Work related activity for 3 out of the last 4 years

You may be independent by doing a work related activity. You must have been doing it for at least 3 out of the last 4 years.

This can be a combination of work and payment related activities.

Work related activities

Work related activities include:

  • working full time, including self-employment
  • doing an Australian Apprenticeship or traineeship
  • being unemployed and registered with us, but waiting to get a payment
  • being on sick, maternity or recreation leave, but not paid study leave
  • having a medical certificate to show that illness or incapacity stopped you from working full time.

Payment related activities

Payment related activities include:

  • getting a wage under the former Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) scheme
  • getting a benefit or payment from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
  • getting support from Self-Employment Assistance.

Read more about Self-Employment Assistance on the Workforce Australia website.

Payment related activities also include getting an income support payment from us, such as:

Payment related activities may also include being in either:

  • lawful custody
  • a religious role supported by a religious order.

Proof of activities

You may need to give proof that you meet these requirements. You may need to give us one or more of the following statements from:

  • an employer, that says when you worked and whether you worked full time
  • an employer, confirming they paid you sick, maternity or recreation leave
  • an accountant, showing when you worked, if you were self-employed
  • a religious order, showing when, and for how long, they supported you
  • a correctional institution, showing when, and for how long, you were in lawful custody.
Page last updated: 31 October 2024.
QC 52728