A Lifeline for Students
The $1,321 Centrelink “Cash Grant” is actually the Student Start-up Loan (SSL), a financial aid program for Australian students, not a grant. Offered twice yearly, it helps cover study-related costs like textbooks, laptops, or transport. Despite the name, it’s a loan, repayable once your income exceeds a threshold. In 2025, this program supports full-time students on Centrelink benefits, easing financial stress. Claims of it being a “grant” are misleading, as repayment is mandatory.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the $1,321 Student Start-up Loan, you must meet strict criteria set by Services Australia:
- Be a full-time student enrolled in an approved higher education course (e.g., degree, diploma, or preparatory course) at a registered institution.
- Receive Youth Allowance, Austudy, or ABSTUDY Living Allowance.
- Not be receiving a Commonwealth Scholarship for the same study period.
- Be an Australian resident or hold an eligible visa.
- Provide a Tax File Number (TFN) for repayment tracking via the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Students in vocational education or training courses are typically ineligible. You can apply twice per year, potentially receiving up to $2,642 annually.
How to Claim the Loan
Applying is straightforward through your myGov account:
- Log in to myGov and link your Centrelink account.
- Navigate to “Payments and Claims” and select “Apply for a Student Start-up Loan.”
- Confirm your eligibility and submit details about your course and Centrelink payments.
- Upload your TFN if not already provided.
- Submit the application. If approved, funds are deposited within days to your linked bank account.
No additional documents like proof of residency are needed unless requested. Check your application status on myGov. If you don’t receive Youth Allowance, Austudy, or ABSTUDY, you won’t qualify.
Repayment and Key Details
- Repayment Threshold (2024–2025): $51,550/year. Repayments are deducted via your tax return through the ATO.
- Indexation: The loan adjusts annually for inflation.
- Voluntary Repayments: Pay early without penalties to reduce debt.
- Loan Forgiveness: If your income stays below the threshold long-term, you may not repay the full amount.
- Use of Funds: Intended for study costs but not monitored by Centrelink.
Specifications of the Student Start-up Loan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | $1,321 per period (twice yearly) |
| Type | Loan (not a grant) |
| Eligibility | Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY recipients |
| Repayment Threshold | $51,550/year (2024–2025) |
| Application Method | myGov/Centrelink online |
Don’t Fall for Misinformation
The $1,321 Student Start-up Loan is a valuable resource, but it’s not a free grant. Be wary of clickbait claiming otherwise. Monitor your myGov account, apply within semester deadlines, and plan for repayment. For updates, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au or call Centrelink at 132 300. This loan could ease your study costs, but understand the terms before applying