April 2010 update

To find out about Youth Allowance changes go to information from the National Union of Students  and the Commonwealth Government. Also note that from 1 April 2010, Equity and Merit-based scholarships have been made exempt from means testing. Full report can be found here.

Background information

JustAct has previously informed supporters that there have been positive changes in the area of much needed income support for those tertiary students suffering disadvantage.

Earlier this year the outlook was grim. The lowering the age of independence progressively for student income support was blocked by the Senate; as was the increases to the personal income test free area for students. The changes to assessable income in the area of privately funded equity or merit based scholarships looked like also meeting the same fate.  All of these measures were part of the previously rejected Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Income Support for Students) Bill. There was to be no effective change to Youth Allowance/Austudy, or privately funded scholarships of any nature. Thankfully things have changed – full report can be found here.

If you need further independent advice on Commonwealth income support go to the National Welfare Rights Network website and find out contact details for help in your part of Australia.