Austudy question

Just thought I would ask here until things are quieter at Centrelink for me to call ;) Maybe in a few weeks.

I am wanting to enrol to start my nursing degree in the 2nd semester this year, but whether or not I can claim Austudy will be a large contributing factor. Up until DD was born, I had never claimed anything, but now I get FTA & B, so the whole thing confuses me.

Does the income test work on our combine income or mine only? Or what is the combined income amount that would stop me getting it? I did an estimate last year that showed even with family assist and DH's wage I would still be able to claim something, but a friend has told me different, and I cannot seem to find the calculator now. I know it takes into consideration assests cause we own vs renting.

If anyone answers my questions, I won't hold you to it, just trying to work out whether I might be able to claim something or not. But I will call Centrelink in a few weeks time regardless.

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

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

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

Thank you.

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

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 :)

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

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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.