices, contracts, emails, bank statements, proof of delivery)
A chronology of events (a simple timeline showing what happened and when)
Any witness statements (if someone else can verify the debt)

The tribunal member will ask you to explain your claim, then ask the respondent to explain their defence. The tribunal member will make a decision on the day or reserve their decision and send it to you in writing within 14 days.

What happens if the debtor does not respond?

If the respondent does not file a response within 28 days, you can apply for a default decision.

Complete Form 23 and pay the $63.10 fee. QCAT will review your application and, if satisfied, make a decision in your favour without a hearing.

The default decision is legally binding and can be enforced the same way as a decision made after a hearing.

Enforcing a QCAT decision

If QCAT orders the debtor to pay and they still do not pay, you can enforce the decision through:

Warrant for redirection of earnings — garnish their wages
Warrant for redirection of debt — garnish money owed to them by a third party (e.g., a customer)
Warrant to seize property — instruct a sheriff to seize and sell their assets
Examination notice — require them to attend court and disclose their financial situation under oath

Enforcement is handled by the Queensland Sheriff’s Office. You must apply for a warrant through QCAT and pay the $63.10 enforcement fee.

How long does QCAT debt recovery take?

Typical timeline:

Filing to service: 1–2 weeks
Service to response deadline: 28 days
Response to hearing: 6–10 weeks
Hearing to decision: 0–14 days (often on the day)
Total time: 10–16 weeks from filing to decision

If the respondent does not respond, you can get a default decision within 6–8 weeks.

Common mistakes to avoid

Not sending a letter of demand first — QCAT expects you to attempt resolution before filing. Always send a demand letter with at least 14 days’ notice.

Filing against the wrong respondent — use the debtor’s full legal name. For companies, check the ASIC register. For individuals, use the name on the invoice or contract.

Incomplete evidence — attach every document that proves the debt. If you refer to an invoice, attach it. If you refer to an email, attach it. QCAT will not accept “I forgot to bring it.”

Missing the response deadline — if you are the respondent and do not file a response within 28 days, the applicant can get a default decision against you.

Not attending the hearing — if you do not show up, QCAT may dismiss your claim or decide against you.

QCAT vs Magistrates Court

For debts under $25,000, QCAT is faster, cheaper, and easier.

What if the debtor is a company?

If the debtor is a registered company (Pty Ltd or Ltd) and owes $4,000 or more, you may want to serve a statutory demand before filing at QCAT.

A statutory demand gives the company 21 days to pay or face wind-up proceedings. It is often more effective than a tribunal application because the consequences are severe.

If the company does not pay and you proceed to QCAT, you can still recover the debt, but enforcement may be more difficult if the company has no assets.

Final checklist before filing

Before you file your QCAT debt recovery application, make sure you have:

Sent a letter of demand and waited at least 14 days
Collected all original documents (invoices, contracts, emails, bank statements, proof of delivery)
Verified the debtor’s full legal name and current address
Calculated the exact amount owed (principal + interest if applicable)
Completed Form 1 accurately and attached all supporting documents
Paid the $126.15 filing fee

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to file a debt recovery claim at QCAT?

The filing fee for a minor debt claim at QCAT is $126.15. If the debtor does not respond, you can apply for a default decision for an additional $63.10. If you need to enforce the decision, the enforcement fee is another $63.10. Fee waivers are available for concession card holders.

Can I file a QCAT claim online?

Yes. You can file a QCAT application online through the QCAT portal at qcat.qld.gov.au. You can also file in person at any QCAT registry in Brisbane, Southport, Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton, or Toowoomba.

What happens if the debtor does not respond to my QCAT application?

If the respondent does not file a response within 28 days, you can apply for a default decision using Form 23. QCAT will review your application and, if satisfied, make a decision in your favour without a hearing. The default decision is legally binding and can be enforced through wage garnishment, property seizure, or other enforcement methods.

Do I need a lawyer for QCAT?

No. QCAT is designed for self-representation. You do not need a lawyer for minor debt claims under $25,000. The process is informal, and the tribunal member will guide you through the hearing. However, you must bring all your evidence and be prepared to explain your claim clearly.

How long does a QCAT debt recovery case take?

From filing to decision, a QCAT debt recovery case typically takes 10–16 weeks. This includes 1–2 weeks for service, 28 days for the respondent to file a response, 6–10 weeks to schedule a hearing, and 0–14 days for the decision. If the respondent does not respond, you can get a default decision within 6–8 weeks.

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