1.2.2.30 Austudy Payment (Austudy) - Description

Objective of Austudy

Austudy aims to provide income support for mature students and Australian apprentices aged 25 years and older, who do not have adequate levels of income.

Income support for younger full-time students is available under YA.

Supplementary assistance

Austudy recipients may also receive:

• remote area allowance,
• student start-up scholarship (1.2.7.160),
• PhA (if over 60 years of age and in receipt of income support for 9 months),
• crisis payment,
• fares allowance,
• low income HCC,
• rent assistance,
• pension supplement if over age pension age.

Bereavement payment provisions

The surviving member of a couple may be eligible for bereavement payments following the death of a partner.

How Austudy is paid

Austudy is paid fortnightly.

Background information

Austudy was introduced on 1 July 1998. It is available to students aged 25 or over.

Act reference: SSAct section 568 Qualification for austudy payment-general rule, section 592F Qualification for student start-up scholarship payment

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.2.1.20 Youth Allowance (YA) - Description, 3.3.3 Austudy - Qualification & Payability, 5.1.2.30 Austudy - Current Rates

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Last reviewed: 1 April 2010