Returning to the parental home when independent or qualified for the away from home (AFH) rate of Youth Allowance (YA) 102-03010120

It is important to establish:

• if the customer has returned to the parental home on a temporary or permanent basis, and
• whether they continue to maintain their accommodation away from the parental home

These factors will determine if the customer's rate of payment will need to change.

A young person's independent status may need to be reviewed if the customer returns to live in the parental home. Some independence reasons are reviewable, for example, where they were previously independent due to unreasonable to live at home or in State care.

An independent customer who lives at their parental home may be considered an accommodated independent person. Accommodated independent customers receive the lower (at home) rate, unless an exemption applies.

When a customer returns to the parental home an assessment is required to determine if they are still entitled to the away from home rate. If a customer returns home for the weekend or vacation period and they are still enrolled in full time study and maintaining accommodation elsewhere, no reassessment is required.

When a YA customer returns to the parental home the customer's entitlement to Rent Assistance (RA), if qualified, is to be reviewed. Their continuing entitlement to RA will depend on whether the return to the parental home is temporary or permanent, and if they are still paying rent.