Heading to uni or TAFE?

Are you heading to uni, TAFE or starting an apprenticeship next year? Or maybe you’re taking some time after finishing school to figure out what’s next? Whatever your next step is, Services Australia has payments and services that can help. If you’re going to be studying full time, doing an apprenticeship, or looking for work – then Youth Allowance might be for you. It can help with your study costs, like textbooks, your living costs like rent, transport or that supply of coffee you need to power through all the late-night study sessions. If you’re planning on going straight from school to further study next year, then you can claim a payment like Youth Allowance as soon as you finish your year 12 exams. You don’t need to wait for your ATAR results. Claiming early could mean money in your pocket sooner. By claiming before Christmas, year 12 graduates may be able to get financial help over the summer break, before your course or training begins. There are other payments available too. If you are a student moving from regional and remote areas to live in the city for study, you could get the Relocation Scholarship, Fares Allowance and the Tertiary Access Payment. Or, if you’re weighing up your options for life after school, there’s still things you can do through Services Australia to set yourself up for adulthood. We have guides on our website for getting your own Medicare card and tax file number, as well as setting up a myGov account. We also have tips for writing a resume and tools to help work out which jobs might be a great fit for your skills. We’ll include all these in the video description. Finishing school is a big step, and you should feel very proud. I really encourage you to check what support may be available for you through the Services Australia website. And don’t leave it until the last minute! The earlier you check, the sooner you’ll know what you’re eligible for, and you’ll have one less thing on your mind when your classes begin.