How much can I earn on Youth Allowance before it's reduced?

For students and apprentices, you can earn up to $539 per fortnight before your payment is reduced. Between $539 and $646 it reduces by 50 cents per dollar. Above $646 it reduces by 60 cents per dollar. For job seekers on Youth Allowance, the income free area is $150 per fortnight.

Who is eligible for Youth Allowance?

Youth Allowance is available to young Australians aged 16-24 who are studying full-time or doing an Australian Apprenticeship, or aged 16-21 if looking for full-time work. You must be an Australian resident and meet income and assets tests. If you are dependent, your parents' income is also assessed.

What's the difference between living at home and away from home rates?

The away-from-home rate ($677.20/fn for singles) is significantly higher than the at-home rate ($418.90-$482.40/fn) because you're expected to cover rent and living costs. To get the away-from-home rate, you generally need to live away from your parents' home and meet independence criteria, such as earning $29,751+ in an 18-month period.

Youth Allowance Calculator

Q: How much is Youth Allowance in 2026?

From 1 January 2026, Youth Allowance rates range from $418.90 per fortnight (single, under 18, living at home) to $854.20 per fortnight (single with children). A single person aged 18+ living away from home receives $677.20 per fortnight. These are maximum rates before the income test.

Calculate your estimated Youth Allowance payment for 2026. Enter your details to see how much you could receive per fortnight after the income test.

Last verified: 1 January 2026

How much is Youth Allowance in 2026?

From 1 January 2026 Youth Allowance ranges from $418.90/fn (single, under 18, at home) to $854.20/fn (single with children). A single 18+ living away from home gets $677.20/fn. Available to students and apprentices aged 16-24 or jobseekers aged 16-21. Students' income free area is $539/fn (then −50c per $1 up to $646/fn, then −60c per $1). Jobseeker Youth Allowance free area: $150/fn. If you're classed as dependent, your parents' income is also tested. Source: Services Australia.

Worked example. Full-time uni student, 20, sharehouse, $400/fn part-time job. Away-from-home rate $677.20/fn. $400 is under the $539 free area → no reduction → keep full $677.20/fn (~$17,608/yr). Same student earning $700/fn: $539 free, $107 at 50c = $53.50, $54 at 60c = $32.40 → reduction $85.90 → payment $591.30/fn. To get independent away-from-home rate you generally need to have earned $29,751+ over 18 months or meet other independence rules. Add Rent Assistance ~$184.80/fn if paying rent.

Sourced from

1 primary source

Services-Australia-JobSeekerServices Australia
JobSeeker Payment — income test and partner test
Working-age payment for those looking for work. Income test reduces payment by 50c per dollar earned above the free threshold, and 60c above the upper threshold. Partner income also tested.

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.

Youth Allowance Calculator

How much is Youth Allowance in 2026?

Sourced from

Related reading

Related Tools