That ICPA (Aust) requests the Federal Government to change the eligibility criteria for Independent Youth Allowance, so that those rural and remote students who choose to save or invest their earnings during the working period prior to attending university are not disadvantaged by the Liquid Assets criteria.
Students who choose to save their earnings during their gap year should not be deemed ineligible or disadvantaged because of savings. Many students work hard to save their earnings to buy a car or perhaps equipment to assist with their studies but instead have to use their savings to support themselves and pay rent while attending University. Other students who earn enough to be considered eligible for Independent Youth Allowance but spend everything they earn can be eligible for the Allowance but those who have saved their earnings are not eligible for the Allowance, and therefore not eligible for the Relocation Scholarship, Tertiary Access Payment or Rent Assistance. Instead, they have to use those savings and support themselves for a waiting period or until the money runs out which again may lead to financial strain and dropout rates.
