Assessing ABSTUDY home conditions for the away from home rate 010-02060130

Dependent ABSTUDY students and Australian Apprentices may be eligible for the ABSTUDY Away from Home rate where the conditions at the permanent home impede their educational progress or ability to complete their apprenticeship. This includes conditions originating outside the home.

See the Resources page for a list of Communities and Town camps given approval that meets Unreasonable Living Conditions.

Away from Home rate can be claimed for:

• new customers:
• for secondary students, via the ABSTUDY Claiming Tool, ABSTUDY Claim (SY019), or Claim for ABSTUDY Remote Areas (SY092)
• for tertiary students and Australian Apprentices, online, via the Assisted Customer Claim, or ABSTUDY Claim (SY019)
• existing customers, via a statement (verbal or written) indicating the criteria under which they are seeking approval

Evidence may be required to support a student or Australian Apprentice claim for the Away from Home rate under home Conditions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic which occurred in Australia from March 2020, some students were required to leave their on campus term accommodation. Many students also transitioned to online study as face-to-face teaching was unavailable.

Students who were receiving the Away from Home rate, and temporarily transitioned to online learning as a result of COVID-19, remain eligible for the Away from Home rate. Tertiary students must return to face-to-face study as soon as it becomes available to continue to be eligible for the Away from Home rate.

Where a student had to move out of education provider accommodation (such as on campus) and are, or were temporarily staying with their parents, will remain eligible for the Away from Home rate providing they:

• remain enrolled in their course of study, and
• intend to return to their campus accommodation as soon as the education provider allows them to return

This includes students who:

• had their accommodation arrangement cancelled by the education provider and have moved their belongings out of that accommodation
• were approved for the Residential Cost Option (RCO)

Note: the Away from Home rate of ABSTUDY Living Allowance can be paid for any period that the education provider does not charge a residential fee, rather than the reduced rate of Living Allowance.

Dependent customers living away from home studying an approved scholarship course may also be qualified to receive a Relocation Scholarship, see Relocation Scholarship (RS) eligibility.

Social Worker’s may recommend the grant of the Away from Home due to home conditions where circumstances are not considered serious enough to grant Unreasonable to Live at Home (UTLAH).

Where a social worker recommends Away from Home, no further evidence is required.