Dept apologises for study payment delay

Students facing delays getting Youth Allowance are being reassured they'll have their payments backdated.

The Department of Human Services has apologised for the lengthy waiting times amid claims it's leaving some young people at risk of poverty or dropping out of studies.

Labor senator Doug Cameron says he's been receiving complaints about slow processing times.

Many young people were in dire circumstances because they are studying away from home.

"They're having to choose between food and textbooks," the shadow human services spokesman said.

The department attributed the delay to the "extremely busy time of year" because it was the peak period for applications with the start of the new school and university semesters.

"Students can be assured that all claims will be processed and payments will be backdated from the date they become eligible," general manager Hank Jongen said in a statement to AAP.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused."

Senator Cameron said that excuse wasn't good enough.

"It's been a peak since December, and we're still in a peak in March."

Mr Jongen urged students facing delays to ensure they have all the supporting paperwork or contact the department for extra help.

Anyone experiencing financial hardship will have their claims prioritised.