Assessing course of study requires compulsory residence for ABSTUDY away from home rate 010-02060150

ABSTUDY students are normally expected to live at home while studying. Under certain circumstances, however, they may have to live away from home and so become eligible for a higher rate of assistance. One of these circumstances is when their tertiary course of study requires compulsory residence away from home. This residence must be compulsory for all students studying that course, or that particular stage of the course, in order for approval to be given.

Courses which have compulsory residency requirements will usually advertise this fact in published material about the course. Students claiming the higher rate would need to provide this material as proof of their entitlement.

Approval for the Away from Home rate cannot be made where a tertiary institution only advises that it would be beneficial for a student to reside on-campus in order to access facilities such as the library, additional tutoring, sporting facilities or extra curricula activities offered by the institution.

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.

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