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Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) student turns 16 010-25052255

Scenarios - AIC student turning 16 years

This table contains scenarios relating to the options and entitlements available to an Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) student upon turning 16 years.

Item	Scenario
1	If a student is in primary, secondary or equivalent ungraded level studies Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) is payable, if they are under 19 years on 1 January in the year of study. Note: the maximum age limit may be extended by one year (to under 20 years as at 1 January) for students undertaking primary, secondary or equivalent ungraded level studies, if the student's progress through school has been delayed by special circumstances, such as: illness English language difficulties transfer from a different education system, or periods of employment or training If students receive Disability Support Pension (DSP) or Parenting Payment Single (PPS) and are studying full-time at primary or equivalent ungraded level, they may receive Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) under AIC until they turn 21 years of age.
2	If students are tertiary students AIC can be paid for an eligible tertiary student until the day they have met the minimum education and training participation age or requirement for their state or territory. Tertiary students who are no longer eligible for AIC need to claim ABSTUDY or YA, whichever is applicable.
3	Secondary students 16 years of age and over May be eligible for Youth Allowance (YA) or ABSTUDY (if applicable). Students may choose to receive either one of these payments instead of their parent receiving AIC. Family Tax Benefit (FTB) can continue to be payable for a student aged 16 years or over who is eligible for AIC. Families able to receive FTB for a student will usually be entitled to more assistance from the combination of AIC and FTB than the student may receive from YA or ABSTUDY Away from Home rate and Rent Assistance (RA).
4	Families of students receiving AIC In addition to families who may be able to receive FTB in respect of the same student, most state and territory governments also provide assistance for isolated students that, in some cases, is tied to eligibility for AIC. State and territory government assistance does not affect eligibility for AIC or FTB. Families should choose the assistance that best suits their needs or is the most beneficial.