Changing or correcting course of study for Youth Allowance, Austudy and Pensioner Education Supplement students 102-07020010
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Austudy
Social Security Guide, 3.3.4.10, Approved courses of study for Austudy
Social Security Guide, 3.3.4.20, Austudy & full-time tertiary students
Social Security Guide, 3.3.4.50, Austudy & secondary students
Social Security Guide, 3.3.4.80, Austudy & impact of previous study
Pensioner Education Supplement (PES)
Social Security Guide, 3.8.3.20, PES qualifying study for tertiary students
Social Security Guide, 3.8.3.30, PES & secondary students
Social Security Guide, 3.8.3.70, PES & impact of previous study
Youth Allowance (YA)
Social Security Guide, 3.2.7.10, Activity requirements for YA
Social Security Guide, 3.2.7.30, YA full-time students
Students who are enrolled in a full-time course of study, which is not yet approved
Read the following Policy Advice from the Department of Social Services (DSS).
Youth and Student Branch - Policy Decision effective from 01/2001
Issue
Attendance of YA recipients as full-time students at institutions awaiting accreditation.
Background
Private education and training providers are sometimes delayed in receiving approval from State authorities as accredited training providers. In some cases course approval, or approval of the institutions themselves, may not be given until after courses have started. Students who claim YA before accreditation of a course has been granted or before the institution has been approved are unable to be paid under current legislation about students. Previously, the Department of Education, Skills and Employment would backdate payment of AUSTUDY to the allowable start date, as long as the customer was still undertaking the course when approval was given and it was still the current calendar year.
Policy Decision
If it can be demonstrated that an institution is seeking accreditation for a course, or for the institution itself, from State authorities, YA job seeker customers may be permitted to sign an Activity Agreement, which outlines their studies in the course or institution as the sole term of their agreement where it is a full time course. This agreement may be negotiated for a maximum of 6 months, with no extensions permitted. If accreditation for the course or institution has not been granted within this period, the customer must negotiate a new agreement as a job seeker. Customers will not be able to access student benefits such as the increased income free area as their record will still show them as 'not a student'.
Legislation
Links to the Federal Register of Legislation site go to a 'Series' page. Select the 'Latest' version.
Austudy
- section 569(1), Activity test - General
- section 569 C, Full-time students
Pensioner Education Supplement (PES)
- section 1061PB(1), Undertaking qualifying study
- section 1061PD, Full-time students
Youth Allowance (YA)
- section 541B (1), Undertaking full-time study