Central West and Riverina students planning to start university this year are being encouraged to lodge their claim for Youth Allowance or Austudy now to beat the queue.
Youth Allowance provides financial assistance for eligible young people who pursue further study or an apprenticeship after leaving school and Austudy provides assistance to students and apprentices aged 25 or older.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said by applying now students could stress less. “They need to be able to focus on the classes ahead, not worry about their finances,” Mr McCormack said. “Thousands of students apply, and you don’t want to be waiting for your first payment when you are several lessons in.”
Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert encouraged students to apply to avoid the last-minute rush at the start of the new semester. “Eligibility for additional support will also be assessed. For example, students who move away from home to study may get the increased away from home rate of Youth Allowance.”
Students are among the first to benefit from the large-scale business transformation under way to modernise the delivery of government payments and services.