The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.N.12 National Training Wage schedule rate (YA, DSP)

Definition

For the purposes of YA and DSP, the Wage Level A of the National Training Wage schedule (NTWS) included in a modern award, or the rate as varied or replaced by Fair Work Australia, is a rate used to measure whether a young person can be classified as being self-supporting through paid employment (3.2.5.80).

Rates

The following table lists the relevant NTWS rates over recent years, and the minimum amounts that young people must earn to qualify as independent under the self-supporting provisions.

If period/s of employment commenced from The relevant NTWS rate is ($) 75% of rate which equals minimum earnings ($)
1 July 2023 to present date 40,690 30,517
1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 38,479 28,859
1 November 2021 to 30 June 2022 36,811 27,608
1 February 2021 to 31 October 2021 35,914 26,936
1 July 2019 to 31 January 2021 35,400 26,550
1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 34,272 25,704
1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 33,114 24,836
1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017 32,056 24,042
1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016 31,305 23,479
1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 30,544 22,908
1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 29,652 22,239
1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 28,824 21,618
1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012 28,012 21,009
1 October 2008 to 30 June 2011 26,043 19,532

Note: The maximum rate of pay under Wage level A of the NTWS, is identified as the maximum weekly wage at Table 1 of Schedule E of the Miscellaneous Award 2020. From 1 July 2023 to present this is $780.40, which is equivalent to an annual salary of $40,690.06 (based on a multiplication of 52.14, which has been approved by the Fair Work Commission as a method to calculate annualised salaries).

Act reference: SSAct section 1067A(10) to (10L) People who are self-supporting

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.2.5.80 YA & DSP - self-supporting through paid employment, 3.2.5.85 YA concessional workforce independence criteria for regional students, 5.2.1.60 Historical National Training Wage schedule rates up to 30 September 2008 (YA, DSP)

Last reviewed: