Payments to parents for under 18 year old Youth Allowance (YA) dependent customers 103-04010010

Example

Service Officer action

Sandra is 16 years old and receiving a dependant rate of YA based on the parents' combined income. The YA payments are being paid into one of the parent’s bank accounts. Sandra's other parent subsequently contacts the agency to request the payments be made into their account and alleges the YA payment is not being used for Sandra's benefit. When the Smart Centre Service Officer looks at Sandra's record, it is noted there is a DOC recording recent contact from Sandra's parent. The information provided in the DOC is to the effect they were concerned the other parent would request redirection of the YA payment because they wanted the payment for their personal use.

This is a situation where the Service Officer would contact Sandra, to discuss whether there were reasons why the payments should be made directly to Sandra. If there are no reasons (for example, both parents are addicted to gambling, alcohol, drugs etc.) then Sandra would be asked to nominate, in writing, which parent the payment should go to.