Must receive payment for six months

A young person who has been granted Young Parent Payment who has not been receiving the payment for 6 months cannot qualify for a main benefit when they turn 20 years. They must complete a minimum period of 6 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 2 months to complete the 6  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 on the ground of having a health condition, injury or disability, can be granted this benefit instead of Young Parent Payment without completing the minimum 6 months.

For more information see:

• Chooses to remain on Young Parent Payment past 20 years of age
• Age