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How do I claim ABSTUDY?

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Registering an Intent to Claim

Intent to Claim: You can register an intent to claim for ABSTUDY. This will ensure you are paid from the earliest possible date. You can also register an intent to claim visiting your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre, or by telephoning us on 13 2317. If you cannot telephone us yourself, someone else can telephone Centrelink for you, so you can register your intent to claim as soon as possible.

Claim: You can claim ABSTUDY over the phone by calling 13 2317 or you can download the claim forms and information from this page, complete the forms and return them to your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre. You can also lodge your completed forms in person, by mail or by having a nominated person to lodge them for you. If you are having trouble downloading the forms and information, you can telephone Centrelink on 13 2317 or visit your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre and a Customer Service Officer will be able to help you.

Please Note: If you are a student and choose to download and complete a claim for ABSTUDY, your claim must be lodged by 31 December of the current study year or by the end of your course if you are studying a short course, so that you can be paid from the earliest possible date. Different closing dates apply if you are claiming ABSTUDY Pensioner Education Supplement. To make sure that you get paid as soon as possible, and receive any backpayment due, you should register an intent to claim and lodge your completed claim forms within 13 weeks or by the relevant closing date, whichever is the later.

If you are an Australian Apprentice and choose to download and complete a claim for ABSTUDY, your claim may only be payable from the date you lodge your completed claim form, or when you register your intent to claim.

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Information required to make a claim

You may need to provide proof of identity. If you are required to provide proof of identity documents and are having difficulty in providing these, telephone Centrelink on 13 2317 and a Customer Service Officer will be able to help you. You may also be asked to provide proof of your income and, depending on your circumstances, the income and asset details for your partner or your parents / guardians. For more information, refer to Factors Affecting Payments and Eligibility. If you have any questions, telephone Centrelink on 13 2317 or visit your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

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Claim forms to complete

To make choosing a claim form that best suits your personal circumstances easy, there are a few steps to follow:

Step 1

Download and complete a claim form that best suits your own circumstances:

For secondary students aged 15 years or younger living at home, or primary school students aged 14 years (as at 1 January)

For students who are turning 16 years or older, independent students 15 years or older, students in State care, students 15 years or younger who are boarding away from home, and Australian Apprentices.

For students who are currently receiving a Centrelink or Department of Veterans' Affairs Pension.

For students or Australian Apprentices claiming Incidentals Allowance only, assistance for part-time study or assistance to attend testing and assessment to gain entry to a tertiary course:

Information you need to know about your claim for ABSTUDY Allowances and Part-time Award.

Claim for ABSTUDY Student or Australian Apprentice in Lawful Custody.

For secondary boarding students from areas of Australia that have no access to Centrelink Remote Services or Agents:

Step 2

Print and complete your downloaded claim forms with your personal details. You may need to download and complete some of the below additional forms that have been identified when completing your claim form. Return your completed forms to your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre. Register your intent to claim for ABSTUDY so that your payments can start from the earliest possible date if you have not already done so.

These forms are current at time of publishing. To ensure that you are using the latest versions please check this page regularly. For help with downloading our forms go to PDF Hints.

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Other forms

So that your claim can be accurately assessed based on your (or your partner's) personal circumstances and that of your parent(s) / guardian(s), you may need to download and complete some of the following additional forms.

Important information about your family spending and savings:

Additional information about the student claiming ABSTUDY:

Claim for additional course costs, such as essential course or material costs:

Claim for the cost of travel undertaken as part of the student's course:

Claim for Away from Base assistance for testing and assessments, residential schools, field trips and placements:

Information about your parents/guardians income and assets for the current and /or base tax year:

Due to personal circumstances it is unreasonable for you to live at home:

If other proof of identity documents are not available and verification of your proof of identity is required:

If your circumstances have changed or you wish to make an enquiry:

Claim by approved schools for Boarding School Supplement for ABSTUDY approved boarders under 16 years:

To authorise a person to enquire on your behalf when dealing with Centrelink:

These forms are current at time of publishing. To ensure that you are using the latest versions please check this page regularly. For help with downloading our forms go to PDF Hints.

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More information

For more information or to ask for help:

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