How the Act defines a 'Prescribed child'

A prescribed child is:

“(a)a person under 16; or

(b)a person who:

(i)is 16 or more but under 25;

(ii)is receiving full-time education at a school, college, university or other educational institution; and

(iii)is not ordinarily in employment or engaged in work on his or her own account.”

All of (i), (ii) and (iii) must apply where the child is between 16 and 25 years of age.  This covers children who have chosen to continue their education, and who are not employed, either by someone else or in their own business.

However, a child in this category who undertakes employment during a school break, or who undertakes part time employment (earning less than the income which precludes payment of AUSTUDY allowance), should continue to be regarded as a full time student not ordinarily in employment.