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