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LTSU Safety Net

In this section

  • LTSU Safety Net
  • Feed La Trobe
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What is LTSU Safety Net?

Unexpected costs can hit at the worst time – and for many students, there’s no buffer.

LTSU Safety Net is a one-off support payment to help La Trobe students manage urgent expenses so they can stay focused on their studies.

We know from student feedback that financial stress isn’t just about big costs – it’s often everyday essentials like food, bills, or medical expenses that become unmanageable when something unexpected happens.

This support is designed to provide quick, practical relief when students need it most.

 

How to Apply for LTSU Safety Net

 

Check You’re Eligible

  • You’re a current La Trobe University Melbourne Bundoora campus student
  • You’re experiencing urgent or unexpected financial difficulty
  • You haven’t received Safety Net support this semester

Gather Your Details
Before you start the form, have this ready:

  • Student number
  • Course name
  • Any supporting documents (if available – not required)

Submit Your Application

  • Complete the online form here: https://www.latrobesu.org.au/surveys/SafetyNet2026/
  • Upload any evidence you have (optional but helpful).

Wait for Confirmation

  • You’ll receive a confirmation email once your application is reviewed within 7 business days. You'll receive a voucher for $60.  


What can you use LTSU Safety Net for?

Safety Net can help cover urgent costs such as:

  • Caring for children
  • Legal services
  • Health costs (prescriptions, appointments, etc.)
  • Accommodation (rent, emergency housing, etc.)
  • Utilities (gas, electricity, water bills)
  • Food or personal care items


Tips

  • Complete the application accurately
  • Complete the full application to be considered
  • You don’t need to provide every document — submit what you can
  • All applications are confidential


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is La Trobe Student Union (LTSU) Safety Net?
    LTSU Safety Net is a one-off payment of $60 to help Melbourne (Bundoora) campus students meet urgent or unexpected expenses. It is designed to provide quick relief when something sudden puts pressure on your budget.
     
  2. Why only $60? I need more.
    We’re trying to help as many students at Bundoora as possible. The Student Union is set a budget from our Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) by the University. $60 means we could help over 200 students.
     
  3. Why is the Student Union running this project?
    La Trobe Student Union is student-led and student-run, and we understand that unexpected costs like a medical appointment, a utility bill, or emergency groceries, can cause serious stress. We are independent of La Trobe university and any other organisation.

    This program is part of our commitment to:
    - Supporting student wellbeing and success so finances don’t become a barrier to study.
    - Providing practical help, not just advocacy, during moments of crisis.
    - Building a caring campus community where students look after each other.

  4. Who can apply?
    Only current enrolled La Trobe University Melbourne (Bundoora) campus students who have not applied or received the voucher in the current semester can apply.
     
  5. What can I use the $60 for?
    Caring for children, Legal services, Health costs (prescriptions, appointments, etc.), Accommodation (rent, emergency housing, etc.), Utilities (gas, electricity, water bills), Food or personal care items.
     
  6. Can I apply more than once?
    No. Each student can receive one grant per semester to ensure fair access for everyone.
     
  7. How will I receive the $60?
    As a pre-paid voucher related to your application.
     
  8. Who will see my information?
    Only La Trobe Student Union staff (no office bearers) have access to your application information. Your details are kept confidential and stored securely according to La Trobe Student Union privacy policies. Information is used only to process your application.
     
  9. How long does approval take?
    Applications are usually processed within 7 business days. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your $60 is ready.
     
  10. I’m a Bendigo, Sydney, Shepperton, Mildura, Albury-Wodonga, online or City campus student. Can I apply?
    No. This program is currently only for Melbourne Bundoora campus students represented by La Trobe Student Union.
     
  11. What if I need more support?
    We can connect you to additional services, including university and community support programs.
     
  12. Can I re-apply next semester?
    Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and have not already received support for that semester, and as long as the initiative is still available.

 

 

  

 

 

LTSU Safety Net – Terms and Conditions

1. About LTSU Safety Net

LTSU Safety Net is a one-off financial support initiative provided by La Trobe Student Union (LTSU).

It offers a $60 voucher to help eligible students manage urgent or unexpected expenses that may affect their ability to continue their studies.

This support is intended as short-term relief, not long-term financial assistance.

2. Eligibility Requirements

To apply for LTSU Safety Net, you must meet all of the following conditions:

  • Be a currently enrolled La Trobe University student
  • Be studying at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
  • Be experiencing urgent or unexpected financial difficulty
  • Have not received a Safety Net payment in the current semester

Not eligible:

  • La Trobe College students
  • Students from other campuses (Bendigo, Sydney, Shepparton, Mildura, Albury-Wodonga, City, or online-only students)
  • La Trobe Student Union Office Bearers

LTSU reserves the right to verify enrolment status.

3. Nature of the Support

  • The Safety Net provides a one-time payment of $60 per semester
  • The payment is provided as a pre-paid voucher, not cash
  • The type of voucher may vary depending on your situation

This support is limited and subject to available funding.

4. How the Support Can Be Used

The Safety Net voucher is intended to help with essential and urgent costs, including:

  • Food and groceries
  • Personal care items
  • Medical or health expenses (e.g. prescriptions, appointments)
  • Rent or emergency accommodation
  • Utility bills (gas, electricity, water)
  • Childcare-related costs
  • Legal services

LTSU may decline or adjust support if the requested use does not align with the purpose of the program.

5. Application Process

To apply, you must:

  1. Complete the official application form
  2. Provide accurate personal and study details
  3. Give a short explanation of your situation
  4. Submit any supporting documents (optional but recommended)

Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

6. Assessment and Approval

  • Applications are assessed by LTSU staff only
  • Office bearers (student representatives) do not access applications
  • Decisions are based on:
    • Eligibility
    • Urgency of need
    • Available funding

Applications are typically processed within 7 business days

All decisions made by LTSU are final

7. Payment and Delivery

  • Approved students will receive a voucher valued at $60
  • Delivery details will be provided via email
  • Vouchers cannot be:
    • Transferred to another person
    • Exchanged for cash
    • Reissued if lost (unless required by law)

8. Limits and Fair Use

  • Each student may receive one Safety Net payment per semester
  • Multiple applications within the same semester will be declined
  • Providing false or misleading information may result in:
    • Rejection of the application
    • Ineligibility for future support

9. Confidentiality and Privacy

  • All applications are confidential
  • Information is only accessed by authorised LTSU staff
  • Your data is:
    • Stored securely
    • Used only for assessing your application
    • Managed in line with LTSU privacy policies

10. Program Availability

  • LTSU Safety Net is subject to funding availability
  • The program may be:
    • Changed
    • Paused
    • Ended at any time without notice

11. Additional Support

If you need more help, LTSU may refer you to:

  • University support services
  • Community organisations
  • Financial or wellbeing services

12. Acceptance of Terms

By submitting an application, you confirm that:

  • The information you provided is true and correct
  • You understand and agree to these Terms and Conditions
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