Centrelink payments

Centrelink is the Federal Government body that deals with all welfare payments, including payments to eligible local students. All Centrelink payments are means tested. SUPRA’s general advice regarding payments is: if you think you might be eligible but are not sure, apply anyway. If your application is rejected, you can consider using your appeal rights.

Austudy and Youth Allowance

Most postgraduate students who are eligible for payments need be enrolled full-time in an approved degree. All graduate certificate and graduate diploma courses are approved degrees, but only a few Masters coursework degrees are approved. Check out the details including if your degree is approved for Austudy:
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2019L00062

Unfortunately, research degrees (e.g. Master of Philosophy and PhD) are not approved courses for Austudy or Youth Allowance purposes.

ABSTUDY

ABSTUDY provides a range of payments for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students in approved degrees. To find out if you’re eligible:
humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/abstudy

Rent Assistance

If you receive Austudy, Youth Allowance, or ABSTUDY and pay rent, you may also be entitled to Rent Assistance. If you are aged under 25 years special rules apply on eligibility.

Health Care Card

Health Care Cards are particularly useful for accessing free or low-cost dental care; discounted prescription medications; and also concessions on energy bills and water rates. If you receive Austudy, Youth Allowance, or ABSTUDY you will be automatically issued with a Health Care Card (HCC).

Low Income Health Care Card

Even if you don’t receive a Centrelink payment, you can apply for a Low-Income Health Care Card, if your income is under $556/week (single and no children). This amount is higher for couples and parents with dependent children. For details:
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/low-income-health-care-card/who-can-get-card/income-test

Part-time students and Newstart

If you are enrolled as a part-time student, you are usually not eligible for student payments from Centrelink, although some exemptions do apply, eg Disability Support Pension.

If you are at least 22 years of age, unemployed and are studying part time, you may be eligible for Newstart allowance, but you will be expected to participate in activities designed to increase your chances of finding work. There may be circumstances in which some part-time or full-time study can be included in an activity agreement, if Centrelink is convinced such study will help you to find work.

Crisis payment

Centrelink may be able to assist with a special payment if you find yourself bereaved, homeless, experiencing mental health issues, in a domestic violence situation, and subsequently experience financial difficulties. If you already receive a Centrelink payment you may be able to get an advance payment depending on the situation. If you need to speak with a Centrelink social worker you can ask by calling 132 850 (8am–5pm)

Apply for a crisis payment online: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/crisis-payment/claiming

Reviews and appeals

You have the right to appeal decisions made by Centrelink. You can call and ask them to review a decision or lodge an online request for review. If you seek a review you should do so within 13 weeks of the decision. Information on Centrelink reviews and appeals and how to submit a Review of Decision form:
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/enablers/reviews-and-appeals-centrelink-decision/34671

The Welfare Rights Centre may be able to assist in cases of appeal.

More information or assistance

Centrelink
For more details on Centrelink payments and eligibility:
humanservices.gov.au/customer/dhs/centrelink

The Welfare Rights Centre (WRC)
WRC provides advice on social security rights and can assist with reviews and appeals. Telephone advice is given on Monday and Wednesday (9.30am–12.30pm)
(02) 9211 5300 or 1800 226 028
sydney@welfarerights.org.au
welfarerightscentre.org.au