Must receive payment for six months

A young person who has been granted Young Parent Payment who has not been receiving the payment for six months cannot qualify for a main benefit when they turn 20 years. They must complete a minimum period of six months receiving Young Parent Payment first.

This ensures that the young person is able to have a reasonable chance to move towards a qualification by participating in education, training or work-based learning and undertaking other youth activity obligations before they focus on obligations attached to other main benefits.

For example, a young person is granted Young Parent Payment at the age of 19 years and 8 months old. When they turn 20 years old they will need to continue to receive Young Parent Payment for another two months to complete the six month minimum period. They can then be assessed for entitlement to other main benefits.

A young person, who is receiving Young Parent Payment and then meets the criteria for Supported Living Payment - health condition, injury or disability, can be granted this benefit instead of Young Parent Payment without completing the minimum six months.

For more information see:

• Chooses to remain on Young Parent Payment past 20 years of age
• Age
• Qualifies for another benefit