Most useful information for retraining

1. How much you can get
2. Income and assets tests

Partner Income Test for Youth Allowance students and Australian Apprentices

If you’re independent and you have a partner, we assess their gross income too. This is the income they get before any deductions, like tax.

1. How much you can get
2. Income and assets tests

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.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Reviewable independence

Independent for Youth Allowance if you’re an orphan

If you’re an orphan, you may be independent for Youth Allowance.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Reviewable independence

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.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Reviewable independence

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.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Reviewable independence

Independent for Youth Allowance if it’s unreasonable for you to live at home

If you’re unable to live at home with either of your parents due to extreme circumstances, you may be independent.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Permanent independence

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.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Permanent independence

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.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Permanent independence

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.

1. Permanent independence
2. If you’re independent through work

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.