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Finance - Centrelink Information

Centrelink

Many students can benefit from the services provided by Centrelink. Below are some benefits which you may be eligible for as a student, so read on and if you believe you may be entitled to any of these benefits speak to the Financial Adviser on your campus or speak directly to your local Centrelink Office.

Centrelink is a Commonwealth Government Office that administers a range of allowances and benefits, for which students may be eligible. Many students will be eligible for Youth Allowance, Austudy, Abstudy or Pensioner Education Supplement (PES). Refer to the Youth Allowance/Austudy/Abstudy section. Other benefits or allowances that students may be eligible for depending on their circumstances are Youth Allowance (unemployed), Newstart, Special Benefit, Family Tax Benefit Part A and B, Parenting Payment, Partner Allowance, Childcare Benefit, Sickness Allowance, Mobility Allowance etc. If you would like more information refer to your local Centrelink Office or phone 132490 or visit the Centrelink webpage. A Financial Adviser on your campus can also assist with information, assistance and sometimes advocacy.

Health Care Cards

Many students will be eligible for a Health Care Card as a low income earner or because they are in receipt of an appropriate Centrelink benefit or allowance. Refer to the Concessions section for more information. This is a valuable card to have to save money on a range of services. Application forms can be obtained from a Centrelink Office, the Centrelink website or from Student Services on campus.

Newstart Allowance (NSA)

Basic conditions of eligibility:

  • Must be unemployed or regarded as unemployed (this can include some people who work).
  • Aged 21 or more but under Age Pension age and registered as unemployed.
  • Willing to undertake suitable paid employment.
  • Must participate in or be willing to participate in approved activities and/or JobSearch, unless exempted.
  • Be prepared to enter into, comply or vary an existing Employment pathway Plan to fulfil the activity test.
  • Must be an Australian resident.
  • Rent Assistance may apply.
  • Personal Income and Asset tests apply.