You’re 16 or older and return to live in an Indigenous community

You may be independent if you’re 16 or older and meet certain criteria.

You must be all of the following:

  • 16 or older
  • have returned to live in an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community
  • previously adopted or fostered by a non-Indigenous family for more than 2 years.

You may need to give us proof that you meet these requirements. This may include a statement by 1 or more of the following:

  • an Indigenous Australian community organisation
  • a well known and respected person of the Indigenous Australian community
  • the relevant State or Territory authority.

The statement must confirm both of the following. You:

  • were adopted or fostered into a non-Indigenous family for a period of 2 years or more
  • have returned to live within an Indigenous Australian community.

If we assess you as independent and your circumstances change, we may consider you dependent again.

Page last updated: 10 December 2021.
QC 52733