Most useful information for retraining

Proving your identity over the phone with Centrelink

How to prove who you are over the phone.

Approved courses and education providers

You must study an approved course at an approved education provider to get Youth Allowance, Austudy, or Pensioner Education Supplement.

1. Top payments
2. Student Start-up Loan

How to manage your Student Start-up Loan

Your options and obligations for a Student Start-up Loan.

Severe financial hardship provisions

We may reduce or waive your waiting period for a payment if you meet the severe financial hardship provisions.

1. Top payments
2. Education Entry Payment

How much Education Entry Payment you can get

Education Entry Payment (EdEP) is a one off payment of $208 a year.

1. Employment income reporting
2. What to report

Income from employment

If you or your partner get income from employment you need to tell us. This is so we can pay you the right amount.

1. Employment income reporting
2. When to report

Unscheduled reporting

If your employment income changes, you need to tell us within 14 days. We call this unscheduled reporting, as it can happen any time.

1. How much you can get
2. Income and assets tests

What the parental means test is for Youth Allowance students and Australian Apprentices

We assess your parents’ or guardians’ income when you claim Youth Allowance as a dependent student or Australian Apprentice.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Reviewable independence

Independent for Youth Allowance (students) when in certain education or employment

If you're 18 or older and in certain education or employment circumstances, you may be independent for Youth Allowance.

1. Who can get it
2. Rent and accommodation types for Rent Assistance

Board and lodging rent type for Rent Assistance

If you pay a homeowner or leaseholder for a room in their property, you may be eligible for Rent Assistance under the board and lodging rent type.