Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training

There is a range of benefits and payments available to students generally and, in addition, specific schemes to assist students with disabilities. It is worthwhile checking with your Centrelink Disability Officer as well as the Disability Adviser at your education institution. Benefits and assistance programs vary from year to year and from state to state, but here are some of the main programs available.

• Travel Concessions
• Disabled Driver permits
• Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme
• Mobility Allowance
• Disability Support Pension
• Pensioner Education Supplement and Education Entry Payment
• Health Care Card
• Youth Allowance/ Austudy/ Abstudy
• Other government funding for education costs
• Loans
• Computer Equipment
• Scholarships

Assistive Technology and equipment used to assist students with their studies or work is often purchased by their school or employer. However, this means that they may choose to keep it when the student moves to another educational institution or new place of employment. Most government employment assistance schemes now let students take the equipment with them. Tertiary institutions have equipment which they may be able to lend to students. However, students should enquire early to ensure that what they need is available.

Financial Assistance: Whilst you are studying, if you experience financial difficulties for one reason or another, you should contact a Student Counsellor.