Extra Help for Families with Teenagers in School
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Member for Jagajaga, Jenny Macklin MP announced around 2400 local families may benefit from an increase of up to $4,200 per year in family payments, if their teenager stays in school.
From 1 January, Family Tax Benefit Part A has increased for families with teenagers aged 16 to 19 years who are still in full-time secondary school or equivalent vocational training – this means families may receive a total of up to $214 a fortnight for each teenager still in full-time secondary study.
“All the evidence shows that young people who finish their education or get a trade enjoy more job opportunities and have greater wage earning potential.
“The Federal Labor Government understands the importance of education in making sure young people fulfil their potential and get a good job.
“This extra financial support for families will help them keep their kids in school – and get their kids better jobs in the long run.
“This will be a big help to those families under financial pressure, who are finding it hard to support older teenagers to stay at school or in training.”
Jenny Macklin MP said that, although the exact amount of benefit would vary for every family, most families with a teenager in full-time secondary study who previously had received Youth Allowance, would be better off on Family Tax Benefit.
Families already receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A for children aged 16 to 19 years in full‑time secondary study will have had their entitlements automatically adjusted if they are entitled to the higher rate.
“This is good news for local families who will be better able to meet their cost of living, its good news for teenagers who will have a better chance at getting a good job,” Ms Macklin said.