Statistical Data On Student Assistance Recipients

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This DSS statistical report provides expenditure and caseload data for Youth Allowance (Student and Apprentice), a means-tested income support payment for full-time students and apprentices aged 16-24. Expenditure projections show a downward revision compared to previous estimates, declining from $1,961.0 million (2024-25 actual) to $1,945.6 million in the 2025-26 budget, representing a 5.4% reduction. Recipient numbers fluctuate seasonally, with March 2025 figures showing 142,765 recipients, though long-term trend data indicates a significant decline from 192,165 recipients in June 2019 to 146,110 in June 2024 (a 24% decrease over five years). The document includes current fortnightly payment rates as of March 2025, ranging from $410.30 for under-18s living at home to $836.60 for single parents, plus income taper and cut-out thresholds. The document notes policy explanations for these changes were pending completion.