Assisting a customer aged under 16 003-08030080

People under 16 may qualify for Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY under an Independent category if they are:

• above the minimum school-leaving age for the State or Territory where they live, or
• formally exempt from school

This includes Unreasonable to Live at Home (UTLAH) provisions.

They may qualify for Special Benefit (SpB) under an independent category if they are:

• below the minimum school leaving age for the State or Territory where they live
• not formally exempt from school, and
• not living with a parent or guardian

This includes UTLAH.

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) paid to another adult may be appropriate. However, the adult must have responsibility for the day-to-day care, welfare and development of the child. The adult’s involvement with the child must allow them to influence their day to day welfare and development. Do not assume a person is a dependent child of another adult simply because they live in their home. The adult must have appropriate care of the child to quality for FTB. If there is any doubt, the customer should lodge a claim for SpB for a full assessment.

SpB may be paid to an Australian Citizen Child (ACC) or a child who is a permanent visa holder whose parents/guardians are unable to get any income support payments or FTB.

Refer people under 16 who do not live with a parent or guardian to a social worker. The social worker will help with determining payment eligibility and offer support through social casework.

If a young person has applied for an income support payment under UTLAH provisions, a full assessment will occur. This includes contact with parents/guardians as appropriate and referral to the relevant State or Territory Welfare Authority if required.

When a person under 16 has applied for Special Benefit, the social worker will also assess their current living circumstances. This is to make sure the young person is not at risk. The social worker will help decide if the person is a dependent child of another adult who:

• is providing care, and
• can apply for Family Tax Benefit (FTB)

A person can be a dependent child, even when the adult is not eligible for FTB. Consider the nature and intent of the support provided. A social worker must outline in a report the reasons for deciding the person is a dependent child of another adult.

People in this age group are vulnerable. Social workers should consult with their EL1 Social Work Support Manager or EL2 Social Work Manager. See Conducting a social worker UTLAH assessment.