Transitioning out of care

Financial help

There are payments to help as you transition out of care.

One off payment

The Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA) is a payment that’s worth up to $1,500 and helps with the costs of leaving care. It can be used to pay for a wide range of items such as payment of rental bonds, furniture, course fees and buying a car.

Fortnightly payments

Being in state care means you may get a higher rate of Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY Living Allowance. Find out more about:

• being independent for Youth Allowance if you’re in state care
• when you’re independent for ABSTUDY.

You can also use our Payment and service finder to find other payments you may be eligible for. There are different payments to help if you’re:

• moving for study
• starting higher education
• doing an apprenticeship
• looking for work.

Help managing your payments

It’s important to keep us up to date. You can let us know about changes to your circumstances using either:

• your Centrelink online account through myGov
• the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.

If you move out of care and start living with others it may affect your payment.

Help from other places

Whatever your situation, there’s support available.

Ask Izzy is a free and anonymous website to find national and local support. It includes services like housing, meals, healthcare, counselling, legal advice and many more.

There are also state and territory resources that can help you transition to independent living. These links will take you away from our website.