Centrelink Assistance and Austudy

[Kitt3n]

Hi all, (well probably BG!! - this should have been called the "BG Q&A thread )

I have been sitting down trying to figure out returning to work, not returning to work, selling unit, buying house to do FDC, and or selling unit to buy a cheaper unit etc etc (its just such a whirl wind!!)

So ifi dont return to work next fin year, from DF's earning we will be entitled to roughly $290 FTB a f/n (going by a laymnas use of the clink calcs on the web).

I also had a look at the austudy assistance - my question is, if i did not return to work, and in turn went into full time study next fin year, would i be eligible for FTB and Austudy? Or is it one or the other?

If i could get some form of both i think it would be beneficial to finish uni then return to work after that - just not sure of the assistance we could get??

Thanks for any input and or other ideas of juggling things!!

[Lulu]

Is there an Austudy calculator thingy on the website too? I imagine it may be dependent on your DH's wage.

[Kitt3n]

Yes there is - as part of the FTB calc - i tried to do it but it only came back with FTB, not sure if i did it correctly or if the FTB rules out the austudy.

I figure i have never been on benefits (austudy etc) and was only on the full single parenting payments for 6 months after splitting from x, and i highly doubt that the age pension will be around by the time we come to retire, so if i can make use of assistance in order to be better "self funded" in the future I might aswell make a go of it!

[Lulu]

It may not have had a figure as you aren't entitled.

It would be nice if it clarified it though. I know how hard it is to get through on the phones right now to get some sort of idea..

[Lulu]

Ok, if your DH earns more than $899 per fortnight you wont be entitled, there is an eligibility calculator on there under Austudy.

[Kitt3n]

ah thanks Lulu!.... bugger!!!!

Oh well looks like im stuck with living without the education I have always dreamed of and will have to do FDC.

Crap, i really dont want to do FDC.