Services Australia is advising parents and guardians whose children receive ABSTUDY payments to promptly respond to any recent correspondence requesting parental income details. This is an important step to ensure the student continues to receive the correct payment amount without interruption. Letters were sent out in September to the relevant families of students aged 21 or younger, stipulating a final due date for submitting this income information online. Failing to provide the details by the specified deadline may result in a cessation of the child’s ABSTUDY payment.
Detailed list of key details
- Announcement date: The news item was published on 17 October 2025.
- Affected payment: The announcement specifically concerns the ABSTUDY payment.
- Affected recipients: Children receiving ABSTUDY who are 21 or younger.
- Action required: Parents/guardians must provide their income details.
- Reason for request: To ensure the child is being paid the correct ABSTUDY amount.
- Notification method: Services Australia sent a letter to the child (the recipient) in September.
- Submission method: The letter provides instructions on how to submit the income details online.
- Key requirement: The income details must be submitted by the final date specified in the letter to prevent the payment from stopping.
- Non-affected recipients: If the child did not receive a letter, no action is required, as Services Australia already has the necessary information.
- Relevant Services Australia Code: The information is associated with QC 83179.
- Relevant government body: Services Australia (Services Australia).
Full explanation of the government announcement
Listen up, folks! The Australian Government, through Services Australia, is putting the word out to families with children on ABSTUDY. If your student is 21 or under, chances are a letter landed in their mailbox around September this year requesting your parental income details. This isn’t a bother for the sake of it; it’s a necessary procedural check to ensure that your young person continues to receive the right amount of financial assistance for their studies.
The ABSTUDY payment is means-tested, and a key component of that means testing is the income of the parents or guardians. By supplying these details, you are helping Services Australia correctly assess the level of support your child is eligible for. This payment is crucial for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue their education, covering costs like living allowances, school fees, and travel.
Now, the crunch point is the deadline. Your child’s letter will clearly state the last day to get those income details in. It’s absolutely vital that you don’t miss this due date, because if the information isn’t received in time, the ABSTUDY payment will, unfortunately, be suspended or stopped altogether. If you need a refresher on the matter, you can always check the original source of this news by clicking here: Don’t let your child’s ABSTUDY payment stop.
If you’re keeping up to date with ABSTUDY and other payments, you might also find more detailed information and articles on our partner site, Medigosa Services Australia News.
How to update your parental income for abstudy
Providing your income details to Services Australia is generally a straightforward process. The notification letter your child received is the most important document here, as it contains all the specific instructions for your case. If you have been asked to provide details, here is the usual course of action:
- Locate the letter: Find the letter sent by Services Australia to your child in September. This letter confirms that your income details are needed and outlines the final due date.
- Access Online Services: The letter will direct you to the appropriate Services Australia online service—this could be via your myGov account linked to Centrelink, or a specific online form.
- Gather necessary information: Have your financial documents ready. This typically includes details of your taxable income, fringe benefits, foreign income, tax-exempt foreign income, and any other reportable income from the previous financial year.
- Complete and submit: Follow the online prompts to accurately enter your parental income details.
- Confirm submission: Once submitted, ensure you receive a confirmation receipt or reference number. Keep a record of this for your own peace of mind.
- If you are having difficulties: If you cannot submit the information online, or if the deadline is approaching and you need assistance, contact Services Australia immediately for help before the payment is stopped.
Questions and answers for the community
- Who needs to provide their income details?
Parents or guardians whose child is receiving ABSTUDY and is aged 21 or younger, and whose child received a letter from Services Australia in September asking for this information. - What is the due date for submitting the income details?
The specific final date is clearly stated in the letter your child received from Services Australia. You must meet this deadline. - What happens if I miss the deadline?
If the income details are not submitted by the date specified, your child’s ABSTUDY payment may stop. - Why are Services Australia asking for my income now?
They are requesting your income details to make sure they are paying your child the correct amount of ABSTUDY, as the payment is subject to a parental income test. - How do I submit the income details?
The letter contains instructions on how to give the details online. This is the preferred method for submission. - My child is older than 21, do I need to provide my income details?
The announcement focuses on children aged 21 or younger. Generally, students over 21 may be considered independent, meaning parental income details are not required, but always check the specific requirements for your child’s ABSTUDY entitlement. - My child didn’t get a letter, what should I do?
If your child did not receive a letter, you don’t need to do anything, as Services Australia already has the necessary information. - What kind of income details do I need to report?
You typically need to report your adjusted taxable income, including things like taxable income, fringe benefits, foreign income, and super contributions. - Can I provide the income details over the phone?
The letter will specify the acceptable methods. The announcement suggests the letter will direct you to submit the details online. You should check the letter first or call Services Australia if online submission is not possible. - Will my child be notified if their payment stops?
Yes, Services Australia will notify the ABSTUDY recipient if their payment is going to be stopped or has been stopped. - Is ABSTUDY an automatic payment?
No, it is a means-tested payment that requires ongoing proof of eligibility and income reporting. - Where can I find more information about ABSTUDY parental income rules?
The announcement advises you can find more information about updating parental income for ABSTUDY on the Services Australia website. - What if my financial situation has changed recently?
You should report the income details as requested. If your financial circumstances have changed significantly, contact Services Australia to discuss if a current year estimate can be used. - Is this income reporting only for the previous financial year?
Typically, the request relates to income from the last completed financial year, but you must follow the instructions in the letter exactly. - What is the quickest way to update my details?
The quickest way is usually by following the online submission instructions provided in the letter. - I am separated from my child’s other parent; whose income is required?
The requirements depend on whether the parents are separated, divorced, or share care. Generally, income of the parent the student usually lives with, and that parent’s partner, is considered. - I have not yet lodged my tax return; what should I do?
If you have not lodged your tax return and the deadline is near, you may need to provide an estimate of your annual income to avoid payment delays. Contact Services Australia urgently. - Can I get help to fill out the form?
Yes, Services Australia staff can assist you. You can contact them by phone or visit a service centre.
