Payments

Payment commences from the later of:

• the beginning of the week in which a student starts studying or
• the beginning of the week of the date of application

A student's study start date is the later of either the date the student's course of study commenced or the date they commenced the course.

A student's study end date is the last date the student is enrolled in a course of study.

As long as a student maintains eligibility and entitlement, payments will continue through to the later of:

• the end of the week in which either the work for the course of study ceases or
• the final examination is held

A student is entitled to payment for the whole week, starting on Monday, through to and including Sunday, except in relation to the initial payment of an increase in the rate that occurs as a result of the Annual General Adjustment (AGA).

When 1 April falls on a day other than Monday, the increase in rate will apply from the day on which 1 April falls (from 1 April 2018).

Where an Accommodation Benefit is payable in addition to the initial payment of an increase in Student Allowance rate as a result of the AGA, and there is an increase in the Accommodation Benefit payable, the increase in the rate will also apply from the day on which 1 April falls, if this is not a Monday.

For more information on the AGA see:

• Legal framework - Student Allowances Scheme

If a student is receiving a main benefit immediately before starting study, their benefit eligibility ceases from the beginning of the week they became eligible for a Student Allowance.

Any benefit payments made for any period they were studying and eligible for a Student Allowance (and therefore not eligible for a benefit) need to be recovered.

For more information see:

• Applications

Student Allowances are paid weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. The day is allocated based on a student's birth month.

Payments are made in arrears and by direct credit.

The types and rates of Student Allowance payable vary according to a student's age, living situation, marital status and whether they have any supported children.

For the rates of Student Allowance see:

Student Allowances are paid into the student's nominated bank account.

The account will normally be in the name of the student (single or joint account). However, Student Allowances can also be paid into an account that is not in the name of the student.