Kickstarting Your Academic Journey
What is the $1,000 Student Payment?
The Australian government understands the financial challenges faced by students, especially during times of uncertainty like the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why they’ve introduced the $1,000 Student Payment – a one-time financial aid scheme designed to support eligible students in their pursuit of higher education.
Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
Meeting the Criteria
To be eligible for the $1,000 Student Payment, you must meet the following requirements:
- Receive Youth Allowance, Austudy, or ABSTUDY Living Allowance payments from Centrelink
- Provide your Tax File Number (TFN)
- Meet the study rules outlined below
- Apply during the loan period, no later than 35 days before the end of your course
It’s important to note that if you’re an ABSTUDY student not receiving the Living Allowance, you may still qualify if you receive other payments from Centrelink, such as the Energy Supplement or Youth Disability Supplement.
Who is Not Eligible?
You will not be eligible for the $1,000 Student Payment if:
- You do not receive Youth Allowance, Austudy, or ABSTUDY Living Allowance
- You only receive the ABSTUDY Incidentals Allowance (not the Living Allowance)
- Centrelink does not have your Tax File Number on record
- You receive an Indigenous Student Success Program scholarship from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA)
Application and Payment Periods
When Can You Apply?
The application periods for the $1,000 Student Start-Up Loan are divided into two parts:
- January 1 to June 30
- July 1 to December 31
How to Claim Your Payment
If you’re already receiving student payments (Youth Allowance, Austudy, or ABSTUDY Living Allowance) and your Centrelink online account is linked to myGov, you can follow these simple steps:
- Log in to your myGov account
- Go to “Payments and Claims” and select “Update Circumstances”
- Choose “Apply for/Manage Student Start-up Loan” and follow the prompts
If you don’t have an online account yet, you’ll need to create one with Centrelink and myGov before applying.
Study Rules and Payment Amounts
Fulfilling the Study Requirements
To qualify for the Student Start-up Loan, you must be enrolled full-time in an approved course. Additionally, you must still be studying the course on the 35th day after one of the following:
- The course start date during the loan period
- The day of your qualifying test during the loan period
How Much Can You Receive?
The payment amount you’ll receive depends on your individual circumstances, including your income, assets, and those of your partner (if applicable). Here’s a general guide:
| Your Situation | Student Start-Up Loan Amount |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | $639.00 |
| Single, with children | $806.00 |
| Couple, no children | $639.00 |
| Couple, with children | $691.80 |
Remember, these are just estimates, and your actual payment may vary based on the information you provide to Centrelink.
Stay Informed, Stay Ahead
Keeping Up with the Latest Updates
As the $1,000 Student Payment is subject to periodic reviews and potential changes, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest updates and eligibility criteria. Keep an eye out for announcements from the Australian government and relevant authorities to ensure you don’t miss out on this valuable financial assistance.
With the $1,000 Student Payment, the Australian government is committed to supporting students on their academic journeys. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and payment details, you can take advantage of this opportunity and focus on achieving your educational goals.