When you’re independent, your parents’ income doesn’t affect your payment.

We consider you independent for Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY Living Allowance if you’re 22 or over.

If you want to claim as an independent, you can apply for these payments up to 13 weeks before you turn 22. If you claim early, we’ll consider you independent as soon as you turn 22.

If you already get a payment, turning 22 may change your payment amount. You don’t need to do anything as we’ll work out how much you should get. It also depends on your other circumstances.

Read more about being independent for Youth Allowance or independent for ABSTUDY.