What the parental means test is for Youth Allowance students and Australian Apprentices
We assess your parents’ or guardians’ income when you claim Youth Allowance as a dependent student or Australian Apprentice.
Independent for Youth Allowance if you’re a refugee
If you’re a refugee and your parents don’t live in Australia, you may be independent for Youth Allowance.
Independent for Youth Allowance if you’re in state care
You may be independent for Youth Allowance if you are in state care. This includes foster care.
Independent for Youth Allowance if your parents can’t take care of you
If your parents can’t take care of you, you may be independent.
Reviewable independence for Youth Allowance for students and Australian apprentices
We might consider you as independent under the reviewable criteria.
Independent for Youth Allowance if you have, or have had, a dependent child
You may be independent for Youth Allowance if you have, or had, a dependent child.
Independent for Youth Allowance if you’re in a de facto relationship
You may be independent for Youth Allowance if you’ve been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months or 6 months in special circumstances.
Independent for Youth Allowance 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 Youth Allowance through part time work or earnings for rural and remote students
You may be independent through work for Youth Allowance if you’re a student from a rural or remote area.
Independent for Youth Allowance through full time work
You may be independent for Youth Allowance if you worked full time. You must have worked an average of 30 hours a week for at least 18 months within any 2 year period.