Government Financial Assistance
Bond assistance
The Department of Human Services, Office of Housing, provides a Bond Loan Scheme for people who are having difficulties paying the bond (security deposit) required by most landlords.
Information on eligibility and the application processes can be obtained from the Department of Humans Services, private renter assistance site.
Centrelink (including Youth Allowance)
The Government provides financial assistance through Centrelink. For information regarding assistance visit Centrelink or phone 13 2490.
If you receive Centrelink benefits and you experience financial difficulty while studying, you may qualify for an advance payment on your Centrelink payments. Information regarding eligibility and how to access this service is available directly from Centrelink.
Students receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, Pensioner Education Supplement or ABSTUDY Pensioner Education Supplement can use the Express Plus iPhone app. You just need to be registered for Centrelink Online Services and own an iPhone.
Express Plus allows you to report your income, view payment history, view and update study details and receive reminders for reporting income.
Health Care Card
As commencing students leaving school and establishing independence from parents, one of the things you should be looking at is the cost of health services. As a student you may be eligible for a Health Care Card. The cards are primarily designed to reduce the costs of medicines but they may also be available for State Government and private services.
Full-time students receiving Youth Allowance or Austudy and low income earners may be eligible for a Health Care Card if your income is below a threshold. For more information please call Centrelink on 13 2490 or visit the Centrelink website.
Financial assistance and schemes for students with a disability
There are a range of benefits and payments available to students generally, and in addition, specific schemes to assist students with disabilities. There are a number of scholarships that are available to students. Centrelink also provide interest free advance payments to Youth Allowance and Austudy beneficiaries, for information contact 13 2490.
