Thousands of apprentices and trainees will be eligible for a $250 cash boost to support them as they complete their studies in Canberra.
The one-off payment comes as the ACT government moves to offer more help for low-income households in its budget.
Apprentices and trainees tend to earn just above the threshold to qualify for federal financial assistance, but are still lower income earners relative to others in Canberra, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
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Under the scheme, about 5700 local apprentices and trainees will receive a boost.
Apprentices and trainees must be currently enrolled and living in the ACT to be eligible and will be contacted by the government by the end of September.
Other cost-of-living initiatives outlined in the budget included “targeted” relief to ease pressure on households through the territory government’s utilities concession, which will be increased from $750 to $800 per year to help more than 40,000 low-income households.
Households will also benefit from the federal government’s $300 energy bill relief vouchers.
When combined, the relief means one in five Canberra households receive $1100 in help for energy bills.
The territory’s rent relief fund will also be expanded, while an extra $1 million will be used to expand the education equity fund, which helps families with students’ education costs.
Barr said the budget aimed to reduce costs where possible and provided financial support to the Canberrans who needed it most.
“While our economy is on track for a 34th year of consecutive growth, the rate of growth will be slower and we know parts of our community are still experiencing cost of living pressures,” he said.
“Recognising these challenges, we are working to assist Canberrans by increasing targeted cost of living supports.”