Partners with no children or youngest child 14+ years

Full-time work obligations apply to:

• partners with no children and
• partners with youngest child aged 14 years or over

Partners with full-time work obligations must make themselves available for suitable employment, training or other suitable activities of at least 30 hours or more each week.

If a partner is in employment for less than 30 hours each week, they are still expected to be available for other work, training or other activities up to a total of 30 hours each week. The partner must understand that they are still required to accept suitable full-time work if it becomes available.

For more information see:

• Work obligations - partners
• Hours range for suitable employment

Partners may participate in approved training as long as they continue to meet their work obligations.

For more information see:

• In approved training (no children or child 14+)
• Approved training

Partners may undertake volunteer work as long as they continue to meet their work obligations.

For more information see:

• Work confidence and motivation assistance

Partners may apply for an exemption from their work obligations.

For more information on exemptions see:

• Exemptions - partners
• Table of Exemptions

If a partner fails to comply with their work obligations, their portion of the benefit may be stopped.

For more information see:

• Informing clients of their obligations
• Effect of sanctions on assistance

Young partners (aged 16 to 19 years old) of clients receiving Emergency Benefit have youth activity obligations, and not work or work preparation obligations if they are:

• aged 16 or 17 years old without dependent children or
• aged 16 to 19 years old with a dependent child or children and
• married, or in a civil union or a de facto relationship with a person receiving Emergency Benefit

See: