Back to school time - go online!
Victoria media release
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Centrelink is encouraging Ballarat students heading back to school, TAFE and university to go online to check out the payments and services they may be entitled to.
"New students may not know they can lodge their claims for Youth Allowance or Austudy online," Ballarat Centrelink Manager, Michelle Bethune said.
"For students claiming Youth Allowance or Austudy for the first time, visit the Centrelink website, or efer to Customer Online Services and register for online services.
"The best part is you can do it all from home - at a time that suits you!"
Michelle said once registered, students can do their Centrelink business without the need to travel to a Centrelink office.
"Students can claim Youth Allowance or Austudy online, report any employment income, update their study details, and check when they’ll receive their payments," Michelle said.
"You may even be eligible for additional financial support, such as Rent Assistance, which helps with the cost of living away from home.
"Centrelink also has a range of other services such as specialist youth staff, Career Information Centres, and Social Workers to cater especially to the needs of students, whether they receive a Centrelink payment or not.
"Personal circumstances change over time and can affect your Centrelink payment. It’s important to advise Centrelink of any changes to your circumstances, such as moving away from home or reducing your study load.
"If you don’t have access to a computer, take advantage of the self-service computers available at your nearest Centrelink office."
Over the next couple of weeks, staff at Ballarat Centrelink will be on hand to assist customers and step them through the process of registering for self-service.
"Once students become comfortable using self-service with help from Centrelink staff, they will then be able to update personal details or report income from home or school," Michelle said.
"Now is the perfect time for students to jump online."
For more information about assistance for students, refer to Studying or training or call 13 2490.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.