Even at 23, Tarn Paterson is not considered an independent adult by student allowance criteria.

Why is it that I would get more financial assistance being on an unemployment benefit than if I am studying?

As an 18-year-old I had great dreams of studying towards a career that would benefit me and society.

However, now 23, it enrages me that my Studylink student allowance is cut in half because of what my mother earns. It doesn't matter that I haven't lived at home in five years, Studylink expects you to look after children until they are 24.

This was news to me as I am legally allowed to buy cigarettes, alcohol and pornography. I can gamble and vote, but I'm still not an adult in the eyes of Studylink.

I also think it's ridiculous that after 18 years of raising two boys my single mother is expected to financially support me until I turn 24.

She lives out of town and has to commute into town as a teacher, financially for me there would be no benefit of living at home because of this commute. Why should she have to financially support me when she is struggling herself?

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As a result of this, I am left adding thousands to my student loan that would not be there if I had been 24.

Why should young people want to become productive members of society and further their education when they would get more money being on the dole?

My advice to young people wishing to study, is don't! At least not until you are 24 years old, an adult in the eyes of Studylink. Waiting can mean thousands of dollars of difference on your student loan.

What does our society say about itself when we give people more money to do nothing and sit at home, than we give productive young members of society?