From 1 January 2012, Family Tax Benefit Part A will increase for dependent 16 to 19 year olds who are undertaking full-time secondary study. The maximum rate will increase by $161.42 per child per fortnight, to $214.06.
These changes to family assistance encourage dependent teenagers aged 16-19 years to stay in school by providing more support for their family while they are in secondary study.
Also from 1 January 2012, Youth Allowance will generally not be available for dependent children under 18 years old who are living at home and undertaking full-time secondary study.
Families not currently receiving Family Tax Benefit for their older teenager are able to pre-claim from 3 October 2011 and are encouraged to use the online Family Tax Benefit-Youth Allowance Comparison Estimator to help work out which payment best suits their circumstances.
Families may also be eligible for other family assistance benefits such as Rent Assistance, Family Tax Benefit Part B, Multiple Birth Allowance and Large Family Supplement.