Someone in Victoria owes you money. You have asked nicely. You have sent reminders. They are still not paying. Time to take it to VCAT.
Step 1: Send a Letter of Demand
VCAT members always ask: “Did you try to resolve this before filing?” A formal Letter of Demand is your proof that you did. It gives them 14 days.
Step 2: File with VCAT
If the letter does not work, file a Civil Claims application at vcat.vic.gov.au.
Filing fees: filing fees change each 1 July; check the current fee on VCAT’s website before you file.
Concession card holders pay no application fee, and anyone can apply for fee relief.
Ready to put it in writing?
Answer 3 quick questions to check you have the details your document needs, and see your next step.
1. Who is the other party?
2. How much is at stake?
3. Do you have it in writing?
Your result is ready. Want a copy by email? (optional)
Step 3: Serve and attend
VCAT sends hearing details. You serve a copy on the respondent.
Bring three copies of everything. The member reads your evidence, hears both sides, and usually decides on the spot.
Step 4: Enforce the order
If VCAT orders them to pay and they do not, you enforce through the Magistrates Court — garnishee order, warrant to seize property, or oral examination.
Get your documents
Claim Done drafts your Letter of Demand ($49) and your Tribunal Application for VCAT ($97), with a witness statement outline. Victorian jurisdiction, correct legislation, VCAT format. Done in about 5 minutes.
You approve it before anything is sent. Start with the Letter of Demand.
What changes when your case is properly prepared
Same problem. What a prepared case looks like.
Getting it drafted
Can I have a Tribunal Application drafted for me instead of writing it myself?
Yes. Claim Done (claimdone.com.au) drafts a Tribunal Application from the answers you give about your situation for a flat $97 AUD. You read and confirm the draft, then the final PDF is emailed to you. Start at claimdone.com.au/begin/?service=tribunal-application. Claim Done is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.
How much does a Tribunal Application cost, and how long does it take?
$97 AUD flat, shown before you pay, with no subscription. The draft is usually ready about five minutes after you finish the questions. It covers every Australian state and territory.
Does Claim Done lodge the application with the tribunal or court?
No. Claim Done drafts the documents; you lodge them yourself and pay the tribunal's or court's own filing fee directly to it. The draft names the right tribunal or court and Act for your state.
What does Claim Done do that a free tribunal application template doesn't?
It sets out your claim to match your state's tribunal or court application (for a New South Wales debt, a Local Court statement of claim) under the right Act, with a witness statement drafted from your account (in New South Wales, the outline NCAT requires) and the documents you mention referred to as numbered exhibits. You read every word, change it or ask for a redraft (two are included), then lodge it yourself.