This doesn’t have to be 18 months in a row, or at the same job.
If you didn’t always work 30 hours a week, you can average your work hours. You can do this over a period of up to 13 weeks.
Full time paid work includes all of the following:
- periods of paid leave
- overseas employment
- unpaid leave due to employer shutdown outside of your control
- full time apprenticeships and traineeships.
See if you’re considered independent using the check independence through work history tool.
You may need to give proof that you meet these requirements. You may need to give us 1 or more of the following:
- letters from all employers showing the start and end date with them and if you worked full time
- letters from all employers showing the hours you worked
- payslips showing your weekly working hours.
Examples - Working for 18 months within 2 years
Matt has had 2 part time jobs for the last 18 months. Some weeks he worked 40 hours, others he worked 20 hours. He’s worked at least 390 hours combined in each 13 week period over the 18 months. Matt is independent because he worked an average of 30 hours a week for 18 months.
Jacinta left secondary school 2 years ago and worked full time as a sales assistant. She worked for 6 months before doing a 6 month TAFE course. When she finished her course, she worked full time for 12 months. Jacinta is independent because she worked full time for a total of 18 months out of 2 years.
See if you’re considered independent using the check independence through work history tool.