Tasmanian Student Accommodation Allowance (Years 11-12)

What Is This Payment?

Some Tasmanian students in Years 11 and 12 live a long way from the nearest school offering their studies, and must board or live away from home. This allowance helps with that accommodation cost.

The rule database tags this as a Group A benefit with monetary_primary as its result role — it pays a set cash amount, unlike most Tasmanian concessions, which only confirm eligibility.

It is a fixed allowance rather than a means-tested payment. The key test is distance: the nearest school must be more than 40 km from home, and the student must be in secondary study aged 19 or under.

How Much Can You Get?

The amount block is fixed with period: yearly and a value of $1,472.00 per year.

• $1,472 a year, paid as two instalments of $736.
• No income test — the amount does not change with household income.
• Up to two years, covering Years 11 and 12.

Eligibility Conditions

The eligibility block is an all set, so every condition must pass.

1. Tasmanian resident: state = TAS.
2. Age 19 or under: age <= 19 at the relevant time.
3. Secondary study: study_level = secondary — the allowance is for Years 11 and 12.
4. Nearest school over 40 km away: distance_to_nearest_school > 40 kilometres from home.

Because there is no income test, eligibility turns on the practical need to live away from home to attend school. The 40 km distance threshold is the central condition.

The allowance is paid twice a year, so confirming your details with the Department before each instalment keeps the payments flowing. The program is administered by DECYP (phone 1800 827 055).

How To Apply

The channels are email and form. No concession card is required.

• Complete the accommodation allowance application form and submit it by email or as directed.
• Confirm the student's school, study level and the distance to the nearest school.
• Contact DECYP on 1800 827 055 if you need help with the application.

Read the official Tasmanian Student Accommodation Allowance guidance

Rule-Based Scenarios

Scenario 1: boarding in town for Year 11

Ella's family farm is 70 km from the nearest college, so she boards in town. As a Year 11 student she receives $1,472 for the year, paid as two $736 instalments.

Scenario 2: continuing into Year 12

Having received the allowance in Year 11, Jack continues to live away for Year 12 and receives the allowance again, up to the two-year limit.

Scenario 3: nearest school within 40 km

Noah lives 30 km from his school. Because the nearest school is not more than 40 km away, he does not meet the distance test.

Scenario 4: a high-income family

Mia's family has a high income, but because there is no income test she still receives the full $1,472 as long as the distance and study conditions are met.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming it is income tested: it is not — the $1,472 is a fixed amount regardless of household income.
• Misjudging the distance: the nearest school must be more than 40 km from home; just under does not qualify.
• Thinking it is a single payment: the $1,472 is paid as two instalments of $736 across the year.
• Expecting it beyond Year 12: the allowance covers Years 11 and 12, for up to two years.
• Confusing study levels: the rule is for secondary (Years 11-12) study, not tertiary or primary.
• Not reapplying or confirming details: with two instalments a year, keep your details current with DECYP so payments are not delayed.

Related Benefits

• Tasmanian Student Conveyance Allowance — per-kilometre help for rural students' daily travel.
• Tasmanian Student Transport Concession — free or half-fare student travel.
• Tasmanian Student Childcare Subsidy — up to $400 a year towards childcare for TasTAFE students.
• Tasmanian TasTAFE Tuition Fee Concession — reduced course fees for card holders.
• Assistance for Isolated Children — federal support for students who cannot attend a local school.
• Youth Allowance for students — federal income support for eligible students living away to study.

Frequently Asked Questions