All those starting university or an apprenticeship this year should lodge their claims for Youth Allowance or Austudy now to avoid the last minute rush at the start of the new semester.

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 may get the increased ‘away from home’ rate of Youth Allowance.

Getting in early gives students the best chance of having their payment approved when their course begins.

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.

Other improvements include digital assistants ‘Sam’ and ‘Oliver’, 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.

To lodge a claim for youth allowance, visit: www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/youth-allowance-students-and-australian-apprentices
To lodge a claim for Austudy, visit: www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/austudy