Most useful information for housing

1. Special Benefit
2. How to claim

Supporting documents for Special Benefit

When you claim Special Benefit, we’ll ask you for some documents to support your claim.

Permanent independence for ABSTUDY

If you’re 22 or older we’ll treat you as permanently independent. We may also do this in certain circumstances.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Permanent independence

Independent for ABSTUDY if you’re an orphan

You may be independent if you’re an orphan.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Permanent independence

Independent for ABSTUDY if you have special adult status

You may be independent if you have special adult status through a traditional coming of age ceremony.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Permanent independence

Independent for ABSTUDY if you have or had a dependent child

You may be independent if you have or had a dependent child.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Permanent independence

Independent for ABSTUDY if you’re in lawful custody for 6 months or more

You may be independent if you spent 6 months or more in lawful custody.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Permanent independence

Independent for ABSTUDY if you’re married or in a registered relationship

You may be independent if you are or were married, or in a registered relationship.

Independent for ABSTUDY through work

You may be independent if you’ve supported yourself through work.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Independent through work

Independent for ABSTUDY through a work related activity

You may be independent by doing a work related activity. You must have been doing it for at least 3 out of the last 4 years.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Independent through work

Independent for ABSTUDY through full time work

You may be an independent for ABSTUDY if you’ve worked an average of 30 hours or more per week for 18 months within a 2 year period.