Age

Generally, age alone will not be the reason a client is unable to earn a sufficient livelihood. Age is likely to be associated with other reasons such as disability or employment barriers. When considering Emergency Benefit for this reason, all the client's circumstances must be determined to establish the equivalent benefit.

When they are unable to work for a period, they may be eligible for a benefit such as (but not limited to) Jobseeker Support or Sole Parent Support.

To determine if age is the reason a client is unable to earn a sufficient livelihood consider the following:

• How did the client expect to support themselves (and any dependent family)?
• Specifically what has prevented them from supporting themselves (and any dependent family)?
• What options have they pursued?
• Are there things other than age preventing them finding work?

Where a client has made a choice that has restricted their ability to earn a sufficient livelihood, you will need to take this into account when determining entitlement to an Emergency Benefit.

Note some young people aged 16 to 19 must meet a Parental Assistance Test to qualify for Emergency Benefit equivalent to Jobseeker Support or Jobseeker Support Student Hardship.