ABSTUDY Living Allowance rates 2026
ABSTUDY Living Allowance · Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children
Basic rate per fortnight · $21,447.40 ≈ per year (×26 fortnights)
- Basic Rate
- $824.90
- Energy Supplement
- $8.80
- Total per fortnight
- $833.70
$833.70 total with Energy Supplement (paid automatically with this payment).
Effective 20 September 2026 · Source: DSS / Services Australia · What changed on 20 September 2026
ABSTUDY Living Allowance is income support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and Australian Apprentices. It helps with day-to-day living costs while you study or train. It is paid by Services Australia through Centrelink.
ABSTUDY has many variants and several supplementary parts, so the Living Allowance rate depends on your age, whether you live at home or away from home, whether you are in state care, and whether you have a partner or children. This page shows the Living Allowance rates. Living Allowance changes on 1 January 2027.
Full ABSTUDY Living Allowance rate table
| Variant | Base rate | Supplements | Total /fortnight | ≈ per year (×26) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children | $824.90 | $8.80 | $833.70 | $21,676.20 |
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, with children | $883.30 | $9.50 | $892.80 | $23,212.80 |
| Aged 55 or over — Independent — Single, no children | $883.30 | $16.50 | $899.80 | $23,394.80 |
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Partnered (each), no children | $755.10 | $7.90 | $763.00 | $19,838 |
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Partnered (each), with children | $755.10 | $7.90 | $763.00 | $19,838 |
| Standard — Under 16, tertiary | $42.90 | $0.50 | $43.40 | $1,128.40 |
| Standard — 16 to 17 years | $418.90 | $3.90 | $422.80 | $10,992.80 |
| Standard — 18 to 21 years | $482.40 | $4.60 | $487.00 | $12,662 |
| In state care (Foster Care Allowance paid) — Under 16 | $418.90 | $3.90 | $422.80 | $10,992.80 |
| In state care (Foster Care Allowance paid) — 16 to 17 | $418.90 | $3.90 | $422.80 | $10,992.80 |
| In state care (Foster Care Allowance paid) — 18 to 21 | $482.40 | $4.60 | $487.00 | $12,662 |
| In state care (no Foster Care Allowance) — Under 16 | $677.20 | $7.00 | $684.20 | $17,789.20 |
| In state care (no Foster Care Allowance) — 16 to 21 | $677.20 | $7.00 | $684.20 | $17,789.20 |
| Away from home — Under 16 | $677.20 | $7.00 | $684.20 | $17,789.20 |
| Away from home — 16 to 21 | $677.20 | $7.00 | $684.20 | $17,789.20 |
| Independent single, no children — Under 16 | $677.20 | $7.00 | $684.20 | $17,789.20 |
| Independent single, no children — 16 to 21 | $677.20 | $7.00 | $684.20 | $17,789.20 |
| Independent single — Under 16, at home | $418.90 | $3.90 | $422.80 | $10,992.80 |
| Independent single — 16 to 17, at home | $418.90 | $3.90 | $422.80 | $10,992.80 |
| Independent single — 18 to 21, at home | $482.40 | $4.60 | $487.00 | $12,662 |
| Independent partnered, no children — Under 16 | $677.20 | $7.00 | $684.20 | $17,789.20 |
| Independent partnered, no children — 16 to 21 | $677.20 | $7.00 | $684.20 | $17,789.20 |
| Independent single with dependent child — Under 16 | $854.20 | $9.20 | $863.40 | $22,448.40 |
| Independent single with dependent child — 16 to 21 | $854.20 | $9.20 | $863.40 | $22,448.40 |
| Independent partnered with dependent child — Under 16 | $733.20 | $7.70 | $740.90 | $19,263.40 |
| Independent partnered with dependent child — 16 to 21 | $733.20 | $7.70 | $740.90 | $19,263.40 |
| Masters and Doctorate students | $1,316.20 | — | $1,316.20 | $34,221.20 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — ABSTUDY Living Allowance — Single — Independent — Aged 22 or over — No dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — ABSTUDY Living Allowance — Single — Independent — Aged 22 or over — With dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — ABSTUDY Living Allowance — Single — Independent — Aged 55 or over — No dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — ABSTUDY Living Allowance — Partnered (each) — Independent — Aged 22 or over — No dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — ABSTUDY Living Allowance — Partnered (each) — Independent — Aged 22 or over — With dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026 — ABSTUDY — Living Allowance rates; Energy Supplement from CO029 · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026 — ABSTUDY — Living Allowance rates
The table below shows the ABSTUDY Living Allowance rates. The Living Allowance broadly mirrors Youth Allowance rates, grouped by age, living situation and family situation. ABSTUDY also has extra help, such as School Fees Allowance and boarding support, that is not shown as part of the Living Allowance rate here.
The rate shown is the maximum basic Living Allowance. Your actual payment can be lower once the income test, and for younger students the parental means test, is applied. Because ABSTUDY has so many parts, this page does not include a calculator; use the official ABSTUDY estimator for a figure that fits your circumstances.
What changed on 20 September 2026
| Rate | Before 20 September 2026 | From 20 September 2026 | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children | $817.50 | $833.70 | +$16.20 | +1.98% |
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, with children | $875.50 | $892.80 | +$17.30 | +1.98% |
| Aged 55 or over — Independent — Single, no children | $882.50 | $899.80 | +$17.30 | +1.96% |
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Partnered (each), no children | $748.20 | $763.00 | +$14.80 | +1.98% |
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Partnered (each), with children | $748.20 | $763.00 | +$14.80 | +1.98% |
- On 20 September 2026, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children, rose $16.20, or 1.98%, from $817.50 to $833.70.
- Across the 5 rates in the table, the rise ranged from 1.96% to 1.98%.
- ABSTUDY Living Allowance, aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children, pays up to $833.70 a fortnight, $404.00 (32.64%) less than the single Age Pension at $1,237.70.
ABSTUDY Living Allowance in 2026
| Rate | Before | 1 January 2026 | 20 March 2026 | 1 July 2026 | 20 September 2026 | 2026 change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children | $802.40 | — | $817.50 | — | $833.70 | +$31.30 (+3.90%) |
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, with children | $859.40 | — | $875.50 | — | $892.80 | +$33.40 (+3.89%) |
| Aged 55 or over — Independent — Single, no children | $866.40 | — | $882.50 | — | $899.80 | +$33.40 (+3.86%) |
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Partnered (each), no children | $734.40 | — | $748.20 | — | $763.00 | +$28.60 (+3.89%) |
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Partnered (each), with children | $734.40 | — | $748.20 | — | $763.00 | +$28.60 (+3.89%) |
| Standard — Under 16, tertiary | $42.50 | $43.40 | — | — | — | +$0.90 (+2.12%) |
| Standard — 16 to 17 years | $414.20 | $422.80 | — | — | — | +$8.60 (+2.08%) |
| Standard — 18 to 21 years | $477.10 | $487.00 | — | — | — | +$9.90 (+2.08%) |
| In state care (Foster Care Allowance paid) — Under 16 | $414.20 | $422.80 | — | — | — | +$8.60 (+2.08%) |
| In state care (Foster Care Allowance paid) — 16 to 17 | $414.20 | $422.80 | — | — | — | +$8.60 (+2.08%) |
| In state care (Foster Care Allowance paid) — 18 to 21 | $477.10 | $487.00 | — | — | — | +$9.90 (+2.08%) |
| In state care (no Foster Care Allowance) — Under 16 | $670.30 | $684.20 | — | — | — | +$13.90 (+2.07%) |
| In state care (no Foster Care Allowance) — 16 to 21 | $670.30 | $684.20 | — | — | — | +$13.90 (+2.07%) |
| Away from home — Under 16 | $670.30 | $684.20 | — | — | — | +$13.90 (+2.07%) |
| Away from home — 16 to 21 | $670.30 | $684.20 | — | — | — | +$13.90 (+2.07%) |
| Independent single, no children — Under 16 | $670.30 | $684.20 | — | — | — | +$13.90 (+2.07%) |
| Independent single, no children — 16 to 21 | $670.30 | $684.20 | — | — | — | +$13.90 (+2.07%) |
| Independent single — Under 16, at home | $414.20 | $422.80 | — | — | — | +$8.60 (+2.08%) |
| Independent single — 16 to 17, at home | $414.20 | $422.80 | — | — | — | +$8.60 (+2.08%) |
| Independent single — 18 to 21, at home | $477.10 | $487.00 | — | — | — | +$9.90 (+2.08%) |
| Independent partnered, no children — Under 16 | $670.30 | $684.20 | — | — | — | +$13.90 (+2.07%) |
| Independent partnered, no children — 16 to 21 | $670.30 | $684.20 | — | — | — | +$13.90 (+2.07%) |
| Independent single with dependent child — Under 16 | $845.80 | $863.40 | — | — | — | +$17.60 (+2.08%) |
| Independent single with dependent child — 16 to 21 | $845.80 | $863.40 | — | — | — | +$17.60 (+2.08%) |
| Independent partnered with dependent child — Under 16 | $725.80 | $740.90 | — | — | — | +$15.10 (+2.08%) |
| Independent partnered with dependent child — 16 to 21 | $725.80 | $740.90 | — | — | — | +$15.10 (+2.08%) |
| Masters and Doctorate students | $1,285.40 | $1,316.20 | — | — | — | +$30.80 (+2.40%) |
- ABSTUDY Living Allowance, aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children, rose $31.30 (3.90%) across 2026, from $802.40 to $833.70: $15.10 on 20 March 2026 and $16.20 on 20 September 2026.
How much ABSTUDY Living Allowance pays
The ABSTUDY Living Allowance rate for your situation is shown in the data block and table above. It is paid every two weeks.
That figure is the maximum before any test reduces it. ABSTUDY is complex, so for an estimate that matches your full circumstances, use the official ABSTUDY estimator linked from this page. The Living Allowance changes on 1 January 2027.
| Situation | Income a fortnight | Rent a fortnight | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children, no income | $0 | — | $833.70 a fortnight |
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children, with income | $700 | — | $747.80 a fortnight |
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children, renting (includes Rent Assistance) | $0 | $450 | $1,052.85 a fortnight |
Independent, or a dependent whose parents’ income is under the parental income free area. Assets under the limit. Income is per fortnight. Rent Assistance uses the single, no-children rate for someone not sharing.
- Income of $700 a fortnight cuts the aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children rate to $747.80, $85.90 less than the maximum of $833.70.
- Paying $450 a fortnight in rent adds $219.15 of Rent Assistance, a payment of $1,052.85 with no other income — $219.15 more than without rent.
ABSTUDY Living Allowance income test
| Fortnightly income | Effect on your payment |
|---|---|
| Up to $539 | No reduction (this is the income free area) |
| $539 to $646 | Reduces by 50c for each dollar over $539 |
| $646 and above | Reduces by 60c for each dollar over $646 |
Source: Services Australia, A guide to Australian Government payments (CO029), 20 September 2026 edition — ABSTUDY Living Allowance income test; thresholds from DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026
| Situation | Payment reduces to nil at |
|---|---|
| Under 22 — Single, under 18 years, at home | $1,261.50 /fortnight |
| Under 22 — Single, 18 and over, at home | $1,368.50 /fortnight |
| Under 22 — Single or partnered, away from home, no dependants | $1,697.17 /fortnight |
| Under 22 — Single with dependants | $1,995.84 /fortnight |
| Under 22 — Partnered with dependants | $1,791.67 /fortnight |
| Single — Aged 22 or over — No dependent children | $1,946.34 /fortnight |
| Single — Aged 22 or over — With dependent children | $2,044.84 /fortnight |
| Single — Aged 55 or over | $2,056.50 /fortnight |
| Partnered (each) — Aged 22 or over | $1,828.50 /fortnight |
| Situation | Partner income free area |
|---|---|
| Partner aged between 22 and Age Pension age | $1,440 /fortnight |
| Partner aged under 22 — No dependent children | $1,307 /fortnight |
| Partner aged under 22 — With dependent children | $1,402 /fortnight |
ABSTUDY has a personal income test with a free area, so you can earn up to a set amount each fortnight before your payment reduces. Above the free area, your payment reduces in steps. The exact figures are in the income test table on this page.
For younger students who are treated as dependent, a parental means test can also apply, reducing the payment once parental income passes a threshold. The school-age ABSTUDY scheme has its own means-testing rules that differ from the tertiary scheme.
Because the tests interact in ways that vary a lot between students, the official ABSTUDY estimator is the most reliable way to see what you would get.
Where ABSTUDY Living Allowance stops
| Situation | Income free area | Payment reaches $0 at | DSS figure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard — 16 to 17 years | $539 | $1,261.50 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Standard — 18 to 21 years | $539 | $1,368.50 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Away from home — 16 to 21 | $539 | $1,697.17 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Independent single with dependent child — 16 to 21 | $539 | $1,995.84 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Independent partnered with dependent child — 16 to 21 | $539 | $1,791.67 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children | $539 | $1,946.34 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, with children | $539 | $2,044.84 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Aged 55 or over — Independent — Single, no children | $539 | $2,056.50 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Aged 22 or over — Independent — Partnered (each), no children | $539 | $1,828.50 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
Rounded up to the cent, as DSS rounds its limits.
- Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children: the payment reaches $0 at $1,946.34 a fortnight of income, $1,407.34 more than the $539.00 income free area.
- The cut-out for aged 22 or over — Independent — Partnered (each), no children, $1,828.50, is $117.84 lower than for aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children, $1,946.34.
- That is $389.17 higher than JobSeeker's single cut-out of $1,557.17.
What this means
ABSTUDY Living Allowance is paid every two weeks. Your rate is chosen by your age, your living situation, whether you are in state care, and whether you have a partner or children. Living away from home attracts a higher rate than living at home.
ABSTUDY is more than the Living Allowance. Depending on your situation it can also include help with school fees, boarding, travel and other study costs. Those extra parts are paid under their own rules and are not part of the Living Allowance figure shown here.
For students under 22 who are treated as dependent, a parental means test can apply, and the rules for school-age students differ from the rules for older students. Because of this, ABSTUDY is best estimated through the official tool.
The Living Allowance is indexed at the student indexation and, for some age groups, alongside pensions and allowances. The next change shown for this payment is on 1 January 2027, and this page updates to match.
Who can get ABSTUDY Living Allowance
Services Australia assesses ABSTUDY on your Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status, your age, your study or apprenticeship, your residence status, and your income. The rules for school students, tertiary students and apprentices differ.
This page reports the rates and the test rules. It does not decide your claim. For the eligibility rules that apply to your own situation, check the official ABSTUDY page linked at the top and bottom of this page.
Related
- 20 September 2026 indexationEvery payment, old against new
- Payment dates 2026Cycles and public holidays
ABSTUDY Living Allowance: common questions
- How much is ABSTUDY Living Allowance per fortnight?
- It depends on your age, whether you live at home or away from home, and whether you have a partner or children. For example, the rate for an independent single person aged 22 or over with no children is $833.70 a fortnight, including the Energy Supplement. The table at the top of this page shows every situation. Your payment can be lower after the income test, and ABSTUDY can also include extra help that is not part of this figure.
- Why is there no ABSTUDY calculator on this page?
- ABSTUDY has many rates and several supplementary parts, plus different rules for school students, tertiary students and apprentices. A simple calculator could mislead. For an estimate that fits your circumstances, use the official ABSTUDY estimator linked from this page.
- When does ABSTUDY go up next?
- ABSTUDY Living Allowance is indexed at student indexation and, for some age groups, alongside pensions and allowances. The next change shown for this payment is on 1 January 2027, and this page updates to match.
- Does ABSTUDY include help beyond the Living Allowance?
- Yes. Depending on your situation, ABSTUDY can include School Fees Allowance, boarding support, travel help and other study costs. These are paid under their own rules and are not part of the Living Allowance rate shown here. Check the official ABSTUDY page for what you may be eligible for.
- Is ABSTUDY taxable?
- The ABSTUDY Living Allowance is generally taxable income. Some ABSTUDY supplements are treated differently. Because the parts are taxed differently, check the Australian Taxation Office or your payment summary for how your own ABSTUDY is taxed.
Estimates and general information only — not financial advice. Check Services Australia for your circumstances.
Rates effective 20 September 2026 · next scheduled indexation 1 January 2027. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 23 September 2026.