Media statement
For immediate release
Thursday, 22 May 2008

UnitedFuture lowers age limit for student allowances

UnitedFuture is celebrating with students and parents across the country the changes to student allowance eligibility that will see more allowances and less debt for thousands of students, says UnitedFuture education spokesperson Judy Turner.

“UnitedFuture supports universal student allowances, and the reduction from 25 years to 24 years for the age at which you are no longer tested against your parents income, should be recognised as a benefit that will continue to be felt by thousands of students for years to come.

“However, this is just the start of the journey towards an eventual age limit of 18 years, but a very necessary first step.

“After this coming election we hope to be in a position to push the age down even further.

“The rise in income thresholds is also a win secured by UnitedFuture in its confidence and supply agreement with the Government, and will give more allowances to more students and help reduce the debt that today’s students are over-burdened with.”

Mrs Turner said that the improved access to allowances for tertiary students seen in the budget came following UnitedFuture negotiations with both the NZUSA and the Government.

Ends