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Young people under the age of 18 years, who have NOT completed year 12 or an equivalent qualification, will be required to participate in full-time study or have a YA EPP involving education or training to qualify for YA.
Under 18 year olds who have completed the final year of secondary school or an equivalent qualification are not subject to this provision.
YA (Australian apprentice) are not subject to this provision as they are already engaged in training.
An early school leaver (1.1.E.05) must participate in an approved course of education or training (if a suitable place is available), which may be in conjunction with other appropriate activities, for at least 25 hours per week.
Where the Secretary determines special circumstances exist that make it unreasonable to require an early school leaver (1.1.E.05) to undertake an approved course of education or training, the EPP (3.2.8.30) may include one or more alternate approved activities that are suitable for the early school leaver (3.2.9.95).
It is preferable to reduce an early school leaver's requirements, rather than exempt them from the activity test. The activity test is flexible enough to make this possible. When circumstances arise that impede an early school leaver's ability to meet their usual requirements the activity test can be adjusted to reflect those circumstances (3.2.11).
Act reference: SSAct section 23(1) General definitions, section 544DA Youth Allowance Employment Pathway Plans-early school leavers
Policy reference: SS Guide 1.1.A.40 Activity test (NSA, YA (job seeker)), 3.2.11.90 Activity Test for YA Early School Leavers - Inability to Secure an Appropriate Place
Exemptions from the full-time education or training requirement are made where it would be unreasonable to expect the young person to undertake those full-time studies.
An exemption does not necessarily exempt the young person from the activity test (1.1.A.40) requirements. The impact on activity testing is explained under each exemption topic.
All exemptions:
If the exemption is not extended, the young person should be required to return to full-time education/training.
There are many categories of exemption available. If a young person fits more than one category, the delegate must determine which category takes precedence to determine the duration of the exemption.
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Last reviewed: 7 February 2011
