Written by Yaleena Bridges
I’m sure everyone at some stage during their time at university has found themselves asking a similar question. How can I earn a little more money while studying at university? You jump onto a job seeker website to try and find some part-time jobs close by, but wonder how you will find the time to work and study? Well, what if I have another solution for you?
After doing some research into government assistance, I found the Centrelink website, which lists some possible income support payments for students. That is where I found Youth Allowance
Youth Allowance is financial help for students or Australian Apprentices who are under 24 years old. There is plenty of information on the Centrelink website on who can get it, how much you get, how to prepare for and make your claim, and everything in between.

After reading all the mind-numbing information until my head hurt, I figured I had nothing to lose.
I’ll admit, the process was fairly lengthy. I began by logging into my MyGov account, where I can log into Centrelink and apply for a new claim. Then the questions began from all my personal details, to information about study, income and finances. Along with the seemingly endless questions, there were supporting documents I had to gather, as well as proof of my identification.

After I finally submitted my application, a Zoom call was organised to prove my identity before the claim could be processed. Now the hard parts were done, and the waiting game began. It took over a month for my claim to be processed, and it can take even longer at certain times of the year. Finally, I got an email to say it was complete, and the payments began.
Luckily, the hardest parts were done; now all that was required was to report my fortnightly income and ensure that if any changes to my schooling were to occur, I would inform them as well.
While I’ll admit, the payments could be more, it is helpful nonetheless, and no working is required! Meaning I can spend more time studying, and less time worrying about my income.

Now, what if I am over 24? There is another claim for students over 25 called Austudy, as well as a bunch of other claims listed on the Centrelink website.
While I hope I haven’t bombarded you with a bunch of seemingly boring information, I hope this has given you hope that you, too, can find a way to get financial support from the government, without even leaving the comfort of your bed!
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.