That ICPA (Aust) advocate to Services Australia to streamline the application process for geographically isolated Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) applicants by having dedicated call centre staff similar to that of the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC).
Two of the most remote members of Balranald Branch have recently been “rejected” for Tertiary Access Payment via the Services Australia Online Application system. This has now required them to give further information when they are already in the “system” due to having been AIC recipients the year prior to applying for TAP.
It appears that the online TAP application asks many questions and then, after being looked at by a person, puts the application “on hold” and asks further questions relating to proof of the new address. Despite providing those new address details (after very vague questioning online) the system then rejects the application!
This is a serious flaw, when in contrast, the AIC is so simplified to apply for and has a direct line to talk to an officer who understands the needs of remote students. How many rural and remote students apply for TAP and after such a rejection don’t pursue their legitimate right to this allowance?
