Assessing eligibility for the 66% concessional study load for Austudy 010-04050040

Gather information and evidence about the study load that the customer is undertaking or intending to undertake.

This information is gathered from the online claim or 'Claim for Austudy payment' (SY002). If currently receiving Austudy, this information can be provided verbally.

Note: the customer may also need to supply a statement of their Equivalent Full-time Student Load (EFTSL) weightings, enrolment confirmation or a letter from the education provider to verify the amount of study.

What is the customer's study load?

• Between 75% and 100% of the normal amount of full-time study, the customer is considered to be a full-time student. Therefore these concessional study load procedures do not apply
• Between two-thirds 66.6% and 74% of the normal amount of full-time study, go to Step 3
• Less than two-thirds 66.6% of the normal amount of full-time study, go to Step 5

Secondary or tertiary students seeking Austudy under the two-thirds concessional study load rule must be studying the reduced study load temporarily because of one of the following reasons:

• The education provider's normal requirements for the course (for example, timetable clashes, subject cancelled or over-enrolled)
• A specific direction, in writing from the academic registrar or equivalent officer, or
• A recommendation for a reduced study load for academic or vocational reasons.
  This recommendation must be in writing from the academic registrar or equivalent officer. The specific reason for the recommendation does not have to be given with the recommendation. Note: study load reduction for this reason cannot exceed half an academic year

Is the study load between two-thirds (66.6%) and 74% of the normal amount of full-time study?

• Yes, for any of the above the customer can qualify for Austudy as a 66% concessional study load student. Go to Step 4
• No, to all of the above, go to Step 5

Complete the following tasks:

• Tell the customer they are required to notify any changes to their study load within 14 days
• Explain the consequences of reducing their study load or of ceasing studies altogether, that is, they will no longer satisfy the undertaking full time study requirement and so will no longer qualify for Austudy
• Explain the consequences of failing to notify changes or of failing to satisfy undertaking full time study requirements. For more information see Services Australia's responsibilities for managing compliance with compulsory requirements
• Code education details on the system
• Record details on a DOC

Procedure ends here.

A customer who is studying less than 75% of the normal amount of full-time study but at least 25%, may still qualify for Austudy as a 25% concessional study load student.

Customers undertaking less than 75% of the normal study load requirements who do not meet either the 66% or the 25% study load concession do not satisfy the undertaking full time study requirement. Therefore, they do not qualify for Austudy.

• Record decision on a DOC, and tell the customer of their review and appeal rights
• If necessary, cancel Austudy if the customer is currently on payment, or reject the claim, as appropriate
• Consider qualification for alternate income support, for example, JobSeeker Payment (JSP), and advise the customer accordingly