Are you a young Aussie finishing high school and planning to head to university or TAFE next year?
Well, you might be eligible for some serious cash support from Centrelink! Don’t wait until the last minute – Services Australia is urging you to check your eligibility ASAP, so you can get that money in your pocket sooner rather than later.
Debunking the Myth: You Don’t Need to Wait for Your ATAR
One common misconception is that you need to wait for your ATAR or course offer to claim Youth Allowance. But that’s just not true! Services Australia says you can claim as early as possible, and they’re encouraging you to do so. The maximum Youth Allowance rate for a single person over 18 living with their parents is a sweet $455.20 a fortnight, which will increase to $472.50 on January 1. That’s some nice extra cash to help you get settled into uni life!
Why You Should Claim Early
According to Services Australia’s general manager Hank Jongen, claiming early could mean getting financial support over the summer break, before your course or training begins. And with over 70,000 students claiming Youth Allowance ahead of Semester 1 each year, there’s no reason to wait. So why not get a head start on your financial support?
Other Centrelink Support Options You Need to Know About
Youth Allowance isn’t the only financial support available for young Aussies finishing high school. Here are some other payments and loans you might be eligible for:
ABSTUDY: Support for Indigenous Students
ABSTUDY provides financial help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students or apprentices.
Relocation Scholarship: Helping You Move for Study
This one-year payment is available if you receive Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY and need to move to or from a regional or remote area for study.
Tertiary Access Payment: A One-Off Boost
If you move from a regional or remote area after finishing Year 12, you could be eligible for a one-off payment of up to $5,000. And the best part? You don’t need to be eligible for Youth Allowance.
Student Start-up Loan: A Helping Hand for Higher Education
As a higher education student, you can get a voluntary loan of $1,273 twice a year. Just remember to repay it once you start earning above a certain amount.
Getting Organized with myGov and Medicare
Services Australia recommends creating your own myGov account, which you can use to lodge tax returns, access Medicare, and claim government support payments. It’s also a good idea to get your own Medicare card, especially if you’re planning to move away from home, and update your bank details to ensure you receive any rebates.
Find Out What You’re Eligible For with Centrelink’s Payment Finder
Not sure what payments you might be eligible for? Centrelink’s Payment Finder is here to help. Use this handy tool to find out what you could receive and start planning your finances for the year ahead.