Youngest dependent child is aged under 12 months

Young Parent Payment obligations apply from the time it is first paid except where the young person is caring for their youngest dependent child who is aged less than 12 months. In these cases, the obligation to be in or available for full-time education, training or work-based learning applies on the earlier of:

• the day the child becomes 6 months old
  • if there is a suitable place available for the young person in a teen parent unit and
  • MSD is satisfied that there are no special circumstances justifying the obligation starting at a later date

or

• the day on which the child becomes 12 months old

For young people who are married, in a civil union or de facto relationship and who are receiving Young Parent Payment the delay in the obligation to be in full-time education, training or work-based learning only applies to the principal caregiver. The obligation applies immediately to the other parent unless they qualify for an exemption on other grounds.

For more information see:

• Parenting obligations
• Deciding if suitable place at Teen Parent Unit available
• Special circumstances justifying delay in activity obligation
• Deciding education, training and work-based learning activities
• Exemptions from activity obligations