Assessing independence for customers with a partial capacity to work 001-04030050

A Youth Allowance (YA) job seeker may be considered independent for the period they are assessed as having a partial capacity to work (PCW) following an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) by an Assessment Services Assessor.

Note: this assessment of independence does not apply to YA (students/Australian Apprentices) or Disability Support Pension (DSP) customers. They may test their qualification for independence under one of the other categories for independence.

Once a customer is assessed as independent because they have a partial capacity to work (PCW), a review can be manually or automatically started (for example, an automatic review will be created if a new ESAt changes the customer's work capacity). Reviews monitor the customer's continuing eligibility for independent status.

Independent YA customers are not subject to assessment under the Parental Means Tests. However, if they are still living at home they are paid the Accommodated Independent rate.

When making an unfavourable decision, speak to the customer:

• explain the decision
• give them a chance to provide more information
• advise their review and appeal rights