13/02/2026
Are you 16 to 24 and studying full time, doing a full time Australian apprenticeship, or needing to live away from home to study? You might be eligible for Independent Living Allowance through Youth Allowance and other income support payments.
Many students and Australian apprentices do not realise they can claim online through their myGov account via the Services Australia website. Whether you are 17 studying full time, 18 to 24, or have completed Year 12 or equivalent and are looking for full time work, understanding your eligibility can make a huge difference to your independence and financial stability.
This allowance can help if you are living away from home to study, managing education costs, or supporting your daily life while completing your course or apprenticeship. It may also connect with other payments like JobSeeker Payment, Family Tax Benefit, Disability Support Pension, Carer Allowance, Mobility Allowance, ABSTUDY payment, or Age Pension depending on your situation.
We also explain income tests, assets tests, residency requirements, and what documents you need before you submit your claim. Plus, we cover Centrelink support options including the Centrelink multilingual phone service and service centre assistance if you need help.
If you are younger and looking for support, or you are a parent, carer, or family member helping a young person transition to independent living, this guide is for you.
Learn how to claim online, prepare your documents, and avoid common mistakes before submitting your application.
Follow Re.Connect Support Services for clear, practical guidance. We are your Daily NDIS Guide in less than 2 minutes.