Student Allowance if you're 16-17
If you’re 16 or 17, you may be able to get a Student Allowance but it depends on your circumstances.
If you're at secondary school you may be able to get a Student Allowance if you're in a recognised relationship. This means you have a partner and a child.
If your recognised relationship is de facto, a Family Court Judge must consent to it.
If you're studying with a tertiary education provider, you may be able to get a Student Allowance if you're in one of these situations:
- you have a child
- you have no relationship with your parents and you don't live with them
- you've completed year 13
- you've got:
- 42 NCEA credits at level 3, or
- 42 or more National Qualification Framework credits at level 4, or
- accepted onto a tertiary course with entry requirements the same as 42 NCEA credits at level 3.
Apply online for a Student Allowance (if you haven’t already).
If you can’t get a Student Allowance you may be able to get help from Youth Services.
If you can’t get a Student Allowance and you’re living away from home, whoever cares for you may be able to get an Away from Home allowance from Work and Income.