How to claim Austudy
When you make a claim, we will ask you for information to assess if you are eligible. This includes your study details, income and assets and accommodation circumstances. If you have a partner, we will also ask you questions about their details and circumstances.
Before you start your claim. you may wish to read Information you need to know about your claim for Austudy and Youth Allowance which has further details on the information we require to assess your claim, eligibility rules, other payments and services you may be entitled to and your obligations when you receive Austudy.
You can lodge your claim up to 13 weeks before you start studying. We encourage you to lodge your claim early, so that it can be assessed as quickly as possible.
You should contact us if you need assistance in languages other than English.
Claiming online
Save time and claim online. Not only is the process faster and easier, but your claim will be processed quicker. If you’re not already registered for Centrelink Online Services, you can register online. Once you’re registered, you can start your claim.
If you’re already registered for Centrelink Online Services, log on using the link below. Then select the Apply for a Payment > Make a Claim from the menu options.
Before starting your claim, a handy tip is to have your bank account and tax file numbers nearby. If you have any of the circumstances listed in the Information you need to know about your claim for Austudy and Youth Allowance, you should also have that information close by.
You can save and exit the claim at any time, but you should complete it within 14 days. The sooner we have your claim, the sooner a decision can be made.
Read more about what else you can do using Centrelink Online Services.
Unable to claim online?
Claiming online is the easiest way to claim Austudy but if there are exceptional circumstances why you cannot claim online you can download and print the claim form and lodge it at a service centre. If you do not have access to a printer, you can contact us on 132 490 or visit a service centre.
Claiming with forms
If you are claiming with forms you should complete an intent to claim. As long as you are eligible and submit your claim form within 14 days, it may allow us to backdate your payment from the day you register.
Additional forms
Depending on your situation you may need to complete additional forms. The Claim for Austudy form will tell you when you need provide extra information and which form to use.
| If you | Complete this form |
|---|---|
| are self-employed or involved in a business | Business Details form (MODF) |
| are receiving, will receive or have already received compensation | Compensation and damages form (MODC) |
| have involvement in a private trust | |
| have involvement in a private company | Private Company form (MOD PC) |
| have received or will receive a redundancy payment from an employer | Employment Separation Certificate form (SU001) |
| own your own home, property, or any other real estate | Real Estate form (MODR) |
| have done any seasonal, contract or intermittent work | Seasonal, Contract and Intermittent Work Details form (SU496) |
| would like another person or organisation to act on your behalf | Authorising a person or organisation to enquire or act on your behalf (SS313) |
What happens after you submit your claim
If we need extra information
If you are claiming online, you will be told if any additional documents or forms are required as you go. We will tell you at the end of the process if you need to provide any verification documents such as proof of identity. If you are submitting your claim with a form you will be contacted if we need any further information. You will need to bring this into a service centre within 14 days. The sooner we receive your documents, the sooner we can process your claim.
Outcome of claims
We will send you a letter advising whether your claim has been successful. If you are eligible the letter will also outline when your payment will start, how much you will get, and what your obligations are to maintain your payments.
If you disagree with a decision we make
You always have the right to appeal any decision we make. Read more about reviews and appeals.