Over 2000 local families may benefit from an increase of up to $4,200 per year in family payments, if their teenager stays in school.
From 1 January, Family Tax Benefit Part A will increase for families with teenagers aged 16 to 19 years who are still in full-time secondary school or equivalent vocational training – this means families may receive a total up to $214 a fortnight for each teenager still in full-time secondary study.
All the evidence shows that young people who finish their education or get a trade are better off.
The Gillard Labor Government understands the importance of education in making sure young people get the best chance to get a good job.
We want to encourage teenagers to return to school next year, or get school-based apprenticeships, if that's what they want to do because they know it will open doors and give them a big leg up in life.
This extra financial support for families will help them keep their kids in school – and get their kids better jobs and higher incomes in the long run.
This will be a big help to those families under financial pressure, who are finding it hard to support older teenagers to stay at school or in training.
Although the exact amount of benefit would vary for every family, most families with a teenager in full-time secondary study who is currently receiving Youth Allowance, would be better off on Family Tax Benefit.
I will continue to make sure that families have the support they need to encourage their teenagers to stay at school, get an education and get ready for work.
Families already receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A for children aged 16 to 19 years in full‑time secondary study will have their entitlements automatically adjusted from 1 January if they are entitled to the higher rate.
This is good news for Inner West families who will be better able to meet their cost of living, it’s good news for local teenagers who will have a better chance at getting a good job, and, as a result, it’s good news for Australia’s economy.
For more information, visit
www.fahcsia.gov.au