Media backgrounder - What school leavers and parents should know before the end of Year 12

Claim early if you’re planning to study next year

Some students can receive Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY Living Allowance from the day they finish school. If you’re finishing Year 12 and planning to study or start an apprenticeship, you might be paid from the date you finish. Claiming early can mean you access financial support over summer, before your course or training starts.

You don’t need to wait for your ATAR or course offer to claim

If or when you submit your claim, just list your preferred course. If your plans change later, you can let us know.

Check for support beyond Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY

Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY aren’t the only payments available to students. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to get payments like the Student Start-up Loan, or Relocation Scholarship to help with the cost of moving to study. Some payments, like Tertiary Access Payment, might be available even if you aren’t eligible for Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY.

Moving for study? You may be able to access extra support

Relocation Scholarship is paid once a year for students getting Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY payments, who need to move to or from a regional or remote area to study. We’ll automatically check your eligibility for Relocation Scholarship as part of your claim for payment.

Tertiary Access Payment can also help students who need to move from regional and remote areas, but isn’t connected to Youth Allowance, and needs to be claimed separately. You may be eligible for Tertiary Access Payment even if you aren’t eligible for Youth Allowance.

Create your own myGov account

If you’re finishing school, it’s a good idea to set up your own myGov account. You’ll use it to access a range of government services, including Medicare, the ATO and Centrelink. If you’re planning to claim Youth Allowance, you’ll need a myGov account.

Get your own Medicare card

Having your own Medicare card can make managing your healthcare easier, especially if you’re moving away from home to study or work. You should also make sure Medicare has your current bank details, so any rebates are paid directly back to you. You can do this through myGov.

Parents should check how Family Tax Benefit may change after Year 12

If your child finishes Year 12 this year, any Family Tax Benefit you receive for them will stop. In most cases, this happens on 1 January. It may stop earlier if your child claims Youth Allowance and asks for their payment to start as soon as possible (usually when they finish school).

Use Payment Finder to see what support is available

Payment Finder can help school leavers understand what payments they may be eligible for and can help estimate how much they could receive each fortnight.

Information for school leavers in one place

The Services Australia website has all the useful information to help students and their parents understand the support available. Visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/leavingschool.