Breaks in tuition (study breaks) when living costs can continue being paid
Breaks in tuition of 3 weeks or less
A student who is not on study leave and not studying due to a break in tuition at their education provider can continue getting Living Costs payments, when the break in tuition is for 3 weeks or less.
A student must be entitled to, and have nominated Living Costs, for the period directly before and directly after the break in tuition to get any payments for the period of the break in tuition.
Breaks in tuition longer than 3 weeks
When the break in tuition is longer than 3 weeks, the payment of any Living Costs must be suspended, unless the break is due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
If the break in tuition is due to a COVID-19 outbreak, payment of Living Costs can continue for up to 8 weeks or the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle (2023).
COVID-19 outbreak
If the break in tuition is due to a COVID-19 outbreak, payment of Living Costs can continue for up to 8 weeks.
Impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle
Between 6 March and 1 May 2023, payment of Living Costs can continue for up to another 8 weeks if a student has a break in tuition because their education provider temporarily cannot deliver their course(s) due to the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle (the cyclone).
This includes breaks in tuition starting at any time from 6 March to 1 May 2023 due to subsequent weather events that worsen the impacts of the cyclone.
Breaks in tuition do not need to be consecutive.
A student must remain enrolled in study to continue getting payments, for the period of the break in tuition, for up to 8 weeks.
Living Costs cannot continue for a student from 1 May 2023 unless their study has resumed.
Students who cannot get continued payments
Living Costs payments cannot continue if a student's education provider can deliver their course(s), but the student cannot study because of the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle. E.g. they have no internet access because their internet connection was damaged in the cyclone.
In this situation you should consider if the student is eligible for other financial assistance.
You should also advise the student to contact their education provider to discuss any other supports that may be available.
