There are numerous assistance packages provided by the State and Federal Governments to help you out financially in the form of financial assistance, or an 'allowance' while you're studying or undertaking training, are unemployed or building your first home.
Centrelink assistance for students and the unemployed
If you're over 21, unemployed, looking for work and prepared to enter a preparing for work or activity agreement (new window), you're eligible to apply for the Newstart Allowance (new window).
If you're aged between 16 and 24 years of age and are a full-time student you're eligible to apply for the Youth Allowance (new window).
If you're a full-time student and you are 25 years old or older, then you should apply for Austudy (new window).
If you're an Indigenous person and are studying either full-time or part-time at secondary or tertiary level, you're qualified to apply for ABSTUDY (new window) payments.
The Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) (new window) is provided to people who receive any of the various kinds of pensions (including disability support pensions, parenting payments, widow allowance and payments from the Department of Veterans' Affairs) and who are studying either full-time or part-time.
If you're a primary, secondary or tertiary student and you can't go to an appropriate government school because you live too far away, your family may qualify for the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) scheme (new window).
Head down to your local Centrelink and see if you are eligible for a Low Income Health Care Card. Not only can the Health Care Card act as a travel concession card, it can give you other additional benefits, like:
- discounted prescription medicine
- lower utility bills (a big help to those students living out of home)
- cheap movie tickets.
For more information about financial help while studying, go to our 'Assistance while studying' page.
Financial assistance to help you pay for tertiary fees
For tertiary students, there are programs designed to help you pay for your education.
The Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) is for eligible students enrolled in Commonwealth supported places, to be used to cover their student contribution. HELP replaces the old HECS.
FEE-HELP is for eligible students enrolled in non-Commonwealth supported places which, like HELP, payment can be deferred.
For more information on assistance with paying for your education, visit our 'Paying for Study' page.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
To offset the impact of the introduction of the goods and services tax (GST), the Victorian government will is helping first home buyers through the First Home Owner Grant (new window).
This is a one-off payment of up to $7000 for eligible first home owners to help with their purchase or construction.
Getting help organising your budget and finances
If you're in debt and need help sorting out your finances, talk to a financial counsellor (new window). They can help you to organise your finances and create a budget that works for you.
There's more information about managing your debt in our 'Saving & spending' section.
Links for government assistance
FIDO - Financial Counselling Services
Financial counselling services provides information, advice and practical support for those with financial difficulties.
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
The Victorian government's Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has loads of information and resources for students in Victoria.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
Visit the Victorian government's State Revenue Office's website for more information about the First Home Owner Grant, a one-off payment of up to $7000 will be payable to eligible first home owners to help with their purchase or construction.
Going to Uni
Information about deferring university and TAFE payments through the HELP and FEE-HELP schemes.
Centrelink - Payments while you are Studying or Training
The gateway to information about Centrelink's various allowances for people who are currently studying.
Centrelink - Newstart Allowance
The gateway to information about Centrelink's Newstart Allowance for the unemployed.
Centrelink - Low Income Health Care Card
Find out if you're eligible, how to apply and what card holders are entitled to.
