Labor will increase the maximum payment rate of the Family Tax Benefit Part A by more than $150 per fortnight for teenagers aged 16 to 18 years who are in school or an equivalent vocational qualification.

This could see parents receiving up to an extra $4,000 a year per teenage child.

“This initiative is expected to help 453 Brisbane families support their children through these crucial years, over time more families with younger children will benefit as those children turn 16,” Mr Bevis said.

“As the parent of a teenager and having raised four children I understand the additional pressures that supporting older children through study can place on a family budget.”

The increase to family support for studying teenagers announced today will encourage more students to finish year 12 or attain equivalent vocational training.

Currently, the maximum rate of FTB-A drops from $208 per fortnight to $51 per fortnight when a child turns 16.

This sharp drop combined with increased costs can encourage teenagers to leave school early if their family is unable to support them in full-time study or training.

This newly announced boost to the assistance for families with older teenage children will help ease the pressure on family budgets and increase the chances of teenagers completing year 12 or an equivalent vocational qualification.

The new rates will apply from 1 January 2012 in time for the start of the school year.