Australian Apprenticeships
Australian Apprenticeships combine practical work with structured training to provide a nationally recognised qualification that leads to skilled employment. Australian Apprenticeships are also known as apprenticeships and traineeships.
On this pageBackground
In an effort to address national skills needs and encourage people to enter Australian Apprenticeships, the Australian Government has put in place arrangements that give Australian Apprentices access to the following fortnightly payments delivered by Centrelink:
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Who can apply
You can apply for one of the fortnightly payments if you are a:
- full-time Australian Apprentice, and
- an Australian resident.
Australian Apprentices can only claim one of the payments - you should use the following guide to work out which payment is for your situation:
- if you are an Australian Apprentice aged between 16 years and 24 years, you should apply for Youth Allowance.
- if you are an Australian Apprentice aged 25 years and over, you should apply for Austudy.
- if you are an Australian Apprentice of any age and you are an Indigenous Australian, you should apply for ABSTUDY.
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Where to apply
You can claim Youth Allowance and Austudy online. To start your application for ABSTUDY you can phone 13 3633.
So that the application process takes as little time as possible, make sure that you have the following information nearby:
- your gross fortnightly earnings
- your bank account number
- your bank branch number, and
- your employer's Australian Business Number.
We will also need to confirm your proof of identity. This is just like when you go into a bank and open an account for the first time and need to provide original identity documents, such as a driver’s licence or birth certificate.
We will let you know about the different ways that you can provide your identity documentation.
Your eligibility
We will assess a number of things, such as:
- your personal income and assets, and
- your parents' or partner's income and assets (where applicable).
Because each person's circumstances are unique, you can call us on 13 3633 to find out whether you are eligible.
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Reporting your income
You will need to contact us every 2 weeks to update your employment income details. This will ensure you are paid the correct amount. You must do this in order to receive your payment.
To update your employment income details, you can:
- use our online services between 6:15 am and 10 pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday between 8 am and 6 pm
- phone 13 3276 between 8 am and 8 pm Monday to Friday (excluding national public holidays).
Note: You need to contact us before 5 pm on your reporting day or your payment will be delayed.
Tax
Centrelink payments are taxable. However, to work out exactly how this payment could affect your tax, you should speak to the Australian Tax Office, or your accountant or registered tax agent.
Find out more
For more information on Australian Apprentices, you can:
- phone 13 3633 for details of Centrelink payments for Australian Apprentices
- phone 13 3873 to find your nearest Australian Apprenticeship Centre
- phone 13 1202 for the AUSLAN service
- if you have a hearing or speech impairment phone the free TTY service on FreeCALL™1800 810 586
- refer to the Australian Apprenticeships website
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