Must receive payment for six months

A young person who has been granted Youth Payment who has not been receiving the payment for 6 months cannot qualify for a main benefit even if they turn 18 years. They must complete a minimum period of 6 months receiving Youth Payment before they can receive another main benefit.

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 other youth activity obligations before they focus on obligations attached to other main benefits.

Example

A young person is granted Youth Payment at the age of 17 years and 8 months old.

When they turn 18 years old they will need to continue to receive Youth 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 Youth Payment and then meets the criteria for Supported Living Payment - health condition, injury or disability, can be granted this benefit instead of Youth Payment without completing the minimum 6 months.

For more information see:

• Chooses to remain on Youth Payment past 18 years of age
• Age