Unemployment Benefit and Independent Youth Benefit (including Hardship)

General criteria

Full-time study

You cannot receive Unemployment Benefit or Independent Youth Benefit while studying full-time at tertiary level as you will not be able to meet the job search requirements for these types of assistance.

If you are receiving Independent Youth Benefit you may study full-time at secondary school.  And if you are full-time at secondary school and you have a partner and child you may be eligible for the Student Allowance instead. 

Part-time study

You may be able to enter part-time study and receive one of these benefits as long as you are still seeking and available for full-time work and you continue to meet your job search requirements. Please make an appointment to see your case manager to discuss your intention to study.

You may also qualify for the fees and course-related costs components of the Student Loan depending on your study.

Remember part-time study is based on EFTS.

Partner also receiving benefit

If you and your partner have no children or your youngest child is aged 6 or over, you may study full-time without it affecting your partner's benefit eligibility if you have been granted an exemption from your work test obligations because you:

• were in full-time approved study at the time they became subject to the work test or
• are engaged in approved full-time study.

Contact your case manager to discuss this.

If you are aged 24+ and there are no children

If you are aged 24 years or more with no children, and you and your partner are both getting a benefit, the same rules apply to their benefit as to yours.

If you or your partner are under 24

If you or your partner are aged under 24 years, with no children, your relationship will not be recognised for a Student Allowance. You may apply for the Student Allowance and a Student Loan as if you were a single person.

Your partner may be able to remain on a half-married rate of benefit.