3.2.7.20 YA Recipients Under 18

Not completing year 12

Young people under 21 who have not completed year 12 will generally need to be undertaking full-time education or training to qualify for YA.

Explanation: The purpose of this requirement is to encourage their participation in education and training until they attain year 12 or equivalent qualification (Certificate Level II).

Act reference: SSAct section 543A(1) Minimum age for youth allowance-General, section 543A(2) Minimum age for youth allowance-Persons not yet 18 years old, section 544DA Youth Allowance Employment Pathway Plans-early school leavers

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.2.3.10 Qualification for YA

Completing year 12

A young person does not need to have 'passed' year 12, they only need to have completed the full academic requirements for the year.

Additional year 12 courses

The following courses are also at year 12 level:

• courses of one year or less at TAFE colleges or higher education institutions that give the student entry to at least one approved tertiary course,
• tertiary orientation programs, and
• university open foundation or bridging courses.

Exemptions

The following categories of under 18 year olds may be granted an exemption from the requirement to be in full-time education or training:

• young people who agree to enter an EPP (1.1.E.103) with an education focus,
• young people participating full-time in an Australian apprenticeship, OR
• some young people may be granted an exemption due to their personal circumstances (see examples).

Examples: Disability, ill health, learning difficulties, caring or parental responsibilities.

Act reference: SSAct Part 2.11 Subdivision C Exemptions from the activity test (YA)

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.2.4 YA Exemption from Full-time Education/Training for U18s

Activity test requirements

YA recipients under 18 who are exempted from the full-time education or training requirement may still be required to satisfy the activity test. If they have not been granted exemption from the activity test they will be asked to enter into an EPP.

Example: Activities may include:

• those that lead to vocational outcomes, such as:
  • approved short courses,
  • or voluntary work (1.1.V.70), and
• those that lead to personal development/ pre-vocational outcomes, such as:
  • rehabilitation programmes,
  • life skills training courses, and
  • literacy courses.

Act reference: SSAct section 541 Activity test, section 543A Minimum age for youth allowance

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.2.4 YA Exemption from Full-time Education/Training for Under 18s, 3.2.8.40 What Should Not be Included in an EPP, 3.2.11 Activity Test for NSA/YA Job Seekers - Exemptions

_______________________________________________________

Last reviewed: 1 February 2010