Centrelink at the best of times is confusing! If you find yourself getting confused or anxious over your application progress, the actual benefits you are receiving (or not receiving), and/or any other general enquiries relating to Centrelink payments, policy or process contact the Education Office. The Education Office has established direct access with Centrelink’s policy officers and has experience in dealing with this large agency.
The Education Office has copies of the application forms and information brochures on Centrelink’s various student benefits, and is able to assist students in establishing whether or not you meet the Centrelink set criteria for receiving benefits.
Centrelink is a Federal Government backed department that provides a number of financial assistance payments to students including:
- Abstudy
- Austudy
- Youth Allowance
- Pensioner Education Supplement
- Rent Assistance
- Health Care Cards
Some handy hints for when dealing with Centrelink:
- If in doubt about your eligibility for receiving student financial assistance, apply!
- Keep a copy of everything you lodge with Centrelink (preferably date-stamped)
- Tell Centrelink within 14 days if any of your circumstances change, especially if you add or delete subjects
- Payments are made to the date of the form being sent to you or your date of lodgment- it is not back-paid to the commencement of study so you should get your forms in as soon as possible.
- Keep Centrelink aware of any changes that may happen to your financial status whilst studying- you do not want to receive a bill for the extra payments you received whilst studying at the end of your degree.
Click here to make contact and/or to find out more about the role of the Education Officers.
Further Information and Assistance:
www.centrelink.gov.au
Youth Allowance/Austudy: 13 2490
Abstudy: 13 2317
Centrelink appointments: 13 1021
TTY enquiries: 1800 810 586 (Free call)
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