Assessing independence when a customer is/was married or a member of a couple 001-04060020

Sue is 18 years old and does not satisfy any of the other criteria for independence. Sue has been living with a 19 year old partner for 8 months. There are no special circumstances. Sue will not be regarded as partnered for Youth Allowance (YA) until the relationship has been in existence for 12 months. Until the 12 months has elapsed Sue will be regarded as a dependent YA customer and the rate of YA will be determined in accordance with the Parental Means Tests.

Melissa is 16 years old and lived in NSW with a partner for 10 months, then moved to Tasmania for 2 months before moving back to NSW. Melissa would not have the period whist living with the partner in Tasmania counted towards the 12 month duration of the member of a couple status. This is because the age of consent in Tasmania is 17 years. Once they had lived together for a further 2 months in NSW Melissa will qualify for independence as a member of a couple.

Robert is 18 years old and has already been assessed as independent. Robert then moved in with a partner who is working. They are regarded as members of a couple from day one of their relationship. The partner income test will be applied from the date that Robert commenced living with the partner.