3.2.3.70 Continuation, variation or termination of YA
Summary
The following table lists the circumstances in which payment of YA may change.
| Payment of YA is … | if … |
|---|---|
| terminated | |
| terminated and the person is transferred to another payment |
|
Where necessary, these circumstances are explained in more detail in the rest of this topic.
Maximum age
YA recipients who are not full-time students remain qualified for YA until the end of the fortnight in which their 22nd birthday occurs. At this point they transfer to JSP.
Full-time students remain qualified for YA until the end of the fortnight in which their 25th birthday occurs, if this coincides with the time their course ceases.
Note: Full-time students receiving YA immediately before their 25th birthday, remain qualified for YA until the end of their course, which may occur after their 25th birthday.
Example: Brian is turning 25 years old on 15 November. He is finishing his degree course on 22 November, which is in the same fortnight. He ceases to be qualified for YA at the end of that fortnight.
Example: Lucy is turning 25 in July, but is not due to finish her degree until November. She will remain qualified for YA until the end of her degree provided she continues to meet all other eligibility criteria.
YA Australian Apprentices retain qualification until the end of their Australian Apprenticeship even though this may occur after their 25th birthday. The young person must be undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship and receiving YA immediately before turning 25 to be assessed as not having attained YA maximum age.
Course completion
Full-time students who are finishing study and not claiming JSP, or YA as job seekers, will cease to qualify for YA from the date of course completion.
Other reasons
Where a YA recipient loses qualification for another reason, YA will cease from:
- the date of the event, in cases where the notification provisions are not met, OR
- the end of the fortnight in which the event occurs, if the notification provisions were met.
Claiming another income support payment
If a YA recipient claims another income support payment, YA is paid up to the day before the other payment commences. This provision is subject to the YA recipient continuing to be qualified for YA.
Example: A 22 year old full-time student finishes their course in November and applies for JSP in December. They would cease to be qualified for YA in November, so would NOT continue to receive YA up to the day before JSP starts.
Claiming ABSTUDY
When a YA recipient claims ABSTUDY, their YA can continue for 3 weeks after the course commences to ensure continuity of payment.
Death of recipient
If a single YA recipient dies, any payments owed to the recipient at the time of death are still payable. No bereavement payments are available in respect of the recipient.
If the recipient was a member of a couple (1.1.M.120), the partner may qualify for some bereavement assistance.
Death of partner
If the person is a member of a couple and their partner dies, the person may qualify for some bereavement assistance.
Death of a principal carer's child
If a person is receiving YA as the principal carer (1.1.P.412) of a dependent child (but is not a full-time student or apprentice) and the child dies, the person may qualify for some bereavement assistance.