13.5.5.6 Rent verification
Rent verification procedures define acceptable proof of the amount of rent paid to include:
a) a signed rent book; or
b) a rent verification form signed by the landlord; or
c) a recent rent receipt, not more than 6 weeks old; or
13.5.5.5 Residence owned by parents
If the student receiving the "living away from home" rate lives in a home that is owned by the parents but which is not the parents’ principal home, the student is eligible for Rent Assistance.
13.5.5.4 Residence owned by Government housing authority
A student living in a housing authority property and who pays lodgings to the tenant is eligible to receive Rent Assistance. If the student is the tenant of the housing authority property that student is not eligible for Rent Assistance as they are already receiving Government assistance.
13.5.5.3 Boarding schools and university residences
Students at boarding schools are to be treated as single students. They are not to be considered as sharers. Students living in university halls of residence could be either boarders and lodgers, or sharers (where meals are not included in accommodation costs).
13.5.5.2 Share accommodation
The maximum rate of Rent Assistance for single people who share accommodation is two-thirds of the maximum rate for singles living independently. A student is to be assessed as a sharer if:
13.5.5.1 Board
13.4.4.6 Ceasing Letters
Letters sent to secondary and tertiary students advising them their education allowance is to be ceased include a statement advising the student that they are no longer eligible for payments under VCES or MRCAETS, and advising the student to contact Services Australia about benefits (such as JobSeeker payment and Youth Allowance) if they require further financial assistance.
13.4.4.6 Commission considers that a student’s progress is unsatisfactory
Where a primary or secondary student’s progress is deemed unsatisfactory, a delegate may determine the student cease receiving benefits under the Scheme (Subsection 2.5.2 of the Instruments).
13.4.4.5 Medical Certificates
13.4.2.4 Date of Effect Rules – Students eligible on medical grounds
In the case of students eligible on medical grounds per part 2.10.2 of the instruments, the date of effect of eligibility is from the first pension payday following the date of lodgement of the application for assistance.
