Deadline Approaching for Aussies to Claim $5,000 Centrelink Cash Boost – ‘It’s Not Too Late’

Time is running out for eligible Aussies to claim the Tertiary Access Payment (TAP), a government program providing up to $5,000 to help regional students cover the costs of relocating for tertiary education. If you started your first year of tertiary studies in 2024, this is your final chance to apply before the year ends.

Here’s a complete guide to eligibility, application steps, and how TAP interacts with other Centrelink payments.

Tertiary Access Payment

The TAP is a one-time payment designed to help students from regional or remote areas cover the expenses of moving for higher education. It’s available for students in their first year of tertiary study, with payments differing based on the distance of relocation:

Location	Payment Amount
Inner Regional	$3,000 lump sum in the first half of the study year
Outer Regional or Remote Areas	$3,000 in the first half of the year, plus $2,000 in the second half

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the TAP, you must meet the following requirements:

• Completed Year 12 within the past 12 months.
• Regional or Remote Residency: Must relocate at least 90 minutes by public transport to your education provider.
• Tertiary Course: Enrolled in a Certificate IV or higher course within 12 months of finishing Year 12.
• Age Limit: Must be 22 years or younger on the start date of your course.
• Citizenship: Be an Australian citizen.
• Parental Income Limit: Combined parental income must be below $250,000 annually.

If you satisfy these criteria, you can claim the TAP even if you’re already receiving other payments like Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, or the Relocation Scholarship.

How to Apply

Here’s a simple guide to applying for TAP:

1. Visit Services Australia Website: Go to servicesaustralia.gov.au and search for the Tertiary Access Payment.
2. Check Your Address: Use the website’s tool to verify whether your address falls under inner or outer regional classification.
3. Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have proof of enrolment, your high school completion, and parental income details.
4. Submit Your Application: Fill out the online application form and provide all necessary documentation.
5. Wait for Verification: Services Australia will verify your current student status before approving the payment.

Important Payment Rules

You can receive TAP alongside other Centrelink benefits such as:

• Youth Allowance
• ABSTUDY
• Relocation Scholarship

Income Limits for Scholarships

While TAP is not generally considered income, Services Australia may include it in income calculations if your combined equity or merit-based scholarships exceed $9,724 annually. This threshold applies to the total amount of scholarships, not to individual payments.

Payment Schedule

The TAP is disbursed in lump sums depending on your location:

• Inner Regional Residents: $3,000 paid upfront in the first half of the study year.
• Outer Regional and Remote Students: $3,000 in the first half of the study year, with an additional $2,000 installment in the second half.

Why is TAP Important?

The TAP addresses educational inequality between city and regional students. While nearly 48% of city residents aged 25-34 have a degree, the figure drops to just 20% in regional areas, according to the Country Education Foundation. By reducing financial barriers, TAP aims to encourage more regional students to pursue higher education.

Final Reminder

If you’re eligible for the Tertiary Access Payment and started your tertiary studies in 2024, don’t delay—applications close soon. This opportunity could provide a significant financial boost, helping you cover relocation and living expenses.

Visit the Services Australia website today to check your eligibility and apply.

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