Centrelink

Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is provided by Centrelink for students studying full-time and part-time.

Youth Allowance (Student)

Youth Allowance can assist you if you are aged 16-24 (or 15 in some circumstances) and you are studying or undertaking training or an Australian Apprenticeship on a full-time basis.  You may also be eligible for Youth Allowance if you are unable to undertake study or training because of an illness or temporary incapacity.

Austudy

Austudy provides financial help if you are aged 25 years or more and studying or undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship full-time.

ABSTUDY

If you are Indigenous and undertaking full-time secondary or tertiary study or a full-time Australian Apprenticeship, ABSTUDY is an allowance that may help you stay at school or in further study.

Depending on your situation, you might also be eligible for extra payments to help with the costs of studying.

Pensioner Education Supplement

Pensioner Education Supplement is available to students in receipt of certain Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs income support payments.

Other benefits are available to students receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY. Students may qualify for a Low Income Health Care Card, Fares Allowance or Rent Assistance, depending on their circumstances. Higher Education students may also be eligible for Start-Up Scholarships and Relocation Scholarships.

Further information about these payments and additional benefits is available on Centrelink’s website – see the online publication ‘A Guide to Australian Government payments’.

Online Services

There are a range of Centrelink facilities available online. These include the following:

Claim a payment – Youth Allowance and Austudy

Report employment income

Update or advise your details

View or print your details

Apply for an Advance Payment

Request a document e.g. Income Statement

Request a replacement Health Care Card

To find out more, visit the Centrelink website at www.centrelink.gov.au.

For information or help in languages other than English call 13 1202. For the teletypewriter service for hearing and speech impaired call TM1800 810 586.

For assistance dealing with Centrelink, making claims, overpayments and general information contact Ed/Welfare in the Guild on 9360 6583 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.