Youth Allowance is changing

Northern Territory media release
Wednesday, 31 March 2010

Centrelink is helping to spread the word in the Northern Territory about important changes to Youth Allowance and student payments.

Centrelink’s Lyn Goncalves said you may be affected by these changes if you or your immediate family are receiving or thinking of claiming a student payment.

"Some of the changes will start as early as April 2010, including a Student Start-up Scholarship for full-time university students receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY. In 2010, this will be $1,300 paid in 2 instalments of $650.

"Some Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY customers who have to move away from home to attend university may also qualify for a relocation scholarship to help with the costs of moving.

"Some of the other changes include the age of independence dropping to 24 years from 1 April 2010. This will reduce to 22 years by 2012.

"Also, in July 2010 a more generous parental income test for dependent Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY customers will mean more students becoming eligible for payment."

Students and their families interested in finding out more about the changes can refer to changes to income support for students.

New students can lodge their claims for Youth Allowance or Austudy online and current customers do not need to contact Centrelink.