Approved Activities

Approved activities are employment related activities you can undertake while you continue to receive Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance.

Approved activities give you the chance to improve your skills and self-confidence, develop self-esteem, get a reference and gain valuable work experience. The activity must help your prospects of finding work or help you find suitable paid work.

Approved activities I can undertake

The types of activities you may undertake include:

• training, vocational, personal development, Language, Literacy and Numeracy Training Program (LLNP)
• voluntary work
• vocational rehabilitation
• an activity nominated by you if you live in a remote area.

Eligibity to undertake an approved activity

If you are receiving a Newstart or Youth Allowance, you need approval by Centrelink or Job Services Australia before you start if you are going to undertake an activity instead of looking for work. The activity may be for up to a maximum of 12 months. If you are not sure who may approve your activity, contact Centrelink.

Appealing if my application to do an approved activity is not approved

You always have the right to appeal any decision made by Centrelink. For more information about how to have a decision looked at again, view the Reviews and appeals section of this website.

Meeting the Activity Test while I am undertaking an approved activity

You meet the Activity Test while you are participating in a full-time approved activity. If you are the principal carer of a child under 16 years of age, or you have been assessed as having a partial capacity to work, you may be able to meet the Activity Test by participating in a part-time approved activity.

More information

For more information about changes to exemptions for parents and principal carers, refer to the Flexible arrangements for parents and principal carers brochure.