Centrelink
Study Allowances
It can be very difficult and confusing dealing with a government agency like Centrelink with its maze of rules and regulations. Centrelink is, however, trying to become more accessible by allowing claims and other business to be done by phone or on-line.
As a full time student (both on-campus and off-campus) you may be eligible to receive Youth Allowance or Austudy. In some circumstances you may also be able to be on Newstart Allowance or one of the pensions Centrelink pays (Age, Disability, Parenting Payment Single etc). For Centrelink purposes, full-time study can be 75% of a normal full-time load.
Rent Assistance may also be added to your payments if you are living away from home, but is not available to students receiving Austudy.
Fares Allowance may also be paid for up to 2 trips each year if you are living away from home or for your residential schools if you are an External student.
Your local Centrellink office can assist you in completing your forms, or you can phone them on 13 2490 or for ABSTUDY enquiries phone 13 2317.
Advanced Payments
Centrelink does offer an Advance Payment of up to $500. You can only get this once every 12 months and you must show that you can afford to repay it over the following 6 months. To apply for this payment you will need to complete the correct applications form. More information can be found at the Centrelink website.
Centrelink Eligibility
If you are not sure if you are eligible for Centrelink assistance or not, put in an application. Applications can be done on-line through the Centrelink web site, or by phone. Follow the prompts as you go.
You may be surprised about what you are entitled to!
Other useful links
Centrelink http://www.centrelink.gov.au/
Welfare Rights http://www.welfarerights.org.au/index.htm