Dependent or independent
If you apply for Youth Allowance, we’ll assess you as being dependent or independent for a payment.
Dependent
If you’re 21 or younger, you’re dependent unless you meet one 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.
You may 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.
You may also be independent if you can show you support yourself through work.
Page last updated: 2 September 2020
This information was printed 18 September 2020 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.