Policy Context

Income support payments help reduce financial stress for families and young people by providing targeted financial assistance based on individual or household circumstances¹. These payments play a critical role in promoting equitable access to education, training, healthcare, and stable housing, especially for low-income households, single parents, young people undertaking study or apprenticeships, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Access to these payments supports participation, wellbeing, and long-term outcomes for children and young people¹.