Youth Allowance

Youth Allowance provides financial help for young people who are studying full time, undertaking a full-time Australian Apprenticeship or training, looking for work or sick.

You may be able to get Youth Allowance if you are 

• 16 to 20 years of age and looking for full-time work or undertaking approved activities. If you do not have a Year 12 Certificate or equivalent qualification (Certificate Level II or above) you will have to undertake study or training to qualify for Youth Allowance
• 16 to 24 years of age and studying or undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship full-time.

Residency requirements and parental means tests also apply.

In some circumstances you may be able to get Youth Allowance if you are 15 years of age or older than the school leaving age in the state or territory in which you live, and you have been assessed as independent. Being independent means your parents’ income and assets are not considered when determining if you can get Youth Allowance or the amount you can get paid.

If you have to live away from home because of a serious family breakdown, talk to one of our social workers about your options.

Short term access to Youth Allowance for New Zealand Citizens

After 26 February 2001, people who arrive in Australia on a New Zealand passport  are generally issued a Non-Protected Special Category Visa (SCV) on arrival

From 26 February 2011, non-protected SCV holders who have lived in Australia for at least ten continuous years since 26 February 2001 may be eligible to receive Youth Allowance for up to 6 months.

You will still have to meet all other requirements, such as waiting periods, to get a payment.