Independent Living Allowance: Eligibility and Claim Guide

Overview of Independent Living Allowance

The independent living allowance is an income support payment designed to help younger people who need to live away from home while studying, training, or completing an apprenticeship. It supports individuals who are working toward independence while managing education and living costs.

This guide is for students and Australian apprentices, families, carers, and those younger and looking to transition into independent living. It also explains how the allowance connects to Youth Allowance, including Youth Allowance for students, and related Centrelink payments administered through Services Australia.

The information in this guide reflects eligibility rules published on the Services Australia website.
Page last updated 28 October 2025.

Who Can Get the Independent Living Allowance

Age and Eligibility

The independent living allowance generally applies to people aged 16 to 24, including:

• Individuals 21 or younger
• People aged 18 to 24
• Some applicants aged 24 and studying full time

Eligibility depends on whether you are a student or Australian apprentice and whether you are needing to live away from home.

Australian Apprentices

Australian apprentices may qualify if they are:

• Completing a full time Australian apprenticeship
• Meeting time Australian apprenticeship requirements
• Living independently from parents
• Receiving Australian apprentices financial support

This includes individuals who have completed Year 12 or equivalent or are undertaking a recognised apprenticeship.

Full-Time Study and Other Conditions

Studying Full Time

To qualify, most applicants must be:

• Studying full time
• Enrolled in an approved course
• Completing Year 12 or equivalent
• Aged 17 studying full time, 16 to 17 studying, or 24 and studying full

Income and Assets

Eligibility also depends on:

• Your income
• Any family tax benefit received by parents
• Assets and savings
• Whether you are in full time work or looking for full time employment

If You Cannot Study Full Time

Some people are unable to study full time due to:

• Disability
• Medical conditions
• Caring responsibilities
• Complex personal circumstances

In these cases, alternative pathways may apply. Supporting evidence from health professionals, carers, or specialists is essential. This may include documents relating to disability support pension, special disability trusts, or caring responsibilities.

How to Claim Online

Claim Online Using a myGov Account

To claim online, you must:

1. Create or log into your myGov account
2. Link Centrelink services
3. Submit your claim through the Services Australia portal

You may need to upload:

• Proof of identity
• Study or apprenticeship details
• Evidence of living arrangements
• Income details

Claims are assessed through a service centre, and updates can be tracked online.

Official site:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au

The Transition to Independent Living Allowance supports young people making the transition from formal out-of-home care arrangements to independent living.

Payments, Rates, and Reviews

Payment rates depend on:

• Age
• Living situation
• Study or apprenticeship status
• Income

You must report changes such as starting full time work, changes in course load, or moving home. Failure to do so can result in debts.

In NSW, a separate ‘Independent Living Allowance’ exists as a fortnightly payment for young people aged 18–20 in specific care arrangements.

Meal preparation services at Independence Australia support individuals with grocery shopping, meal planning, and preparation.

Related Income Support Payments

Youth Allowance

Youth Allowance for job seekers is available for individuals who are 21 or younger and looking for full-time work.

The independent living allowance is often linked to Youth Allowance and Youth Allowance for students.
To qualify for Youth Allowance, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined by Services Australia.

JobSeeker Payment

Some applicants may instead qualify for JobSeeker payment, depending on employment status.

ABSTUDY Payment

Torres Strait Islander students and Aboriginal students may be eligible for ABSTUDY payment.

Veterans Affairs

Some individuals may need to check eligibility through Veterans Affairs if applicable.

• Income support payments support people who can’t fully support themselves by providing targeted payments and assistance as part of the social security safety net.
• The Age Pension is designed to support the basic living standards of older Australians.
• A means test applies to determine the amount that is paid for the Age Pension.
• Crisis Payment is a one-off payment if you’ve experienced an extreme circumstance and are in severe financial hardship.

Disability Support Pension provides financial help if you have a condition that is likely to persist for more than 2 years and stops you from working.

Rent Assistance is a regular extra payment if you pay rent and get certain payments.

Special Benefit is a payment to help you if you’re in financial hardship and you’re not eligible for any other income support payment.

Disability and Carer Supports

Other certain payments may apply, including:

• Disability support pension
• Carer allowance
• Mobility allowance

These supports can apply where disability, caring, or transport needs affect independence. Eligibility for the Independent Living Allowance includes being 18 to 20 years old and having lived in out-of-home care for at least 12 months before turning 18.

Transitioning to Independent Living

Transitioning to independent living involves more than payments. It includes:

• Budgeting
• Managing rent and utilities
• Understanding payment timing
• Planning for independence

This is especially important for people aged 16 to 24, those live away from home to study, and families supporting children into adulthood.

TILA is intended for buying essential ‘start-up’ items such as white goods (fridges, washing machines), furniture, or paying for a driver’s license and car repairs.

Support for Families and Carers

Parents, carers, and families should:

• Check eligibility for family tax benefit
• Review Centrelink obligations
• Seek financial counselling if needed

Carers may also be eligible for additional support.

Eligibility for TILA includes being aged between 15 and 25 and leaving or having left formal out-of-home care.

Contact, Appeals, and Language Support

If you need help, you can:

• Call Centrelink
• Visit a local service centre
• Use the Centrelink multilingual phone service for language support

You have the right to appeal decisions if your claim is declined.

Older Australians and Other Transitions

Older Australians are not eligible for this allowance and may transition directly to the age pension when eligible.

Extra Assistance and Concessions

You may also be eligible for:

• Rent assistance
• Concession cards
• Additional support depending on cost of living

Resources and Next Steps

Before applying, you should have one of the following:

• Prepare documents early
• Check eligibility rules carefully
• Create your myGov account

Official information is available via:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au

How Re.Connect Support Services Can Help

At Re.Connect Support Services, we assist individuals, families, carers, and young people to understand income support, independent living, and life transitions.

We provide guidance, coordination, and practical support coordination so people can manage claims, understand eligibility, and move toward independence with confidence.