From 2025, students in Australia will receive up to $5,050 more in Centrelink payments received under Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY payments. This is meant to help young people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students reduce study-related financial strain as one of the government’s responses to ongoing economic pressures and rising costs.
Understanding the Boost
All the Centrelink payments will receive the new $5,050 boost as part of the Australian indexation process which occurs regularly. This applies to Youth Allowance which is also received by students and apprentices – as well as ABSTUDY which is provided to Indigenous Australians who are attending secondary and tertiary education. This underscores the government’s goal of keeping economic support relevant and accessible as costs of living issues remain in 2025.
Who Is Eligible for the Payments?
The eligibility conditions are clear and direct. Youth Allowance is for:
- full-time students who are 16 to 24,
- apprentices who are 16 to 24,
- people 18 and older who are living away from home to study or younger students who are living at home and meeting independence criteria.
ABSTUDY is specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are Australian citizens and enrolled in approved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education courses. Payments also have residency, income, and asset testing eligibility criteria.
How to Claim the Boost
Students and apprentices can start a claim within the myGov platform, linked to Centrelink, for as long as 13 weeks prior to the beginning of their course and apprenticeship. They just need to have the necessary claim supporting documents, which include proof of study or apprenticeship, and documents assessing finances. Payments of the Boost are made by direct bank deposits to the eligible recipients once approved.
Payment Details and Amounts
With the Boost, eligible individuals can expect an increase of as much as $5,050 on their annual assistance, subject to their circumstance and living arrangements. For Youth Allowance recipients, the base rate payable on a fortnightly cycle ranges from $410 to $836. Payment rates of ABSTUDY also increased, particularly for those required to stay away from home to study.
| Payment Type | Maximum Annual Boost | Who Can Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Allowance | $5,050 | Students & Apprentices |
| ABSTUDY | $5,050 | Indigenous Students |
Broader Impact and Future Prospects
The Boost from Centrelink is designed and intended to provide support for education Furthermore, the Boost seeks to preserve students from dropping-off their studies. For the more than 5 million Australians it seeks to support and provide relief, the Boost is a direct and tangible investment in the education of young Australians and a support for the stressed wellbeing of students. You can claim the Boost online.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the boosted payments be credited?
For recipients eligible after September 20, 2025, payments will start automation.
2. Do I need to reapply to receive the $5,050 boost?
No new application is needed if you receive the Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY. Qualified students will receive the higher payments automatically.
3. What if I’m both on Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY?
Students are eligible for, and will receive, only one payment at a time. We encourage you to select the payment that will best suit your situation.
