EXTRA HELP FOR FAMILIES WITH TEENAGERS IN SCHOOL

Tuesday, 20 December 2011

Local member of Federal Parliament Gary Gray today said the families of around 4,500 local teenagers 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 will increase 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 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 are better off,” Mr Gray said.

“Getting a good education is essential to making sure young people get the best chance to get a good job.

“We want to encourage our teenagers to return to school next year, or get school-based apprenticeships, because we know it will open doors.

“This extra financial support for families will help them keep their kids in school – and get their kids better jobs and higher incomes 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.”

Mr Gray said that, although the exact amount of benefit would vary for every family, most families with a teenager in full-time secondary study who is currently receiving 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 their entitlements automatically adjusted from 1 January 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, it’s good news for our teenagers who will have a better chance at getting a good job, which is good news for Australia’s economy,” Mr Gray said.