Assessing independence when a customer is a refugee 001-04060060

YA independence cannot be granted to a refugee young person if they have:

• a parent/s living in Australia, or
• a person upon whom they are largely dependent on a long term basis

This criteria does not apply to refugee young people who:

• are largely cared for by their guardian or relative on a long term basis. Note: the duration of care refers and applies to their time in Australia only
• live with their parent/s and wish to apply for YA independence under different circumstances. For example, self-supporting or Unreasonable to Live at Home (UTLAH). Such claims should be assessed under those criteria

While there is no set time frame for long-term dependency, the following questions will help staff determine a reasonable time frame:

• How long has the customer been in the country and who have they lived with in that period
• What is the nature of the relationship between the customer and the person/s they have lived with since arriving in the country
• How long does the person intend to care for the customer Note: explain payment options and implications. For example, Family Tax Benefit (FTB) verses YA independence
• Has anyone received FTB payments for the customer prior to the customer claiming YA

For staff assessing YA claims, verification that the customer has a refugee visa must already be recorded on the customer's record or picked up via the Department of Home Affairs link. Centrelink International Services (CIS) will be able to assist if required.

A verbal statement from the customer advising they do not have a parent in Australia and do not have a person on whom they are largely dependent must be recorded in a separate DOC. Ensure FTB and Maternity Allowance (MAT) screens contain information consistent with the statement. Where there is any doubt about the information that the customer is advising verbally, then staff must request evidence from the customer and hand the claim off to the Centrelink Service Centre.

Independent YA customers are not subject to assessment under the Parental Means Tests. They may be paid YA from aged 15 years, unless they are under the school leaving age for the State or Territory in which they live and do not have a formal exemption from attending school.

If the customer is under 15 years or the school leaving age, they may qualify for Special Benefit under Unable to Live at Home (UTLAH) or refugee provisions.

The assessment of independence applies to refugee DSP customers aged 16 or 17 years. An assessment is not required for DSP customers aged between 18 and 20 years as they are considered independent when living away from the parental home for any reason, see Assessing payment rates and independence for Disability Support Pension customers under 21 years.