Changes to accommodation support for studying sole parents means more parents are accessing higher rates of the support, says Social Development Minister Anne Tolley.

The maximum accommodation assistance is $60 a week, but under changes to the student system which came into effect last year on July 1 studying sole parents could receive up to $165 extra per week.

Social Development Minister Anne Tolley. Photo: File

'The majority of sole parents who are studying full time are now receiving the same accommodation support they would if they were on a benefit, leaving them on average $38.88 a week better off,” says Anne.

'Sole Parents spend on average 14 years on a benefit, but we know that tertiary education can significantly reduce the average time they spend on welfare so we're making it as easy as possible for them to transition to study.”

Anne says 1515 sole parents are now receiving more than the student maximum and all sole parent students receiving accommodation support receive on average $89.22 a week for accommodation costs.

As the policy takes effect when each student begins their next study period, the majority of sole parent students received the new rate in March of this year, she says.

'We knew a decrease in accommodation assistance was a disincentive for sole parents to move off a benefit and into study. This policy removes that barrier to higher education, encouraging more parents to take steps towards sustainable and rewarding employment.

'On average beneficiaries with a tertiary qualification spend six and a half years less on a benefit compared to those without, so supporting them into full time study is a good investment in their futures, and their children's future,” Anne says.