The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

3.8.19.20 Payability for SSL

Payability

A person can receive up to 2 SSLs per calendar year. An SSL is payable for a qualification period if the person:

  • is qualified for and entitled to an amount of YA or Austudy other than a PhA or RA component
  • is not likely to receive a disqualifying education costs scholarship (1.1.D.233) in the next 6 months
  • has not qualified for an SSL or ABSTUDY SSL for that qualification period
  • has not received a student start-up scholarship under veterans' entitlement schemes (VCES and MRCA Education and Training Scheme) in the previous 6 months, and
  • has not received a disqualifying education costs scholarship in the previous 6 months.

There are 2 qualification periods per calendar year:

  • 1 January to 30 June, and
  • 1 July to 31 December.

A person's claim for an SSL for a qualification period must be made before the end of that qualification period, unless the student is due to finish their course in that qualification period, in which case the claim must be made at least 35 days before the course end date.

Act reference: SSAct Chapter 2AA Student start-up loans

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.2.7.165 Student start-up loan (SSL) - description, 3.8.19.10 Qualification for SSL, 6.9 SSL repayment arrangements

Overpayments

If a student is paid an amount of an SSL to which they were not qualified, or cease to be qualified for, the amount paid will be a recoverable amount and an overpayment may be raised.

Act reference: SSAct section 1223ABF Debts in respect of SSLs, section 1223 Debts arising from lack of qualification, overpayment etc., section 1061ZVBB Qualification for SSL, section 1061ZVBC Circumstances in which person is not qualified for SSL

Policy reference: SS Guide 6.3.8.40 Student start-up loan (SSL) overpayments

Last reviewed: