Dependent or independent
If you apply for Youth Allowance as a job seeker, we’ll assess you as being either dependent or independent.
When we consider you dependent
If you’re 21 or younger, you’re dependent unless you meet 1 of the conditions that make you independent. This means your parents’ or guardians’ income may affect if you get a payment and how much you get.
When we consider you independent
There are several reasons we may consider you independent. These include, you:
- can show you’ve supported yourself through work
- meet certain criteria for being in a relationship
- have, or have had, a dependent child.
You may also be independent if you can’t live at home due to extreme circumstances. This includes family breakdown, violence, or serious risk to your safety and wellbeing. A social worker will assess this if you’re younger than 18.
Page last updated: 7 December 2020
This information was printed 20 September 2021 from https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/youth-allowance-job-seekers/how-much-you-can-get/dependent-or-independent. It may not include all of the relevant information on this topic. Please consider any relevant site notices at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/site-notices when using this material.