Check independence through work history online 101-08220010
Expand allThis document outlines how customers can check if they are independent because of their work history. This will mean their Youth Allowance (YA) and ABSTUDY is paid at the independent rate.
Access the service
Customers registered online under 22 years of age can 
use their Centrelink online account to access this service.
Evidence calculator
Customers can verify their earnings and hours using the evidence calculator. It does this by:
- averaging under the full time (30 hour) criterion
- calculating the hours worked for the part time (15 hour) rule, or
- calculating the amount earned for the 75% of National Training Wage earnings rule
- confirming participation in the workforce for at least 3 of the last 4 years (for ABSTUDY only)
The service will ask a series of questions, including their work details. The Results page will tell the customer of the potential outcome and provide them with a receipt number.
Where the customer provided details online a COC interaction is created on the customers record along with a DOC indicating the interaction ID.
Service Officers assessing a customer's independence criteria must ensure the COC interaction is checked once the customer provides their supporting evidence, Service Officers are to calculate the verified earnings or hours.
COVID-19 concession period
The COVID-19 concession period could apply between 25 March to 24 September 2020 (inclusive) to customers claiming independence under workforce criteria between 1 January 2021 and 24 September 2022.
Verifying independence eligibility
To complete the independence assessment, a Service Officer will need to verify the customer's evidence of employment.
Customers have 14 days to supply their payslips to Services Australia.
The customer can:
- post the evidence
-
upload it online, or
- take it to their local service centre
The Resources page contains links to the Services Australia Website and the myGov website. It also includes a link to online accounts (including hours of operation for suitable customers).
Related links
Centrelink self service – access status, locking and unlocking
How users create a myGov account and link services
Accessing and using Centrelink self service
Manage study details option online
Assessing independence when a customer is self-supporting through full-time paid employment