Coding ABSTUDY education details 010-23042024

Different procedures apply for situations where the customer:

• will not commence full-time study for ABSTUDY, ABSTUDY PES, AIC and AIC PES
• is receiving ABSTUDY or ABSTUDY PES and defers or discontinues study before the end of the course
• is receiving ABSTUDY or ABSTUDY PES and changes the course and/or education provider that they were studying
• has now finished their course

Customers are deemed to be continuing students where they:

• have had a break in full-time or concessional study-load of 1 semester or less, and the first day of their approved course is between 1 January and 31 March, or between 1 July and 31 July. These customers do not need to have been receiving a study payment during the previous study period
• have had a break in full-time or concessional study-load greater than 1 semester, and the break in study was due to circumstances beyond their control
• discontinue and then subsequently commence full-time or concessional study-load, in either the same course or a different course. They remain entitled to Living Allowance if the period between is no more than 28 days
• were receiving Living Allowance or another Australian Government payment on the basis of undertaking approved full-time or concessional study-load study:
• immediately before the vacation period, and
• are intending to undertake approved full-time or concessional study-load study in the study period immediately after the vacation period. This includes a vacation period that falls during the time a student is transitioning from secondary to tertiary level study

Note: for ABSTUDY customers, there is no entitlement to Living Allowance over the long vacation period if:

• the approved course immediately before the vacation period ended earlier than 15 September, and
• the approved course immediately after the vacation period starts after 31 March

Students studying an approved scholarship course may also qualify to receive an RS. RS eligibility explains additional coding required for students studying an approved scholarship course to ensure that the RS is paid correctly.

When making an unfavourable decision, speak to the customer:

• explain the decision
• give them a chance to provide more information or evidence
• advise their review and appeal rights. Record an application for a formal review of the decision if required

Make 2 genuine attempts to contact the customer before finalising the decision.