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.

3.2.7.20 YA recipients under 18

Minimum age requirement

Young people aged under 18 years are considered NOT to have reached the minimum age to receive YA unless they:

  • are undertaking full-time study (1.1.F.230) or training (see below for special rules for secondary students), OR
  • have completed year 12, or an equivalent level of education (Certificate Level III or above), OR
  • are a full-time Australian Apprentice (1.1.A.324), OR
  • are exempt from the requirement to be in full-time study or training (see below), OR
  • have entered into or agrees to enter a Job Plan and are undertaking education, training or other approved activities.

Act reference: SSAct section 543A(1) Minimum age for YA-General, section 543A(2) Minimum age for YA-Persons not yet 18 years old

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.2.3.10 Qualification for YA

Secondary students under 18

Secondary students aged under 18 are usually ineligible for YA unless:

  • they are independent, or
  • they are required to live away from home, or
  • they were receiving YA immediately before starting secondary studies, or
  • the Secretary determines that the person is not benefiting from FTB that is being paid to the person's parents.

Ineligible secondary students or their parents may be eligible for other forms of assistance, such as FTB.

Act reference: SSAct section 543A(2AA) Minimum age for YA-Persons aged 16 or 17 and undertaking a secondary course

Not completing year 12

A young person who is an early school leaver (1.1.E.05) and has not completed year 12 or an equivalent level of education (Certificate Level III and above) will need to meet specific YA mutual obligation requirements (3.2.3.10).

Act reference: SS(Admin)Act section 40A Requirement to enter into employment pathway plans, section 40F Employment pathway plan matters

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.2.3.10 Qualification for YA, 3.11.9 Mutual obligation requirements for early school leavers (YA)

Completing year 12

A young person does not need to have 'passed' year 12, they only need to have completed the full academic requirements for the year.

Additional year 12 courses

The following courses are also at year 12 level:

  • courses that give the student entry to at least one approved tertiary course
  • tertiary orientation programs, and
  • university open foundation or bridging courses.

Exemptions

Some young people under 18 years may be granted an exemption from the requirement to be in full-time education or training due to their personal circumstances (see examples).

Examples: Disability, ill health, learning difficulties, caring or parental responsibilities.

Act reference: SSAct section 543A(2A) Minimum age for YA-Persons who do not have the capacity to undertake full-time study or training

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.2.4 YA exemption from full-time education/training for under 18s

Mutual obligation requirements

YA recipients under 18 years of age who are exempt from the full-time education or training requirement may still be required to meet mutual obligation requirements. If they have not been granted an exemption from mutual obligation requirements, they will be asked to enter into a Job Plan and, if an early school leaver, will need to meet specific YA mutual obligation requirements (3.2.3.10).

Example: Activities may include:

  • those that lead to vocational outcomes, such as
    • approved short courses
    • or voluntary work (1.1.V.70), and
  • those that lead to personal development/ pre-vocational outcomes, such as
    • rehabilitation programs
    • life skills training courses, and
    • literacy courses.

Act reference: SSAct section 543A Minimum age for YA

SS(Admin)Act section 40A Requirement to enter into employment pathway plans

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.2.4 YA exemption from full-time education/training for under 18s, 3.11.2 Job Plans, 3.11.5 Exemptions - overview

Last reviewed: