What Centrelink Payments Can I Get as a Uni Student?

Embarking on a university journey is an exciting time, but it can also be financially challenging. As a student, you might be eligible for various Centrelink payments to help ease the financial burden. In this article, we’ll explore the different Centrelink payments available to you as a university student, ensuring you have the information you need to make informed decisions.

Understanding Centrelink Payments

Centrelink is the Australian government agency responsible for providing social security and other government assistance. As a university student, you may be eligible for several types of Centrelink payments, depending on your circumstances.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students may be eligible for additional Centrelink payments. These include:

Student Income Support Payment (SIS)

The Student Income Support Payment (SIS) is a weekly payment available to eligible students who are studying full-time. To be eligible, you must:

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a protected special category visa.
• Be enrolled in an eligible course at an approved education institution.
• Be studying full-time.
• Be aged 25 or over, or have a dependent child.

The SIS payment amount varies depending on your circumstances, such as your income, living arrangements, and whether you have children.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Income Support Payment (ATSISISP)

Similar to the SIS, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Income Support Payment (ATSISISP) is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who meet the following criteria:

• Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a protected special category visa.
• Are enrolled in an eligible course at an approved education institution.
• Are studying full-time.
• Are aged 25 or over, or have a dependent child.

The ATSISISP payment amount also varies based on your circumstances.

Parental Leave Pay

Parental Leave Pay is available to eligible students who are parents or parents-to-be. To be eligible, you must:

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a protected special category visa.
• Be studying full-time.
• Be the primary carer of a newborn or newly adopted child.

Parental Leave Pay is a lump-sum payment that can be used to cover expenses during the first 18 weeks of parental leave.

JobSeeker Payment

JobSeeker Payment is available to students who are unable to work due to illness, injury, or other reasons. To be eligible, you must:

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a protected special category visa.
• Be aged 22 or over.
• Be studying full-time.
• Be unable to work due to illness, injury, or other reasons.

The JobSeeker Payment amount varies depending on your circumstances, such as your income and living arrangements.

Other Centrelink Payments

In addition to the above payments, there are several other Centrelink payments available to students, including:

• Health Care Card: Provides access to cheaper prescription medicines, concession rates for public transport, and other benefits.
• Pharmaceutical Allowance: Assists with the cost of prescription medicines for eligible students.
• Education Costs: Provides financial assistance for education-related expenses, such as textbooks and equipment.

It’s important to note that