Student Allowance - review and appeal rights
You can review any decision we make if you disagree with it.
What to do if you disagree
If you disagree with a decision we've made about your student allowance, email us or call us to talk about it. It may be that you have additional information that could change the outcome.
If, after you have talked to us, you still disagree you can review the decision.
You need to apply for a review within three months of receiving our decision. If you don’t, your application to have it reviewed may not be accepted.
You can apply for a review of decision by completing a review of decision form, or by writing and telling us:
- what decision you disagree with and why
- anything else you think we should know.
There are two types of review of decision:
- statutory review
- administrative review.
We will determine which type your case falls into.
Your application will be considered for a statutory review if the decision is covered under at least one of the categories described in schedule 10, clause 5 of the Education and Training Act 2020.
You can choose to have your decision reviewed:
- by the delegate or
- before a Student Allowance Review Panel.
The delegate is a person within StudyLink who has authority to make the decision on your student allowance review. The delegate has had no prior involvement with your case.
A Student Allowance Review Panel is made up of:
- the delegate
- a Ministry of Social Development advisor
- an advisor from the New Zealand Union of Students' Association
The two advisors do not take part in the final decision making. They are there to provide advice to the delegate, who makes the final decision.
If you would like help with your review, you can contact a student advocate or support person to assist you. If you have any questions about the review process, call us.
Attending the hearing
If you choose to have the decision reviewed before a Student Allowance Review Panel you can attend the hearing and take someone with you for support.
The review panel will discuss your application whether or not you are at the hearing. This hearing may be held at your local Work and Income service centre or Ministry of Social Development office.
The panel will take a fresh look at the information and the delegate will make a decision on your application.
If you disagree with the delegate’s decision
You can appeal to the Student Allowance Appeal Authority. If you want to appeal, you need to do so within 21 days of the decision. You will need to fill in a Notice of appeal form available on the Ministry of Justice website.
Send your appeal to:
The Secretary
Student Allowance Appeal Authority
Tribunals Unit
Ministry of Justice
DX SX 11159
Wellington
The Student Allowance Appeal Authority is independent from StudyLink.
Your application can be considered for an administrative review if the decision is not covered under one of the categories described in schedule 10, clause 5 of the Education and Training Act 2020.
For an administrative review there are no further statutory appeal rights. However, you can discuss the outcome of the administrative review with us if you disagree with the result.
Send your evidence with your letter or completed form. If you don’t, we may ask for it and your review will take longer.
Send your letter or form to:
StudyLink Centre
Private Bag 11070
Palmerston North 4442
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