Assessing independence when a customer has, or has had, a dependent child 001-04060030

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Example

1

De facto partner has a dependent child

Peter is 19 years old and is paid Youth Allowance (YA) (as a dependant of parents). Peter has left home to live with girlfriend Danni and Danni's child Mitch. Peter provides financial and emotional support to Mitch, despite not being the adoptive or natural parent of Mitch.

Peter cannot be considered to be independent on the basis of having a dependent child. A customer who is in a de facto relationship and whose partner has a dependent child does not satisfy the independence criteria on this basis alone.

Note: if Peter was receiving Disability Support Pension (DSP), then Peter could be considered independent due to being aged between 18 and 20 and living away from the parental home.

2

Dependent customer has care of sibling

Sharon is 18 and has temporary care of her 10 year old sibling Kate. Sharon is granted Family Tax Benefit (FTB) to help provide financial support to meet Kate's ongoing needs.

After 12 months Kate returned to her mother and Sharon's FTB is cancelled. Sharon applies for YA as an independent student due to previously having a dependent child in her care. Sharon is not eligible for independence as she was not the natural or adoptive parent of Kate.

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Scenario

1

Start date of Independence for current Youth Allowance (YA) customers

In February 2022, Megan is granted YA as a dependent. On 25 May 2022, Megan has a natural child. On 26 June 2022, Megan lodges evidence to be assessed as independent under the dependent child criteria.

On 30 June 2022, a Service Officer assesses the independence documents and determines the independence criteria has been met. The Service Officer codes Megan's start date for independence as 26 June 2022, the date the information was provided to the agency.

2

Start date of Independence for YA New Claim

On 1 July 2022, Megan lodges an online claim for YA. Megan lodges supporting documentation to meet independence under the dependent child criteria. A Service Officer assesses Megan's new claim on the 18 July 2022.

The Service Officer codes Megan's YA start date and independence start date as 1 July 2022, the date they qualified.