Reimbursing fares after the customer has died for Youth Allowance (YA), Austudy and Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) 010-04060070

If a customer has used frequent flyer points to undertake their trip, they are not eligible for reimbursement.

Fares Allowance may be reimbursed for a non-frequent flyer portion of a fare where evidence is provided. For example, a customer booked a flight using a combination of frequent flyer points and payment.

Fares Allowance (FAA) can only be paid for travel within Australia.

An Australian Apprentice is not entitled to Fares Allowance.

Payment of FAA is usually made by lump sum to the student's account. This would remain the preferred method of payment for deceased students as it may be assumed that the legal executors of the estate will have access to the bank account. Immediate payment of FAA may be arranged if the authorised person is in financial hardship due to verified costs associated with the student's death.

Coding the claim for FAA for a deceased student is similar to processing payments for a living student. However, as the student's record may not be current, special care will be taken by Services Australia to avoid overpayments arising and inappropriate advices being sent to relatives and/or others.

Another person may claim FAA on behalf of a deceased student and their estate within 26 weeks after death and before 1 April in the year after the year of study. Extended lodgement may be approved by the Secretary outside of 26 weeks if special circumstances apply.