Youth Allowance Rates 2026
Youth Allowance provides income support to young Australians who are studying full-time, undertaking an apprenticeship, or looking for work. It is the main payment for people aged 16 to 24. From 1 January 2026, the away-from-home rate is $762.70 per fortnight.
Current Youth Allowance Rates
| Situation | Per Fortnight | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
Single, no children, away from home or independent Away-from-home rate. Effective 1 January 2026. | $762.70 | $19,830 |
Single, no children, at home (not independent) Living with parents rate. Effective 1 January 2026. | $462.50 | $12,025 |
Single, with dependent children Higher rate for recipients with dependent children. | $816.90 | $21,239 |
Partnered, no children Rate for each member of a couple. | $698.30 | $18,156 |
Partnered, with children Rate for partnered recipients with children. | $740.60 | $19,256 |
Rates effective 20 March 2026. Next indexation: 20 September 2026.
Eligibility
You must be aged 16 to 24 (or up to 24 if studying full-time), be an Australian resident, and meet the income and assets tests. If you are 18 or over and not studying, you must be looking for work.
Income Test
Taper rate: 50 cents per dollar above free area
Personal income free area is $480/fn. Above this, payment reduces by 50c per dollar. If not independent, parental income above $58,108/year also reduces the payment.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: 16 to 24 (students can receive it until they turn 25)
- Must be studying full-time, doing an Australian Apprenticeship, or looking for work
- Must be an Australian resident
- Must meet the personal income test
- If not independent: parents' income is assessed (parental income free area: $58,108/year)
- Job seekers must meet mutual obligation requirements
- Students must be enrolled in an approved course at an approved institution
Key Facts at a Glance
About Youth Allowance
Youth Allowance is Australia's main income support payment for young people, covering students, apprentices and job seekers aged 16 to 24. Around 300,000 young Australians receive Youth Allowance at any given time.
Youth Allowance for students Full-time students at university, TAFE or other approved institutions can receive Youth Allowance if they are under 25. The amount depends on whether you live at home with your parents or away from home. Living away from home attracts a significantly higher rate ($762.70/fn vs $462.50/fn at home).
Independence criteria To receive the higher away-from-home rate, you generally need to be assessed as "independent". You are independent if you: • Have worked full-time (at least 30 hours/week) for at least 18 months in the last 2 years • Have been out of secondary school for at least 18 months and have supported yourself financially • Are married or in a registered relationship • Have a dependent child • Are an orphan or estranged from your parents • Are a refugee or former refugee
Youth Allowance for job seekers Young people aged 16–21 who are looking for work can receive Youth Allowance (Jobseeker). They must meet mutual obligation requirements similar to JobSeeker recipients. At age 22, they transition to JobSeeker Payment.
Youth Allowance for apprentices Australian Apprentices (people doing a trade apprenticeship or traineeship) can receive Youth Allowance to help with living costs while they complete their training. The rates are the same as for students.
Parental income test If you are not independent, your parents' income is taken into account. The parental income free area is $58,108 per year. Above this, your Youth Allowance reduces. If your parents earn over $150,000 per year, you are generally not eligible unless you are independent.
How to Apply
Apply through myGov. Students and apprentices should apply before their course or apprenticeship starts. Job seekers must register with an employment services provider.
- Log in to myGov and link Centrelink
- Select "Make a claim" and choose "Youth Allowance"
- Select whether you are a student, apprentice or job seeker
- Provide details of your course or job search activities
- If not independent, provide your parents' tax file numbers so Centrelink can assess their income
- Provide your bank account details
- Students: apply before your course starts to avoid delays
- Job seekers: register with an employment services provider after claiming
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Youth Allowance in 2026?
Youth Allowance rates from 1 January 2026: $762.70 per fortnight if you live away from home or are independent; $462.50 per fortnight if you live with your parents; $816.90 per fortnight if you have dependent children; $698.30 per fortnight if you are partnered with no children. Note: Youth Allowance is indexed on 1 January each year, not in March and September like most other Centrelink payments.
What is the age limit for Youth Allowance?
Youth Allowance is generally available to people aged 16 to 24. Full-time students can receive it until they turn 25. Job seekers aged 22 or over may be better off applying for JobSeeker Payment instead, as the rates are the same but JobSeeker has fewer restrictions.
What does "independent" mean for Youth Allowance?
You are considered independent for Youth Allowance if you: have worked full-time (30+ hours/week) for at least 18 months in the last 2 years; have been out of secondary school for 18+ months and supported yourself; are married or in a registered relationship; have a dependent child; are an orphan or estranged from your parents; or are a refugee. Independent students receive the higher away-from-home rate regardless of where they live.
Can I work while receiving Youth Allowance?
Yes. You can earn up to $480 per fortnight before your payment reduces. Above this, your payment reduces by 50 cents for every dollar earned. Your payment cuts out completely at around $2,005 per fortnight. You must report all income to Centrelink every fortnight.
Does Youth Allowance count as income for tax purposes?
Yes, Youth Allowance is taxable income. However, most recipients will not pay tax because their total income is below the tax-free threshold ($18,200 per year). You should still include it in your tax return. If you have a HECS-HELP debt, your Youth Allowance does not count towards the repayment threshold.
How does the parental income test work for Youth Allowance?
If you are not independent, your parents' combined adjusted taxable income is assessed. The parental income free area is $58,108 per year. Above this, your Youth Allowance reduces by $1 for every $4 your parents earn over the threshold (for the first child), and by $1 for every $3 for additional children. If your parents earn over approximately $150,000 per year, you are generally not eligible for Youth Allowance unless you are independent.
Can I get Youth Allowance as a university student?
Yes. Full-time university students aged 16 to 24 can receive Youth Allowance. You must be enrolled in an approved course at an approved institution. You must also maintain satisfactory academic progress — if you fail too many subjects or withdraw from your course, your payment may be affected.
What is the difference between Youth Allowance and Austudy?
Youth Allowance is for students and job seekers aged 16 to 24. Austudy is for full-time students aged 25 and over. The eligibility criteria and rates are similar, but Austudy does not have a parental income test (since recipients are older and presumed financially independent from their parents).
Can I get Youth Allowance as an apprentice?
Yes. Australian Apprentices (people doing a trade apprenticeship or traineeship) can receive Youth Allowance to help with living costs. You must be doing a full-time apprenticeship or traineeship that is registered with the relevant state or territory training authority. The rates are the same as for students.
Related Payments
Always verify current rates at the official Services Australia website.
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