What is Youth Allowance?
Youth Allowance provides assistance for young people who are studying full-time, undertaking a full-time Australian Apprenticeship (Apprenticeship or Traineeship) or training and/or looking for work. It may also provide assistance for young people who are ill or temporarily incapacitated.
Youth Allowance allows young people to stay on the one payment as they move between looking for work, study, training or undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship (Apprenticeship or Traineeship).
How do I Qualify for a Youth Allowance?
You may get Youth Allowance if you are:
- aged 16-24 and studying or undertaking a Australian Apprenticeship full time (or aged 15 if considered independent); or
- aged 16-20 and looking for work full time (or aged 15 if considered independent), undertaking a combination of approved activities like Work for the Dole or volunteering, or have a temporary exemption from the Activity Test (for example, due to illness); or
- aged 25 and over and studying or undertaking a Australian Apprenticeship full time, if you were getting Youth Allowance immediately before turning 25 and are still doing the same course or Australian Apprenticeship. (Other full time students aged 25 and over can apply for Austudy); and
- meet residence requirements.
If you are under 18, and have not completed Year 12, you are usually required to be in full time education, undertaking a Australian Apprenticeship or training to qualify for Youth Allowance, although some exemptions apply.
If you are not studying or undertaking a full time Australian Apprenticeship and you are getting Youth Allowance, you must show Centrelink you are actively looking for work by meeting the Activity Test. If you have a disability and are studying, you may not need to study full time to be eligible for Youth Allowance or you may be able to get Disability Support Pension instead. However, if you have a short term illness or injury which prevents you from studying full time, or fulfilling your obligations as an Australian Apprentice, you may still be able to get Youth Allowance for the period of the illness or injury.
New Apprentices can telephone Centrelink on 132 490 or apply online at www.centrelink.gov.au and follow the online services links.