1.1.S.410 Suitable activities (NSA, YA)

Definition

All job seekers receiving NSA or YA may meet their activity test requirements through a variety of means, including undertaking a suitable activity or a combination of suitable activities. Such activities are specified in the job seeker's EPP. They are generally approved by the job seeker's JSA provider or DES provider.

Examples of activities that may be approved as terms of an EPP include, but are not limited to:

• skill development such as:
  • heavy vehicle and equipment training, or
  • computer skills,
• vocational training such as:
  • first aid courses,
• job search training,
• approved voluntary work,
• approved English as a second language courses through Adult Migrant English Program or other providers,
• approved English as a second language courses at TAFE under the Advanced English for Migrants Program,
• approved literacy courses through TAFE/Adult Education providers under the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program,
• approved short courses,
• Youth Pathways,
• Access Program,
• Productivity Places Program,
• vocational rehabilitation programs,
• participation in an armed services training camp,
• another activity that the Secretary regards as suitable for the person and that is agreed to between the person and the Secretary, AND
• participation in WFD, Green Corps, Drought Force or CDEP.

Note: There are particular rules relating to different categories of job seekers and the types of activities that they must, or are able to, participate in to meet their activity test/participation requirements. These are detailed in 1.1.A.40, 3.2.8.50 and 3.2.9.10.

Young people aged under 21 will generally be unable to satisfy the activity test by undertaking job search activities in their EPP, unless they have completed the final year of secondary school or an equivalent qualification (Certificate level II or above).

It is preferable to reduce an early school leaver's requirements, rather than exempt them from the activity test. The activity test is flexible. When circumstances arise that impede an early school leavers ability to meet their usual requirements the activity test can be adjusted to reflect those circumstances (3.2.11).

An early school leaver may volunteer to undertake job search in addition to their EPP activities, but will not be required to report job search efforts.

Transition

Early school leavers already in receipt of YA (job seeker) prior to 1 July 2009 will have their EPP activities amended to have an education focus. The transition period for amending their EPPs will be from 1 January 2010 until 30 June 2010.

Act reference: SSAct section 544B YA Employment Pathway Plan-terms, section 606 NSA Employment Pathway Plan-terms, section 544DA Youth Allowance Employment Pathway Plans-early school leavers

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.2.3 YA - Qualification & Payability, 3.2.8 Activity Testing & Mutual Obligation for NSA/YA Job Seekers, 3.2.9 Activity Testing for NSA/YA Job Seekers - Suitable Activities, 3.2.11 Activity Test for NSA/YA Job Seekers - Exemptions

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Last reviewed: 20 September 2011