It feels bittersweet when a baby bird leaves the nest. Parents often feel proud when their children finally become independent. If your kids are graduating high school this year then the time has come to let them move forward with their lives. This milestone marks a significant transition for both parents & graduates. Your child is ready to explore new opportunities & face the world on their own terms. The years of guidance and support have prepared them for this moment. Graduation represents more than just completing school requirements. It signals the beginning of adulthood and the chance to pursue personal goals. Whether your graduate plans to attend college or enter the workforce or travel they are embarking on their own unique journey. As a parent you may experience mixed emotions during this period. Pride in their accomplishments combines with natural concerns about their future. These feelings are completely normal and show how much you care about their wellbeing. The relationship between parent and child evolves after high school graduation. Your role shifts from daily supervisor to trusted advisor. Your graduate will make their own decisions and learn from their experiences. They will stumble sometimes but these moments help them grow stronger and more capable. Supporting your graduate means giving them space to develop independence while remaining available when they need guidance. Trust the foundation you have built together over the years. The values and skills you taught them will serve as their compass moving forward. This transition opens new chapters for everyone in the family. Your graduate gains freedom to shape their future while you discover new ways to connect with them as they mature into adulthood.
As someone who encourages young people to take responsibility I would tell your children to visit the Services Australia website. They can check what support might be available to them if they plan to start a course or an apprenticeship next year.
We offer different payment options & support services that allow students to concentrate on their academic work without financial distractions.
Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY
Youth Allowance provides financial assistance to young Australians aged 16-24 who are studying, training, or working in full-time apprenticeships or traineeships. Applicants must be Australian residents and meet income and assets tests, including a parental means test if dependent.
Eligible individuals can receive up to $663.30 per fortnight while living away from home and up to $472.50 per fortnight living at home. ABSTUDY offers similar support, specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, tailored to their unique needs.
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP)
The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) helps students from regional or remote areas who need to relocate from home to attend university or other tertiary education. Students from outer regional or remote locations can receive $5000 paid in two separate amounts. Students moving from inner regional areas can receive $3,000 as a single payment.
February marks the beginning of a new chapter in many aspects of life. This month brings fresh opportunities and challenges that require careful planning and execution. People often use this time to reassess their goals and make necessary adjustments to their strategies. The second month of the year holds special significance for various reasons. Weather patterns begin to shift in many regions as winter slowly transitions toward spring. This gradual change affects daily routines and activities for millions of people around the world. Businesses typically experience unique dynamics during February. Companies review their first quarter performance and implement changes based on early year results. Financial planning becomes crucial as organizations prepare for the upcoming fiscal periods & evaluate their current standing. Educational institutions also face important milestones during this time. Students settle into their academic routines after the initial adjustment period of the new semester. Teachers focus on building momentum in their curriculum delivery and ensuring that learning objectives stay on track. February presents an ideal moment for personal development initiatives. Many individuals who started resolutions in January find themselves at a critical point where commitment gets tested. This period separates those who maintain dedication from those who lose focus on their intended improvements. The shorter length of February creates a sense of urgency that can actually benefit productivity. With fewer days available people often feel motivated to accomplish tasks more efficiently. This compressed timeline encourages better time management and prioritization of important activities. Social and cultural events frequently populate the February calendar. Various celebrations and observances take place during this month that bring communities together. These gatherings provide opportunities for connection and shared experiences among diverse groups of people. Health & wellness considerations remain important throughout February. The continuation of winter conditions in many areas means that people must stay vigilant about their physical wellbeing. Maintaining healthy habits becomes essential for sustaining energy levels and preventing seasonal ailments. Professional development opportunities often emerge during February. Many organizations schedule training sessions and workshops during this period. Employees can take advantage of these programs to enhance their skills and advance their career prospects. The transition into February requires adaptability & forward thinking. Success during this month depends on maintaining consistent effort while remaining flexible enough to handle unexpected situations. Those who approach February with clear intentions and practical strategies position themselves for positive outcomes throughout the rest of the year.
Starting in 2026 the rule requiring students to begin tertiary education right after finishing year 12 was eliminated. Students who are younger than 23 years old and enrolling in their first tertiary course during their first year can apply for TAP.
Recent Changes to Payment Rates
Starting February 18 more than one million Australians will receive higher Centrelink payments. The increase affects several groups including people on Youth Allowance and those receiving ABSTUDY or Austudy benefits. Young people who get the Youth Disability Support Pension will also see their payments go up along with anyone receiving the Carer Allowance. The changes also include higher income thresholds for student payments. This means students can earn more money from work before their Centrelink payments are reduced. The government adjusts these payments regularly to help them keep pace with living costs. These payment increases will provide extra financial support to young Australians who are studying or have disabilities. Carers who look after family members or friends with disability or medical conditions will also benefit from the higher rates. The changes happen automatically so recipients do not need to contact Centrelink or submit new applications to receive the increased amounts.
The Youth Allowance rate for single adult recipients with no dependents living away from home will increase to $677.20 per fortnight, a rise of $13.90. Austudy and ABSTUDY recipients will also see similar increases.
Summary of Changes and Benefits
These payment increases aim to help students and people who balance study or caring duties to manage the rising cost of living. Over a million Australians will receive these increases to support them while they focus on their studies or other responsibilities. The changes provide financial relief to those who need it most during challenging economic times. Recipients can use the extra money to cover essential expenses like rent & groceries and transportation costs. This support helps reduce financial stress so people can concentrate on their education or caregiving roles without constant money worries. The government recognizes that many Australians struggle to make ends meet while pursuing their studies or looking after family members. These increased payments represent a commitment to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent people from accessing education or fulfilling their caring responsibilities. The additional funds will make a real difference in the daily lives of recipients across the country.
| Payment Type | Current Rate | New Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Allowance | $663.30 | $677.20 |
| Austudy | $663.30 | $677.20 |
| ABSTUDY | $663.30 | $677.20 |
| Masters/Doctorate Students | $1,285.40 | $1,316.20 |
