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You are here: ABSTUDY > 2 How to Apply for ABSTUDY > 2.1 How to Apply for ABSTUDY

2.1 How to Apply for ABSTUDY

• 2.1.1 Who Should be the Applicant?
  • 2.1.1.1 Student and Parent/Guardian Applicant
    • 2.1.1.1.1 Eligibility to Apply - Student
    • 2.1.1.1.2 Eligibility to Apply - Other Person
  • 2.1.1.2 Disputed Responsibility
    • 2.1.1.2.1 Doubt as to who has Responsibility
    • 2.1.1.2.2 Considerations in Determining Applicant
    • 2.1.1.2.3 Action During Year
  • 2.1.1.3 Interim Applicant
    • 2.1.1.3.1 Eligibility to Apply
    • 2.1.1.3.2 Circumstances when Interim Claims can be Accepted from Boarding Schools
    • 2.1.1.3.3 Approval of Entitlements
  • 2.1.2.1 The Claim Forms
    • 2.1.2.1.1 Five Types of Form
    • 2.1.2.1.2 ABSTUDY Schooling A Claim Form
    • 2.1.2.1.3 ABSTUDY Claim Form
    • 2.1.2.1.4 ABSTUDY Pensioner Student Claim Form
    • 2.1.2.1.5 ABSTUDY Students in Lawful Custody Claim Form
    • 2.1.2.1.6 ABSTUDY Testing and Assessment Claim Form
    • 2.1.2.1.7 Which Form When?
  2.1.3 Lodgement Requirements
  • 2.1.3.1 How to Lodge a Claim
    • 2.1.3.1.1 Lodgement
    • 2.1.3.1.2 Date of Lodgement
    • 2.1.3.1.3 Closing Date for Claims
    • 2.1.3.1.4 Closing Date for Additional Information
    • 2.1.3.1.5 Lodgement Within the Prescribed Time
    • 2.1.3.1.6 Before Processing can Occur
    • 2.1.3.1.7 Benefits Not Approved
  • 2.1.3.2 Changed Circumstances
    • 2.1.3.2.1 Changed Circumstances
    • 2.1.3.2.2 Update Details
    • 2.1.3.2.3 New Form Required
• 2.1.4 Supporting Documentation
  • 2.1.4.1 Proof of Enrolment
    • 2.1.4.1.1 Who Must Provide Proof of Enrolment?
    • 2.1.4.1.2 Acceptable Documents
    • 2.1.4.1.3 Period of Grace
    • 2.1.4.1.4 Payments
    • 2.1.4.1.5 Proof of Enrolment not Provided
    • 2.1.4.1.6 Reassessment
  • 2.1.4.2 Proof of Age
    • 2.1.4.2.1 Who Should Provide Proof of Age?
    • 2.1.4.2.2 Acceptable Documents
    • 2.1.4.2.3 Exemptions
    • 2.1.4.2.4 Period of Grace
    • 2.1.4.2.5 Payments
    • 2.1.4.2.6 Proof of Age Not Provided
    • 2.1.4.2.7 Re-assessment
  • 2.1.4.3 Proof of Income
    • 2.1.4.3.1 Who Should Provide Proof of Income?
    • 2.1.4.3.2 Exemption
    • 2.1.4.3.3 Acceptable Proof of Income
    • 2.1.4.3.4 Provision of Documentation
  • 2.1.4.4 Health Care Card
    • 2.1.4.4.1 Who Should Provide a Health Care Card
    • 2.1.4.4.2 Provision of Proof of Health Care Card
  • 2.1.4.5 Proof of Australian Citizenship
    • 2.1.4.5.1 Who Must Provide Proof of Enrolment?
    • 2.1.4.5.2 Acceptable Documents
    • 2.1.4.5.3 Provision of Documentation
    • 2.1.4.5.4 Proof of Australian Citizenship for Continuing Students

Introduction

Applications for ABSTUDY are made on one of five claim forms, by either the student, a parent/guardian or an interim applicant. Interim claims may only be accepted in limited circumstances (see Policy Manual - 2.1.1.3). Lodgement of claims can be made at a Centrelink Student Services office or any other Centrelink Customer Service Centre. This chapter provides details relating to claims for ABSTUDY.

Integrity of Information
All information provided by the applicant on the claim form must be true and accurate.

False or Misleading Information
Customer Service Officers (CSO)s, previously known as assessors are to be alert to cases where it appears that an applicant has knowingly provided false or misleading information. In such circumstances the local guidelines regarding referrals to the local Compliance Unit should be followed.

Penalty
The applicant is warned when signing the claim form of the penalties that may be imposed under the Student Assistance Act 1973 for a person who knowingly gives false and misleading information. The penalties range up to a $6,000 fine, imprisonment for 12 months, or both.

2.1.1 Who Should be the Applicant?

There are three types of acceptable applicants for ABSTUDY. They are:

• students;
• parents or guardians; and
• interim applicants.

This topic covers each of these groups individually.

2.1.1.1 Student and Parent/Guardian Applicant

2.1.1.1.1 Eligibility to Apply - Student

The student may be the applicant for ABSTUDY assistance if the student is:

• a school student and will be 16 years of age or over in the year of assistance;
• a school student and meets one of the independent status criteria;
• applying for tertiary or postgraduate study; or
• receiving a Commonwealth Government pension, eg Sole Parent Pension or Disability Support Pension, etc.

2.1.1.1.2 Eligibility to Apply - Other Person

For school students other than those specified above, an ABSTUDY claim form is to be completed by the person who has the responsibility for care and maintenance of the student and with whom the student normally lives. The applicant will be:

• either of the student's natural or adoptive parents, where the student lives with the natural or adoptive parents;
• the natural or adoptive parent with whom the student lives, where the student's natural or adoptive parents are separated and the student lives with one of them;
• a guardian, where responsibility for the student's care has been assumed by a guardian with whom the student normally lives;
• the foster parent, guardian or parent(s) as appropriate (see the three dot points above), where the student is in State care but placed in the care of foster parent, guardian or parent(s);
• an appropriate responsible officer of the relevant State/Territory authority, where the student is in government care and is living in an institution; or
• where the student would, but for reasons of age, qualify as an orphan or as a homeless student and is in the care of a person or institution, that person or an official of that institution.

Note: Income details will not be required from such an applicant.

2.1.1.2 Disputed Responsibility

2.1.1.2.1 Doubt as to who has Responsibility

Where more than one person has applied for ABSTUDY on behalf of a student or there is doubt as to who is the parent/guardian, investigations will be carried out with:

• both people, and/or
• with the applicants’ knowledge, an independent authority such as a school or welfare worker,

to determine who is the most suitable person to apply. Advice may also be sought from the student.

2.1.1.2.2 Considerations in Determining Applicant

The following should be considered in determining who is the most suitable person to apply:

• whether the student lives with the applicant and has done so in the last twelve months;
• whether the student lives with the applicant during vacations;
• who is responsible for the care of the student, eg providing food and shelter;
• who contributes regularly and significantly to the student's living and education costs;
• who receives Family Payment or other allowances in respect of the student; and/or
• who has been awarded custody of the student.

2.1.1.2.3 Action During Year

Where doubt is raised through the year as to who is in fact the parent/guardian, the above should be considered and the student’s file documented. Appropriate action should then be taken if necessary.

2.1.1.3 Interim Applicant

2.1.1.3.1 Eligibility to Apply

An interim claim on behalf of a student can be accepted where:

• the student or person who would normally apply on behalf of the student is not able to submit a n claim because of exceptional circumstances, such as serious illness;
• the person who submits the interim claim has temporary care of the student, is able to make an informed declaration about the student's Aboriginality and is prepared to accept ABSTUDY conditions; and
• Centrelink Student Services has no reason to believe that by accepting an interim claim it is not following the wishes of the student or parent/long-term guardian in respect of the student's schooling.

Note: Interim claims can only be accepted when the interim applicant has the student in their care temporarily. Interim claims will not be accepted from a school or school official, except in the circumstances outlined in 2.1.1.3.2 below.

2.1.1.3.2 Circumstances when Interim Claims can be Accepted From Boarding Schools

Interim claims can be accepted from boarding schools only in the following circumstances:

• the student is from a remote location in the same State/Territory as the boarding school;
• the claim is lodged in Term 1;
• the boarding school accepts responsibility for obtaining a full claim from the student’s parent/guardian; and
• the institution accepts responsibility for the student’s boarding and tuition fees where a complete claim is not subsequently lodged by the student’s parent/guardian.

Where the above circumstances are met, only Fares Allowance for Terms 1 and 2 one and two can be approved. Where a full claim from the student’s parent/guardian has not been received by the end of Term 2, no further Fares Allowance is to be approved.

2.1.1.3.3 Approval of Entitlements

Where an interim claim has been accepted:

• the delegate may, based on available information, approve only ABSTUDY non-income tested allowances; and
• a new claim must be lodged as soon as possible by the appropriate person.

2.1.2 Claim Forms

To apply for ABSTUDY assistance, an ABSTUDY claim form must be completed. This topic covers the different types of forms available and when you should use each of them.

2.1.2.1 The Claim Forms

2.1.2.1.1 Five Types of Form

There are five claim forms to cover particular circumstances - for new students, including specific forms for pensioner students, students in lawful custody and students undertaking testing and assessment programmes. They are:

• ABSTUDY Schooling A Claim Form,
• ABSTUDY Claim Form,
• ABSTUDY Pensioner Student Claim Form,
• ABSTUDY Student in Lawful Custody Claim Form, and
• ABSTUDY Testing and Assessment Claim Form.

The function of each of these forms is explained below.

2.1.2.1.2 ABSTUDY Schooling A Claim Form

The ABSTUDY Schooling A Claim Form is for students who, in the year for which they are applying, are:

• Secondary school students under 15 years old or turning 15 years of age in 2002, or
• Primary school students aged 14 years at 1 January 2002.

Note: Schooling A continuing students will not be required to complete a new Claim Form. These students will receive a letter from Centrelink requesting further details and acceptance of Schooling A payment.

2.1.2.1.3 ABSTUDY Claim Form

The ABSTUDY Claim Form is for:

• Secondary or primary students who, during 2002, are or will be 16 years of age or older;
• dependent secondary students younger than 16 years old and living away from home;
• secondary students claiming independent status;
• tertiary students; or
• postgraduate students, including applicants for the Masters and Doctorate Award.

2.1.2.1.4 ABSTUDY Pensioner Student Claim Form

The ABSTUDY Pensioner Student Claim Form is for new pensioner students. It is a shortened version of the ABSTUDY Claim Form as pensioners are required to provide less information. Pensioner students may also use the ABSTUDY Claim Form.

2.1.2.1.5 ABSTUDY Students in Lawful Custody Claim Form

The ABSTUDY Students in Lawful Custody Claim Form is for students who are currently in lawful custody. It is a shortened version of the ABSTUDY Claim Form as students in lawful custody are required to provide less information. Students in lawful custody may also use the ABSTUDY Claim Form.

2.1.2.1.6 ABSTUDY Testing and Assessment Claim Form

The ABSTUDY Testing and Assessment Claim Form is for applicants applying for funding to participate in a testing and assessment programme such as an interview or selection test conducted by a tertiary education institution. Applicants may also use the ABSTUDY Claim Form.

2.1.2.1.7 Which form when?

This table summarises the information given on the previous two pages.

If applying for...	and the student is...	then use...
Primary school study	aged 14 years at 1 January and under 16 years throughout 2002 aged 14 years and under 16 years old throughout 2002 and living away from home	Schooling A Claim Form
	aged 16 years or older	ABSTUDY Claim Form
Secondary school study	under 16 years old throughout 2002 and living at home	Schooling A Claim Form
	under 16 years and living away from home aged 16 years or older claiming independent status	ABSTUDY Claim Form
	a pensioner commencing a new course	Pensioner Student Claim Form*
	in lawful custody	Student in Lawful Custody Claim Form *
Testing and assessment programme	travelling away from permanent home to attend a selection test or interview for entry into a tertiary course	Testing and Assessment Claim Form *
Tertiary or Postgraduate study	at least of State/Territory school leaving age	ABSTUDY Claim Form
	a pensioner commencing a new course	Pensioner Student Claim Form*
	a student in lawful custody	Student in Lawful Custody Claim Form *
Masters or Doctorate study	in full-time study	ABSTUDY Claim Form

* Student may also use the ABSTUDY Claim Form.

Note: Schooling A continuing student will not be required to complete a new Claim Form. This student will receive a letter from Centrelink requesting further details and acceptance of Schooling A payment.

2.1.3 Lodgement Requirements

A completed ABSTUDY claim form, signed by the applicant, is the document instrument by which ABSTUDY benefits may be approved. A claim form must be lodged each year for each student seeking ABSTUDY assistance.

2.1.3.1 How to Lodge a Claim

2.1.3.1.1 Lodgement

An ABSTUDY claim form may be lodged in person:

• at the nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre, or
• in remote areas, with a Centrelink field officer.

Forms may be posted to the nearest Centrelink Student Services Customer Service Centre shown on the claim form.

2.1.3.1.2 Date of lodgement

Students may advise Centrelink that they have an intent to lodge an application.  Where students actually lodge the application within 3 months of advising the intent, the application will be deemed to have been lodged on the date of intent.  This means that students are able to lodge claims up until 31 March 2002 if they have advised of an intent to claim by 31 December 2002, to be eligible from 1 January 2002.  Intent of lodgement of the ABSTUDY claim form must also meet the closing date specified in 2.1.3.1.3. This includes an ABSTUDY claim being accepted where an incorrect or inappropriate claim for another payment was lodged on time, eg FACS PES, Youth Allowance, Austudy payment or AIC.

2.1.3.1.3 Closing date for claims

The table below lists the closing dates for lodgement of ABSTUDY claims with Centrelink.

 

If the applicant is applying for...	then the closing date is...
a full-year course	by the end of the calendar year.
a course of less than one year	by the end of the course.
Testing and Assessment	by the end of the selection test or interview.

 

The table below lists the closing dates for lodgement of Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) claims with Centrelink. 

In all cases, claims must be lodged prior to the student discontinuing study.

2.1.3.1.4 Closing Date for Additional Information

There is no closing date for acceptance of additional information.

2.1.3.1.5 Lodgement Within the Prescribed Time

Where claims are lodged within the prescribed time or where the delegate considers that the claim would, but for circumstances beyond the applicant’s control, have been lodged within the prescribed time, students may receive full benefits in accordance with their approved entitlements.

Note: The applicant must provide a written statement explaining the reason for late lodgement of the claim. Other evidence to the delegate’s satisfaction may also be requested.

2.1.3.1.6 Before Processing can Occur

Before processing can occur, an ABSTUDY claim form must:

• be signed by an eligible applicant (see Policy Manual - 2.1.1.1.1, 2.1.1.1.2, 2.1.1.3.1 and 2.1.1.3.2); and
• be lodged within the prescribed time (see Policy Manual - 2.1.3.1.3 on previous page).

Note: Applications from residents of remote communities require a signature from only one parent or guardian.

2.1.3.1.7 Benefits not Approved

No benefits may be approved for a student:

• in respect of a year for which there is no ABSTUDY claim form (but see Policy Manual - 2.1.3.1.2 on previous page); or
• before the claim form has been approved by a delegated officer.

2.1.3.2 Changed Circumstances

2.1.3.2.1 Changed Circumstances

Circumstances may change during the student’s course of study which require amendments or updates to the original claim.

2.1.3.2.2 Update Details

The circumstances listed below require notification in 14 days and the original claim may be updated from this information:

• a student leaves school or a course;
• a student reduces or increases the study workload in her/his approved course, including transferring between full and part-time study; or
• a student withdraws from the course nominated on the claim form and enrols in a second course.

2.1.3.2.3 New Form Required

A new claim form must be lodged when there is a change of applicant for an under 16 years schooling student.

2.1.4 Supporting Documentation

ABSTUDY claims generally require documentation to support details provided in the claim. This supporting documentation may include:

• proof of enrolment;,
• proof of age;,
• proof of income;,
• a Health Care Card; and/or
• proof of Australian citizenship

This section covers the types of acceptable documentation and when they must be presented.

2.1.4.1 Proof of Enrolment

2.1.4.1.1 Who must Provide Proof of Enrolment?

Students must provide proof of enrolment if they are studying at an institution other than a secondary school.

2.1.4.1.2 Acceptable Documents

DIFFERENT TO YA/AUSTUDY PAYMENT

Acceptable proof of enrolment is:

• the original or a photocopy of the institutions enrolment advice to the student;
• an enrolment fee receipt;
• a HECS statement;
• a student identification card (where period of enrolment is specified on the card);
• a statement from the institution advising acceptance into the course; or
• proof of registration for Open Learning students.

Note: Courses which are conducted as modules across semesters and calendar years are to be treated in the same way as an articulated study course with continuity of payment.

See Policy Manual 4.1.1.7 and 4.1.1.8.

2.1.4.1.3 Period of Grace

If acceptable proof of enrolment is not provided with an ABSTUDY claim as required, the documentation must be provided within two weeks of the nominated date of commencement of the course.

2.1.4.1.4 Payments

Subject to the normal eligibility criteria being met, payments may commence in the interim for up to two weeks from the date nominated by the student as the date s/he would commence the course.

2.1.4.1.5 Proof of Enrolment not Provided

If proof of enrolment documents are not provided within the two week period of grace, payments are to be stopped and an overpayment raised.

2.1.4.1.6 Reassessment

Should acceptable proof of enrolment documents be provided after ABSTUDY payments are stopped, the claim should be reassessed as eligible for the full study entitlement period.

2.1.4.2 Proof of Age

2.1.4.2.1 Who Should Provide Proof of Age?

Students must provide proof of age with their ABSTUDY claims or within the period of grace if they:

• are not eligible for one of the ABSTUDY proof of age exemptions (see Policy Manual - 2.1.4.2.3 below); and
• will be turning 16 years old during 2002; or
• will be 16 years or older in 2002.

Note: See below for explanations of period of grace and exemptions to proof of age.

2.1.4.2.2 Acceptable Documents

Acceptable proof of age can be an original or certified copy of a:

• birth certificate or extract;
• driver's licence;
• passport; or
• other government documentation that contains the date of birth of the student; or
• other non-government documentation that contains the date of birth of the student.

2.1.4.2.3 Exemptions

Proof of age is not required for students who:

• are continuing students turning 17 years or older in 2002, or
• will be under 16 years throughout 2002.

2.1.4.2.4 Period of Grace

If acceptable proof of age documents are not provided with an ABSTUDY claim as required, the documentation must be provided within four weeks (28 days) from the date of initial assessment or by the 16th birthday, whichever is later, for students turning 16 years old during 2002.

2.1.4.2.5 Payments

Subject to the normal eligibility criteria being met, payments may commence in the interim for up four weeks (28 days) from the date of initial assessment, or up to the student’s 16th birthday, whichever is later.

2.1.4.2.6 Proof of Age not Provided

If proof of age documentation is not provided within four weeks (28 days) from the date of initial assessment (or by a student’s 16th birthday), payments are to be stopped and an overpayment raised.

The Centrelink /ABSTUDY Manager may approve an extension of time to provide proof of age documentation for an appropriate length of time where this is deemed necessary.

2.1.4.2.7 Re-assessment

Should acceptable proof of age documents be provided after ABSTUDY payments are stopped, the claim should be reassessed as eligible for the full entitlement period.

2.1.4.3 Proof of Income

2.1.4.3.1 Who Should Provide Proof of Income?

Prior to payment of Living Allowance (Basic Payment), acceptable proof of income documentation must be provided by:

• parents/guardians of a dependent student who is subject to the parental income test; or
• the partner of a independent student who is subject to the partner income test.

Note: See 2.1.4.3.2 below for exemption to the proof of income requirements.

2.1.4.3.2 Exemption

Where a taxation return has been lodged for the applicable financial year, proof of income is not required from the parent/guardian or partner of a continuing student (ie, where the student is continuing study in the same course as a full-time student without interruption from the previous academic year). In these cases, parental or partner income will be verified through data matching with the Australian Taxation Office.

Note: Income details are not required in the following circumstances:

• where special assessment applies (see Policy Manual - 6.3.3); or
• from the applicant for a student who:
  • but for reasons of age (ie has not reached the minimum school leaving age - see Policy Manual - 5.5.1.3), would qualify as an orphan, a student whose parents cannot exercise parental responsibilities or as a homeless student (see Policy Manual - 5.3.4.7, 5.3.4.10, 5.5), or
  • is living under an officially approved substitute care arrangement (see Policy Manual 5.4).

2.1.4.3.3 Acceptable Proof of Income

Acceptable proof of income is:

• a 2000/2001 Tax Assessment Notice from the Australian Taxation Office;
• Group Certificate(s) accompanied by a statutory declaration or letter from an accountant, stating the Group Certificates represent all income received in the 2000/2001 financial year;
• a copy of taxation returns;
• a statement of income from an employer or accountant;
• a statement of income from Centrelink;
• for income earned in a foreign country, a statement of salary or other records from an employer or, in their absence, a statutory declaration; or
• a statutory declaration from a partner or parent/guardian who has no income or no other proof of income.

2.1.4.3.4 Provision of Documentation

Documentation may be supplied as follows:

• Tax Assessment Notices - photocopies are acceptable;
• original document(s) may be mailed in with the claim, in which case certified copies will be taken of the document(s) which will then be returned to the client; or
• original document(s) and the claim may be taken by the client to a Centrelink Customer Service Centre or any other Centrelink office where copies of the document(s) will be taken and the originals given back to the client.

2.1.4.4 Health Care Card

2.1.4.4.1 Who Should Provide a Low Income Health Care Card

When making application for ABSTUDY, proof that the parent or partner is a holder of a current low income Health Care Card is accepted for special assessment (see Policy Manual - 6.3.3.2).

2.1.4.4.2 Provision of Proof of Low Income Health Care Card

Parents and partners may prove that they hold a current low income Health Care Card by either:

• taking the low income Health Care Card with the claim to a Centrelink office or any other Centrelink Customer Service Centre, or
• sending a photocopy of the low income Health Care Card that clearly shows the dates of entitlement.

Note: Original documents posted with claims must be photocopied and returned to clients.

2.1.4.5 Proof of Australian Citizenship

2.1.4.5.1 Who Must Provide Proof of Citizenship?

Students must provide proof of Australian citizenship if they

• are a new student; and/or
• their Aboriginality is queried.

2.1.4.5.2 Acceptable Documents

Acceptable proof of Australian citizenship is:

• birth certificate or extract;
• passport; or
• other government documentation that contains details of the student.

2.1.4.5.3 Provision of Documentation

Documentation may be supplied as follows:

• original birth certificate or extract; or
• Australian citizenship official certificate or extract official copy.

2.1.4.5.4 Proof of Australian Citizenship for Continuing Students

A continuing student undertaking study in 2002 from 2001, will not be required to prove Australian citizenship to receive ABSTUDY assistance. However, proof of identity is required if there is a change to a different Centrelink payment.

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