Learn How to Nail a Youth Allowance/Austudy Application and Get That Study Money

You need this.

This post is presented in partnership with the Department of Human Services.

A new school semester means new textbooks, new devices and new uniforms (or uni campus lewks). Oh, and buying yourself food and medicine and anything else necessary to stay alive while studying.

But here's the problem: those things cost money. And, yeah, students aren't usually flush with disposable cash, even for essentials.

The good news is you can apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy, which aims to support eligible Aussies and take some of the strain off those who are studying (and struggling to pay the bills).

Want to know how to nail your Youth Allowance/Austudy application? Here are some tips from the Department of Human Services. (They should know: they're the Department that assesses the claims!)

1. Check if you're eligible.

You'll save yourself a lot of time (and potential heartbreak) by first figuring out if you're eligible. If you're between the ages of 16 and 24, you should look into Youth Allowance. If you're over 25, Austudy is for you. There's still more to check, like, if you're even doing an "approved course" at an approved institution, so make sure you do your reading before proceeding. (That rhymes!)

2. Get in early.

So, you've checked and you may be eligible. Congrats! Your next move is to put your claim in as early as possible. Doing so means you'll potentially get your payment sooner. You can submit claims for Youth Allowance and Austudy up to 13 weeks before your course begins. Nice.

3. Confirm your identity.

You'll need to prove you're you when making your claim, so it's best to make sure you have all the relevant identification before you start your claim. For instance, you can't use copies, or expired passports. Best to double check what you'll need to confirm your identity and save yourself the last-minute scrambling.

4. Apply for a Tax File Number.

This is essential, and you'll need a Tax File Number to participate in society (and file a tax return) anyway. So, if you haven't got one, get one.

5. Prepare your documents.

When you make your claim, you'll need to provide a few documents that demonstrate what you're studying, illustrate your living arrangements and explain your current employment status. To find out exactly what supporting documents you'll need, refer to this handy list.

Good luck!

Header Image: NBC