Students:a reminder

Students who need help with the costs of study or training should contact Centrelink as soon as possible.

The Federal government says students who want to claim Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY or the Pensioner Education Supplement should let Centrelink know about their work and study plans as soon as possible.

“Contacting Centrelink early will help ensure that they can access the correct income support payments when they need it most,” the Human Services Minister Kim Carr said.

“They can use fast and convenient online services to claim Youth Allowance or Austudy,” he added.

People who have completed their studies and are looking for work may also be able to receive Youth Allowance or Newstart Allowance.

Senator Carr said the amount students can earn before their payments are affected has increased.

“The Personal Income Test for Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY has been increased from $263 to $400 a fortnight before payments are affected,” Senator Kim Carr said.

“Student Income Bank limits have also been increased.

The maximum amount a student can accumulate in their income bank it has increased from $6,000 to $10,000.

“Ultimately it means students can work more during periods that suit their study timetables without affecting their Youth Allowance payments.”