This document outlines how to determine if a student or Australian Apprentice can be considered independent for ABSTUDY on the grounds they are currently or previously married or in a registered relationship.
An ABSTUDY customer is considered independent if they are 22 years of age or older. This category of independence is permanent. Once granted the student or Australian Apprentice remains eligible for independent status for this claim and any future claims.
Is the student aged 22 years or older?
Yes, student meets independence. No updates required. The system will automatically grant independent status based on age from the customer's 22nd birthday or the ABSTUDY date of grant, whichever is the later. Procedure ends here
An ABSTUDY customer will be considered independent if they have spent a total of 6 months or more in lawful custody.
Has the student or Australian Apprentice been imprisoned for a total of at least 6 months or more at a corrective institution, remand centre or youth training centre?
An ABSTUDY customer is considered to be an orphan where their parent/s are either:
deceased
missing and presumed deceased
Note: students or Australian Apprentices who meet the conditions as an orphan can qualify as independent even when living with someone other than their natural, adoptive or relationship parent/s. This includes where another person is or has been, in receipt of an allowance intended for their upkeep, for example Family Tax Benefit (FTB).
Does the student meet the above definition of an orphan?
An ABSTUDY customer will be considered independent if they have Special Adult Status in an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community that follows a lifestyle based on adherence to traditional coming-of-age ceremonies. The ceremony must be sanctioned by recognised Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander elders of that community.
Does the student have Special Adult Status in a traditional community?
A student or Australian Apprentice may be unable to live at the home of both their natural, adoptive or relationship parents (or if they have only one parent, that parent) because of one or more of the following reasons:
extreme family breakdown or similar exceptional circumstances
no parental concern from one or both parents
serious risk to their physical or mental wellbeing due to family and domestic violence, sexual abuse or similar unreasonable circumstance
their parents being unable to provide a suitable home due to a lack of stable accommodation
they are not receiving continuous financial or other support directly or indirectly from either a parent or guardian on a long-term basis
Is the student or Australian Apprentice unable to live at the home of either their natural, adoptive or relationship parents (or if they have only one parent, that parent) due to one of the above reasons?
The student or Australian Apprentice may be required to provide evidence to support their claim for independence due to currently or previously married, or in a registered relationship.
To determine if further evidence is required, in Customer First, go to the Marital Status (MS) screen.
Does the student or Australian Apprentice's MS screen have MAR, REG, or DIV recorded in the Marital Status field?
Yes, no further evidence is required. Go to Step 3
No, further evidence is required to support their independence claim. Go to Step 2
2
Documentation
Acceptable evidence to support claim:
original or certified copy of marriage certificate
legal documentation confirming marriage, or previous marriage
statement confirming the marriage within the community, signed by a recognised Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elder responsible for cultural ceremonies, or
No, the student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for independence under the married or registered relationship criteria. Go to Step 4
3
Coding independence details
Student or Australian Apprentice meets eligibility for independence due to previously being married, or in a registered relationship.
This category of independence is permanent. Once granted, the student or Australian Apprentice remains eligible for independent status for this claim and any other claims for ABSTUDY.
Complete the following fields on the Independent/Homeless/Away from Home Details (NIH) screen:
Action: IND
Start/Reject Reason: PBM
Start Date: key the later of:
ABSTUDY start date
date the student or Australian Apprentice became independent
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for grant.
The student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for grant of independent status for ABSTUDY on the grounds of currently or previously married, or in a registered relationship.
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for rejection.
Consider if:
the student or Australian Apprentice is independent on other grounds. See Table 1 > Step 3
referrals for other assistance, such as a social worker or Indigenous Service Officer is required
Procedure ends here.
5
Determine if a current Child Support assessment exists
The student or Australian Apprentice cannot be considered to be a member of a couple if they are in a 'prohibited relationship' under Section 23B of the Marriage Act 1961.
Temporary separations and breakups interrupt the continuity of the relationship unless the student or Australian Apprentice can prove the continuous nature of the relationship during those separations. For example, short periods when a partner has had to move away for work.
Has the de facto relationship existed for a continuous period of at least 6 months?
No, the student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for independence as the de facto relationship is less than 6 months of age. Tell them that they can contact for reassessment when the de facto relationship reaches 6 months. Go to Step 10
4
Supporting documentation
The student or Australian Apprentice may be required to provide evidence to support their claim for independence due to being in a de facto relationship.
To determine if further evidence is required, go to the Marital Status (MS) screen and review the Marital Status and Event Date fields.
Does the student or Australian Apprentice's MS screen have DEF (de facto) recorded as the current marital status?
The student or Australian Apprentice may be considered independent due to being in a de facto relationship for a continuous period of at least 6 months.
To determine if further evidence is required, go to the Marital Status (MS) screen and review the Event Date field.
Does the event date confirm the student or Australian Apprentice is currently in a de facto relationship for a period of at least 6 months?
When evidence has been provided, check to determine if the student or Australian Apprentice and their partner meet eligibility for independence and have been in a de facto relationship for at least 6 months.
No, the student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for independence due to being in a de facto relationship Go to Step 10
8
Partner not independent
The ABSTUDY customer is considered independent due to currently being in a de facto relationship for at least 6 months. They must not be linked to their partner until they are both considered independent.
This category of independence is reviewable. This means the student or Australian Apprentice may no longer be considered independent if their circumstances change.
Until the partner is also considered independent, tell the customer:
they will no longer be subject to the parental means test but will continue to be subject to the personal income test
their partner's circumstances (for example, income) will not affect their payment
their partner will continue to be subject to the personal income test and the parental means test
To code the ABSTUDY customer's independence, go to Step 9.
9
Coding independence details
Complete the following fields on the Independent/Homeless/Away from Home Details (NIH) screen:
Action: IND
Start/Reject Reason: PDS
Start Date: key the later of:
ABSTUDY start date
date the student or Australian Apprentice became independent. For example, if the event date of the current DEF marital status on the MS screen is 01/03/2025, the Start Date for the independence will be 01/09/2025 (relationship start date + 6 months)
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for grant.
Is the student or Australian Apprentice currently linked to the partner?
Yes, finalise the activity. Procedure ends here
No, and the partner is:
considered independent, do not finalise the activity as the partner must be linked. Go to Step 11
not considered independent, finalise the activity. Go to Step 13
10
Independence status not met
The student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for grant of independent status for ABSTUDY on the basis they do not meet the criteria of being in a de facto relationship for at least 6 months.
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for rejection.
Consider if:
the student or Australian Apprentice is independent on other grounds. See Table 1 > Step 4
Creating the Display on Access (DOA) DOC and Manual Review (RVR)
Create a Display on Access (DOA) DOC on each person's record use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Generic > Update > YA/ABY Member of a Couple - Pending Indep:
Select 'Display on access', then 'confirm'
Choose the reason 'MAN'
Expiry date:
6 months from the date of commencement of the relationship for ABSTUDY customers or 12 months for a partner in receipt of another payment, or
when both the customer and partner will become independent
Enter the partner's details in the Fast Note
On the ABSTUDY student's record, in Customer First, create a manual review on the Review Registration (RVR) screen and complete the fields as follows:
Service Reason: ABY
Review Reason: REV (Manual review)
Due Date: 6 months for ABSTUDY customers, from the date of commencement of the relationship, or the estimated date when either partner may achieve independent status for another reason
Source: INT
Date of Receipt: today's date
Notes: 'Customer advised they are partnered from xx/xx/xxxx. Review the couple's circumstances to determine if Independence has now been met and link records if appropriate. Return to OB 102-05010040 to action.'
Keywords: ACTABY and ABYRES
Workgroup: leave blank
Position: leave blank
Transfer to Region: leave blank
The review will mature on the Due Date coded in the RVR activity. Workload Management will allocate the review for manual action.
Procedure ends here.
ABSTUDY customer has, or has had, a dependent child
ABSTUDY customer has, or has had, a dependent child
Does the student or Australian Apprentice currently have, or have they had, a natural, adoptive or relationship child who is a dependent child for ABSTUDY?
This includes a child given up for adoption, who died immediately after birth, was stillborn, or placed into the care of another person.
The student or Australian Apprentice may be required to provide evidence to support their claim for independence due to having, or having had, a dependent child.
To check if evidence is required, go to their record in Customer First:
keying 'CHS' in Nxt field to go to the Child Selection (CHS) screen
'S'elect the child
key !CHRE in the Nxt field or key S in the field next to Child Relationship
Does the Relationship drop down field display as either Parent (NAT) or Adoptive Parent (ADT)?
Yes, no further evidence of having, or having had, a dependent child is required, go to Step 4
The student or Australian Apprentice must provide evidence to support their claim for independence due to having, or having had, a dependent child.
Evidence must include:
they are the child's natural or legally adoptive parent, for example:
the original birth certificate or certified extract of a birth certificate confirming they are the child's natural parent, or
legal documentation confirming they are the child's adoptive parent
the child has been wholly or substantially dependent on either the student or Australian Apprentice or the partner if the child was in the care of the partner at the same time the relationship existed
Note: if they have a child in their care but there is not enough evidence as above, they may meet independence because they have the care of another person's child. See Table 5.
No, the student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for independence due to having, or having had, a dependent child. Go to Step 5
4
Coding independence details
Student or Australian Apprentice meets eligibility for independence due to having, or having had, a dependent child.
This category of independence is permanent. Once granted, the student or Australian Apprentice remains eligible for independent status for this claim and any other claims for ABSTUDY.
Complete the following fields on the Independent/Homeless/Away from Home Details (NIH) screen:
Action: IND
Start/Reject Reason: PCH
Start Date: key the later of:
ABSTUDY start date
date the student or Australian Apprentice became independent
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for grant.
The student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for grant of independent status for ABSTUDY on the basis they do not meet the criteria of having, or having had, a dependent child.
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for rejection.
Consider if:
the student or Australian Apprentice is independent on other grounds. See Table 1 > Step 4
Cultural aspects of raising children in Indigenous communities means the care of children can often be shared among various members of the family. A student or Australian Apprentice must establish that the child is currently wholly or substantially in their care.
Note: if the dependent child is their natural, adopted or relationship child, the student or Australian Apprentice qualifies for permanent independent status. See Table 4.
Does the student or Australian Apprentice currently have care or custody of another person's dependent child?
The student or Australian Apprentice must provide evidence to support their claim for independence due to having care or custody of another person's child.
Evidence may include:
documentation confirming the student or Australian Apprentice is responsible for the financial care of the child
confirmation of childcare, kindergarten or school enrolment, indicating the caring responsibilities for the child by the student or Australian Apprentice
confirmation from professional members of the community who have regular contact with the family, such as teachers, police, ministers of religion, accountants, lawyers or doctors
other documents the carer can provide to support their care arrangements
No, the student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for independence due to having care or custody of another person's child. Go to Step 6
5
Coding independence details
Student or Australian Apprentice meets eligibility for independence due to currently having care or custody of another person's child.
This category of independence is reviewable. This means the student or Australian Apprentice may no longer be considered independent if their circumstances change.
Complete the following fields on the Independent/Homeless/Away from Home Details (NIH) screen:
Action: IND
Start/Reject Reason: PCC
Start Date: key the later of:
ABSTUDY start date
date the student or Australian Apprentice became independent
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for grant.
The student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for grant of independent status for ABSTUDY on the basis they do not meet the criteria of having care or custody of another person's child.
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for rejection.
Consider if:
the student or Australian Apprentice is independent on other grounds. See Table 1 > Step 5
No, note any periods they were employed full-time in the last 4 years. For what can be included as full-time employment, see Table 1 on the Resources page. Go to Step 2
Self-supporting through paid employment from a regional or remote area
A student from a regional or remote area may qualify for independence if since leaving secondary school they have:
been employed, and, within a 14 month period have total earnings of at least 75% of Wage Level A of the National Training Wage Schedule included in a modern award, or
had part-time employment for at least 15 hours per week for at least 2 years
Advise the student or Australian Apprentice of the above and send a request for the documentation, see Requesting information (CLK). When evidence is provided, independence can be assessed.
No, the student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for independence due to workforce participation until evidence is provided for assessment. Go to Step 12
5
Other Government income/registration as a job seeker
Check if the student or Australian Apprentice was:
receiving income from a government authority (other than a Prescribed Education Payment), and/or
registered as a full-time job seeker with Services Australia in last 4 years
For what defines receiving income from a government authority, see Table 1 on the Resources page.
Has the student or Australian Apprentice met one or both of the above for any period in the last 4 years?
Yes, note any periods they were receiving income from a government authority and/or as a full-time jobseeker in the last 4 years. Go to Step 6
Check if the student or Australian Apprentice has been unable to work due to illness for any period in the last 4 years. For what defines unable to work due to illness, see Table 1 on the Resources page.
Have they been unable to work due to illness for any period in the last 4 years?
Yes, note any periods they were unable to work due to illness in the last 4 years, go to Step 7
Student or Australian Apprentice meets eligibility for independence through workforce participation.
This category of independence is permanent. Once granted, the student or Australian Apprentice remains eligible for independent status for this claim and any other claims for ABSTUDY.
Complete the following fields on the Independent/Homeless/Away from Home Details (NIH) screen via Next: field:
Action: IND
Start/Reject Reason: PFA
Start Date: key the later of:
ABSTUDY start date
date the student or Australian Apprentice became independent
If the student is studying an approved scholarship course, code 'Y' in the To update regional classification details, go to RLD: field.
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for grant.
Is there a current Child Support assessment for the student or Australian Apprentice?
Yes:
Send an ABSTUDY Child Support Update Fast Note. Select Auto text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > ABSTUDY Child Support Update
Complete the details within the Fast Note. Select Confirm. Make sure the Fast Note remains open
Procedure ends here
No, procedure ends here
12
Independence status not met
The student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for grant of independent status for ABSTUDY on the basis that they do not meet the workforce participation criteria.
Complete these fields on the Independent/Homeless/Away from Home Details (NIH) screen:
Action: IND
Start/Reject Reason: RFT
Start Date: key the later of:
ABSTUDY rejection date
date they did not meet independence
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for rejection.
Consider if:
the student or Australian Apprentice is independent on other grounds. See Table 1 > Step 6
Advise the student or Australian Apprentice of the above and send a request for the documentation. See Requesting information (CLK). When evidence is provided, independence can be assessed.
Has evidence been provided to support granting independence due to previous lawful custody?
Yes, if the student or Australian Apprentice is:
under 18 years, and undertaking secondary level studies, go to Step 2
18 years or over, and undertaking secondary level studies, go to Step 3
No, the student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for independence due to previous lawful custody. Go to Step 4
2
Secondary studies
Students undertaking secondary studies, who have previously spent at least 6 months in lawful custody prior to their 18th birthday, do not qualify for independence until they turn 18.
If the student:
turns 18 within 12 months, the Independent/Homeless/Away from Home Details (NIH) screen can be coded from their 18th birthday. Go to Step 3
does not turn 18 within 12 months, tell the student they will need to apply for independence under this category within 12 months of their 18th birthday. Go to Step 4
3
Coding independence details
Student or Australian Apprentice meets eligibility for independence due to previous lawful custody.
This category of independence is permanent. Once granted, the student or Australian Apprentice remains eligible for independent status for this claim and any other claims for ABSTUDY.
Complete these fields on the Independent/Homeless/Away from Home Details (NIH) screen:
Action: IND
Start/Reject Reason: PLC
Start Date: key the later of:
ABSTUDY start date
date the student or Australian Apprentice became independent, for secondary students, this will be the date that they turn 18
If the student is studying an approved scholarship course, code 'Y' in the To update regional classification details, go to RLD: field.
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for grant.
The student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for grant of independent status for ABSTUDY on the basis they do not meet the criteria of previous lawful custody.
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for rejection.
Consider if:
the student or Australian Apprentice is independent on other grounds. See Table 1 > Step 7
referrals for other assistance, such as a social worker or Indigenous Service Officer, if required
Procedure ends here.
5
Determine if a current Child Support assessment exists
Check the student or Australian Apprentice's record to determine if the Double Orphan Pension (DOP) was paid to a carer on their behalf. This information will display on the Child Double Orphan (CHDP) screen in Customer First.
To access this information, in the carers record:
select the student or Australian Apprentice's name from the Child Selection (CHS) screen
Determine if the student or Australian Apprentice is an orphan
An orphan is a person whose parent/s are either:
deceased, or
missing and presumed deceased
Note: in some circumstances, a customer may be considered to only have one parent. These students can be considered an orphan, when the one parent is either deceased or missing and presumed deceased. If a student's or Australian Apprentice's parent has been missing (whose whereabouts is unknown) for not less than 7 years, under common law the parent may be presumed dead. State or Territory laws may vary the length of time and/or conditions under which a person may be presumed dead.
The student or Australian Apprentice must provide evidence to support their claim for independence due to being an orphan.
Evidence may include:
a death certificate
documentation from the Police, Missing Person's Register, Coroner, or Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander organisation confirming a parent is deceased, or legally missing and presumed deceased
historical information on the customer's record
supporting documentation that demonstrates the customer is considered to only have one parent
confirmation of the circumstances from state/territory welfare department
Advise the student or Australian Apprentice of the above and send a request for the documentation. See Requesting information (CLK). When evidence is provided, independence can be assessed.
No, the student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for independence due to being an orphan. Go to Step 6
5
Coding independence details
Student or Australian Apprentice meets eligibility for independence as an orphan.
This category of independence is permanent. Once granted, the student or Australian Apprentice remains eligible for independent status for this claim and any other claims for ABSTUDY.
Complete the following fields on the Independent/Homeless/Away from Home Details (NIH) screen:
Action: IND
Start/Reject Reason: POR
Start Date: key the later of:
ABSTUDY start date
date the student or Australian Apprentice became independent
If the student is studying an approved scholarship course, code 'Y' in the To update regional classification details, go to RLD: field.
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for grant.
The student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for grant of independent status for ABSTUDY on the basis they do not meet the criteria of an orphan.
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for rejection.
Consider if:
the student or Australian Apprentice is independent on other grounds. See Table 1 > Step 8
referrals for other assistance, such as a social worker or Indigenous Service Officer, if required
Procedure ends here.
7
Determine if a current Child Support assessment exists
For ABSTUDY, traditional communities are only recognised in:
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia, and
Western Australia
To determine if a community qualifies as a traditional community, seek advice from a local Indigenous Service Officer (ISO) with responsibility for the community in question. Use Office Locator to find the local ISO. See the Resources page for a link to Office Locator.
If unable to contact the ISO, send an ABSTUDY Action Request Fast Note to the ABSTUDY Smart Centre Processing site:
Use Fast Note - select Auto text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > ABSTUDY Action Request
Include the following details:
Student or Australian Apprentice applying for ABSTUDY under APM 38.7, Special Adult Status
Unable to determine if community qualifies as a traditional community
Name of community
Please investigate if community qualifies as a traditional community and update Independence status accordingly
Procedure ends here
Is the student or Australian Apprentice's permanent home in a traditional community?
A person who has undertaken a traditional coming-of-age ceremony and has Special Adult Status has a customary obligation to live independently of family once initiated.
Living independently of family means they reside in separate accommodation and are financially independent.
Is the student or Australian Apprentice living independently of their family in the traditional community?
The student or Australian Apprentice must provide evidence to support their claim for independence due to having Special Adult Status in a traditional community.
Evidence may include:
a written statement signed by an elder responsible for the coming-of-age ceremony within the community, confirming the student or Australian Apprentice has undergone and completed a traditional initiation ceremony sanctioned and recognised by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders, and
a written statement from the student or Australian Apprentice confirming they live independently in the community and are not supported financially by their family
Advise the student or Australian Apprentice of the above and send a request for the documentation, see Requesting information (CLK). When evidence is provided, independence can be assessed.
No, the student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for independence due to having Special Adult Status in a traditional community. Go to Step 6
5
Coding independence details
Student or Australian Apprentice meets eligibility for independence due to Special Adult Status in a traditional community.
This category of independence is permanent. Once granted, the student or Australian Apprentice remains eligible for independent status for this claim and any other claims for ABSTUDY.
Complete the following fields on the Independent/Homeless/Away from Home Details (NIH) screen:
Action: IND
Start/Reject Reason: PCM
Start Date: key the later of:
ABSTUDY start date
date the student or Australian Apprentice became independent
If the student is undertaking an approved scholarship course, key 'Y' in the To update regional classification details, go to RLD: field.
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for grant.
The student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for grant of independent status for ABSTUDY on the basis they do not meet the criteria of Special Adult Status in a traditional community.
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for rejection.
Consider if:
the student or Australian Apprentice is independent on other grounds. See Table 1 > Step 9
The student or Australian Apprentice must provide evidence to support their claim for independence due to their parents being unable to exercise parental responsibilities.
Using personal information from a parent's record to assess their child's independence is acceptable.
Evidence required if the parent is:
serving a prison sentence or remanded in custody for at least 14 days:
a statement from Corrective Services giving details of the period(s) of their imprisonment, or
in a nursing home, hospital or similar institution:
verification from the nursing home, hospital or similar institution confirming the duration of the parent(s) stay
mentally incapacitated for an indefinite period of time:
medical evidence from the treating doctor or specialist, stating the nature of the illness, how it affects their ability to care for their children and the period the parent is unable to exercise their parental responsibilities
unable to be located:
official documentation confirming the parent(s) is missing or whereabouts are unknown
The student or Australian Apprentice may apply under the unreasonable to live at home category where the parent(s) are incapacitated temporarily and cannot provide a home. See ABSTUDY unreasonable to live at home.
Advise the student or Australian Apprentice of the above and send a request for the documentation, See Requesting information (CLK). When evidence is provided, independence can be assessed.
Has evidence been provided supporting eligibility for independence due to parents cannot exercise their parental responsibilities?
the student or Australian Apprentice parent(s) are missing and all reasonable attempts to locate or contact them have failed, go to Step 5
not in the above circumstance, the student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for independence due to parents cannot exercise their parental responsibilities. Go to Step 11
4
Independent category
Is the student or Australian Apprentice claiming independence as their parent(s) are missing and all reasonable attempts to locate or contact them have failed?
If the student or Australian Apprentice cannot provide evidence:
tell them that Services Australia will attempt to locate their parent(s)
obtain information from them to help with identification searches of their parent(s). For example, date of birth, other names, last known address or last employer
contacting relatives who may know where the parent(s) are
attempting to locate the parent's record in Customer First. This is permitted under the privacy rules as the record is being accessed for the purpose of assessing a claim from a third party
Note: if a record is found, no information is to be shared with the student under privacy rules.
If the parent(s) cannot be located, the student or Australian Apprentice is eligible for independence due to their parent(s) being unable to exercise parental responsibilities.
If the parent(s) have a history of going missing, consider the period they have been uncontactable and the likelihood of return. See Resources page for an example.
The student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for independence under the category their parents cannot exercise parental responsibilities. However, they may be independent as an orphan.
Consult with a social worker before discussing the death of a parent(s) with a student or Australian Apprentice.
Student or Australian Apprentice meets eligibility for independence due to their parents being unable to exercise parental responsibilities.
This category of independence is reviewable. This means the student or Australian Apprentice may no longer be considered independent if their circumstances change.
Complete the following fields on the Independent/Homeless/Away from Home Details (NIH) screen:
Action: IND
Start/Reject Reason: PPG
Start Date: key the later of:
ABSTUDY start date
date the student or Australian Apprentice became independent
If the student is studying an approved scholarship course, in the To update regional classification details, go to RLD: field, code Y.
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for grant.
If granted independence under these criteria and the period of their eligibility can be foreseen, set a manual review and a Display on Access (DOA) DOC.
For example, if there is the likelihood the parent(s) will be released from prison or discharged from a hospital or nursing home.
In Customer First, create a manual review on the Review Registration (RVR) screen and complete the fields as follows:
Service Reason: ABY
Review Reason: REV (Manual review)
Due Date: parents expected date of release from hospital/nursing home/prison or no longer be missing
Source: INT
Date of Receipt: today's date
Notes: 'Independence eligibility to be reviewed. Granted due to parents being unable to exercise parental responsibilities. See OB 010-02040010.'
Keywords: ACTABY and ABYRES
Workgroup: leave blank
Position: leave blank
Transfer To Region: ABS
The review will mature on the Due Date coded in the RVR activity. Workload Management will allocate the review for manual action.
The student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for grant of independent status for ABSTUDY under the category their parents are unable to exercise parental responsibilities:
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for rejection.
Procedure ends here.
12
Determine if a current Child Support assessment exists
The student or Australian Apprentice must provide evidence to support their claim for independence due to returning to live in an Indigenous Australian community after being adopted or fostered.
Evidence may include a statement from:
an Indigenous Australian community organisation
a well-known and respected person of the Indigenous Australian community, or
the relevant state or territory authority
The statement must confirm the student or Australian Apprentice:
was adopted or fostered into a non-Indigenous family, or
were subject to removal from their biological family by government, religious or other similar organisations, and
placed with a non-Indigenous family for a period of 2 years or more, and
have returned to live within an Indigenous Australian community
Advise the student or Australian Apprentice of the above and send a request for the documentation. See Requesting information (CLK). When evidence is provided, independence can be assessed.
Has evidence been provided supporting independence due to returning to live in an Indigenous Australian community after being adopted or fostered?
Student or Australian Apprentice meets eligibility for independence due to returning to live in an Indigenous Australian community being adopted or fostered.
This category of independence is reviewable. This means the student or Australian Apprentice may no longer be considered independent if their circumstances change.
Complete the following fields on the Independent/Homeless/Away from Home Details (NIH) screen:
Action: IND
Start/Reject Reason: PAC
Start Date: key the later of:
ABSTUDY start date
date the student or Australian Apprentice became independent
If the student is studying an approved scholarship course, code 'Y' in the To update regional classification details, go to RLD field.
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update > IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for grant.
The student or Australian Apprentice is not eligible for grant of independent status for ABSTUDY under the category returning to live in an Indigenous Australian community after being adopted or fostered.
Use Fast Note - select Auto Text, use Students, ABSTUDY & Apprentices > Update> IND Granted/Rejected > select Confirm. Complete the DOC outlining the reasons for rejection.
Procedure ends here.
4
Determine if a current Child Support assessment exists
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If unable to contact the ISO, send an ABSTUDY Action Request Fast Note to the ABSTUDY Smart Centre Processing site: