Acting early could mean money in your pocket sooner.
No matter what their plans for the future are – be it further study, an apprenticeship, looking for work, or just not sure yet – Services Australia can help high school leavers as they navigate their next steps.
There is information about how to claim financial support and also guides with practical steps like writing a resume, creating a myGov account, and getting your own Medicare card, available at Leaving Secondary School.
A common myth is the idea people going to University or TAFE need to wait for their course offer before claiming Youth Allowance.
But those who are planning on going straight from school to further study can claim as soon as they finish year 12 exams.
By claiming before the Christmas break, Year 12 graduates may be able to get financial assistance over the summer, before their course or training begins.
When claiming early, students should list their first course preference. It’s easy to update if plans change once you get your ATAR.
Every year over 70,000 students claim Youth Allowance ahead of semester 1. Don’t be the last one to get your claim in.
There’s no reason to wait.
Quotes attributable to Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen:
“Congratulations to the young Australians who have finished Year 12 in recent weeks. It’s a big milestone, and they should feel incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.”
“I really encourage Year 12 graduates and their parents to visit the Services Australia website and search for leaving school. There is lots of practical information here to help with life after school.”
“There is a big incentive for those Year 12 students going straight to university or TAFE next year to get their claims in before Christmas. Claiming early could mean getting financial support over the summer break, before your course or training begins.”