Assessing concessional study loads for Youth Allowance (YA) 010-06070040

A concessional study load for YA is a reduced study load requirement of two-thirds (66%) of the normal full-time study load for a course.

This two-thirds concessional study load allows a customer to satisfy the full-time study requirement and still qualify for benefits as a YA student (including the student income bank and higher income free area for earnings).

YA customers who reduce their study load to less than 75% but equal to or more than 66% of the normal amount of full-time study may be able to meet the full time study requirements as a secondary or tertiary concessional study load student, if the reduction in study load is for a specific reason as outlined below.

Secondary or tertiary students seeking YA under the two-thirds concessional study load rule, must be studying the reduced study load temporarily because of 1 of the following reasons:

• The education provider's normal requirements for the course (for example, there are timetable clashes, a subject has been cancelled or over-enrolled or a subject is unavailable in that semester)
• A specific direction in writing from the academic registrar or equivalent officer
• A recommendation, in writing from the academic registrar or equivalent officer, for academic or vocational reasons, regardless of whether the reason is given with the recommendation or not. This reason may only be applied for the maximum of half an academic year

There are a number of ways a student may notify the agency of their concessional study load. This includes via the:

• online claim
• Manage Study Details online service
• Manage Study Details service via Express Plus Centrelink mobile app
• Study Details (MOD ST) form
• proof of enrolment, or
• an academic transcript

Students who are completing a claim online, or managing their study details online, will be asked about the structure of their enrolment. This includes if it is full-time or part-time.

When Service Officers are assessing claims, online study updates, or other study related information provided by customers, they should consider if a two-thirds concessional study load applies to that student.

If a customer has reduced their study load due to becoming incapacitated, see Youth Allowance (YA) Student or Australian Apprentice becomes incapacitated.

The 25% study load concession (that is a concession for students undertaking at least 25% of the normal amount of full-time study) does not apply to YA students, however full-time study requirements may be adjusted for YA job seekers with a disability or with carer responsibilities who are under 22 years of age. Customers with a disability or who have caring responsibilities may also test their eligibility for other income support payment including Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment.

Youth Disability Supplement (YDS) is paid to full-time students and Australian Apprentices in receipt of YA if the customer is under 22 years of age and has been assessed through an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) as having a partial capacity to work of less than 30 hours per week.

When making an unfavourable decision, speak to the customer:

• explain the decision
• give them a chance to provide more information, and
• advise their review and appeal rights