Nationals Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie, encourages regional students planning to start tertiary education this year to lodge their claim for Youth Allowance or Austudy now.
Youth Allowance provides financial assistance for eligible young people who pursue further study or an apprenticeship after leaving school. Austudy provides assistance to eligible students and apprentices aged 25 or older.
“By applying now, it gives students the best chance of having their payment approved when their course begins and avoiding a last minute rush of applications,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Claiming online is quick and easy. The claim process has been streamlined, with tailored questions based on the information provided.
“Eligibility for additional support will also be assessed. For example, students who move away from home to study, as is the case for many living in the country, may get the increased away from home rate of Youth Allowance.”
Students are among the first to benefit from moves to modernise the delivery of government payments and services. The number of questions to answer when claiming have been reduced, and students can now advise online when they start or stop working, instead of calling or visiting a service centre.
Other improvements include Digital Assistants ‘Sam’ and ‘Oliver’, which are available 24/7 to answer general questions about payments and help guide students through their online claim. These assistants have responded to more than 1.8 million queries since 2017.
“I wish our country students going on to further study this year the very best of luck and many exciting opportunities ahead,” Senator McKenzie said.
For more information, head to https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/leaving-school