$793.60 ABSTUDY Allowance Hike In Sept 2025-See When Your Payment Arrives

From 20 September 2025, ABSTUDY recipients will see their payments rise as part of the annual indexation process. The headline change is that the maximum fortnightly rate for independent single students aged 22 and above increases to $793.60. While this seems like a modest increase, the rise will give some breathing space to students and apprentices managing the growing pressure of rent, transport, food, and study-related costs.

What is ABSTUDY and Who Gets It

ABSTUDY is a dedicated financial support program provided by Services Australia for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and Australian Apprentices. Payments help cover living expenses while studying or training.

To qualify for the updated rate, recipients must continue to meet all eligibility rules:

• Be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
• Be enrolled in approved study or training, usually on a full-time basis.
• Meet residency requirements.
• Stay within income and asset test limits that are assessed by Centrelink.

Eligibility is not automatic; you must apply and keep details updated in your myGov account. Any changes to course load, home address, family situation, or casual work income can alter the final amount.

What Changes from 20 September 2025

The September indexation introduces higher payment amounts across several categories. Key highlights include:

• Independent Single, 22 and over (standard): rising from $781.10 to $793.60 per fortnight (+$12.50).
• Single, 55 and over with no children: rising from $836.50 to $849.90 per fortnight (+$13.40).
• Single with a dependent child, 22 and over: rising to $849.90 per fortnight.
• Partnered recipients, 22+: each partner now eligible for $726.50 per fortnight (+$11.40).
• Income free areas: single students can now earn up to $1,882.84 per fortnight before payments reduce, while partnered thresholds are $1,392 each.

The Energy Supplement, generally between $7.90 and $9.50, remains unchanged. These updates are designed to keep living allowance payments in line with inflation.

When Payments Arrive

The uplift is effective from 20 September 2025. Because ABSTUDY is paid fortnightly, your actual pay rise will appear in the first Centrelink payment issued after that date.

• If your normal payday falls before 20 September, you will continue to receive the old rate until your next cycle.
• If your payday is on or after 20 September, you should see the higher rate included in the transfer.

Recipients can check specific amounts and dates using myGov → Centrelink → My payments, or via the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.

Why Rates Rise in September

Each year, working-age student payments, Youth Allowance, and ABSTUDY are adjusted in September through indexation. This helps ensure payment amounts remain practical, reflecting changes in everyday costs such as groceries, fuel, housing, study materials, and transport fares.

While the increases may look small, they help prevent financial support from falling behind real costs faced by students and apprentices. Policymakers highlight that these adjustments ensure the assistance remains relevant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recipients pursuing higher education or trades.

How to Make Sure You’re Paid the Right Rate

The updated rates are welcome, but to ensure you receive the correct payment, a few proactive steps are important:

• Update details promptly: Notify Centrelink of changes in living arrangements, study enrolments, or casual work earnings.
• Check your payments: Always log into myGov after 20 September to confirm your increased allowance has come through.
• Stay under the income free area: If you earn above $1,882.84 as a single person (without children), taper rules reduce your ABSTUDY. This is also applied to partnered households.
• Maintain attendance: Missing classes or dropping below full-time load without notice could interrupt payments.

Being vigilant about updates ensures that payments flow smoothly and at the correct level.

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Financial Impact for Students

For independent single students aged 22 and above, the new $793.60 fortnightly amount equates to roughly $396.80 a week. While not a huge sum, it helps students and apprentices focus on studies rather than worrying about immediate household bills.

For singles or partnered students with children, the slightly higher rate of $849.90 offers added support. These adjustments reflect not only the rising cost of living but also the reality that students with dependents often carry much higher financial responsibilities.

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Practical Advice for Recipients

If you are currently on ABSTUDY, here are practical steps to keep in mind as the new rates roll out in September:

• Plan around your current budget and factor in the modest rise.
• Book an online appointment with Centrelink if you are unsure about changes to your eligibility.
• Keep track of your paydays – especially if you are balancing part-time work with your studies.
• Consider discussing your financial plan with a student support officer at your institution. They can help identify additional scholarships or grants that may supplement your ABSTUDY.

Looking Ahead

The adjustment to $793.60 is a sign that the government acknowledges the pressure Indigenous students face in balancing study and living costs. While the increase might not be enough to completely offset the rising cost of essentials, it offers incremental relief at a critical point in the academic year.

From 20 September onwards, all ABSTUDY recipients can expect to see the higher rate in their bank account, provided they meet eligibility and reporting requirements. Keeping details updated and monitoring payment cycles through myGov will ensure that students and apprentices receive the maximum assistance available.

These updates reinforce the broader role of ABSTUDY: helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians pursue education and training goals without being held back by financial hardship. With careful planning and awareness, this allowance increase can make a real difference to day-to-day living.