Austudy question

[Tinks]

It goes on combined income but it's quite a low threshold. I wasn't eligible for Austudy by $50 a fortnight.

[Indadhanu]

Combined. If you aren't eligible for Parenting Payment, I'm pretty sure you won't be eligible for Austudy unfortuantely.

[briggsy's girl]

yup, the income thresholds are significantly lower for austudy than they are for parenting payment (something around 800 combinded per fortnight)

[Doing my best]

Thank you.

Not what I wanted to hear, but it is what I expected.

[e_p]

Happy Mummy - I have just noticed the dates of birth of your children, and as your youngest child is less than 7 years of age, you may be eligible for parenting payment (depending, of course, on your combined income and assets) and could study full time as there are no participation requirements - this would be more favourable for you as the income test is more generous and I think the rate of payment is a little higher. To receive parenting payment, if your partner is working and he does not receive a pension/allowance from Centrelink (this doesn't include FTB A and B), your combined income must be less than $1,559.17 per fortnight (as per current details on . As always, the best way to find out if you are eligible is to lodge a claim for payment, especially if you're on the borderline - that way you will know for sure. Also, if you are deemed eligible for Parenting Payment, you may also be eligible for JET Child Care while you're studying - best bet is to call - of course if there's no great hurry because its still a few months away give it a week or two! Its crazy busy at the moment

[Lulu]

yup, the income thresholds are significantly lower for austudy than they are for parenting payment (something around 800 combinded per fortnight)

[mrst82]

Hi,
I currently study my second year of bachelor of education. Austudy is based on combined income, which you already know from everyone else's replies!

What I did want to add was that I study externally for my course. You can now do this with the Bachelor of Nursing too. It's through Open Universities Australia and the University of South Australia. This might be what you're planning to do already. Just thought i'd let you know about it. I know how hard it is fitting in work/study with kids. Having the ability to study from home has really helped me get to where I am today.

The website to visit is www.open.edu.au.

Good luck.