Cost of living payment for apprentices and trainees
Apprentices and trainees receive a $250 payment to help with the cost of living.
In 2025-26, the ACT Government will continue to support ACT apprentices and trainees with the cost of living.
Eligible apprentices and trainees will receive a $250 payment if active in their apprenticeship on 1 July 2025 with an additional $250 provided to first year apprentices and trainees to assist with the cost of tools and equipment.
An email with details on the online application process will be sent to the email address registered by eligible apprentices and trainees when they sign up to apprenticeship and traineeship contracts. If you have not received an email by October 2025, please email atpayment@act.gov.au
Eligibility
Eligible apprentices and trainees must meet all of the following requirements:
- live in the ACT
- be employed by an ACT employer
- be active in your apprenticeship/traineeship training on 1 July 2025.
You must not have cancelled or withdrawn from your training. We may ask for evidence to support your eligibility.
What you need to do
To complete the form, you need to provide the following information:
- Name (as recorded on your training contract)
- Date of birth
- Contact phone number (mobile)
- Qualification name (name of the course/training you’re taking)
- Bank details for payment.
When you'll be paid
It can take up to 4 weeks after submitting your form to get your $250 or $500 payment. If you do not get the payment within 4 weeks, please contact us on 02 6207 7766 or email atpayment@act.gov.au