ABSTUDY Living Allowance income test 2026
How much you can earn before ABSTUDY Living Allowance reduces, and how fast it tapers above the free area.
| 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), 1 July 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 | $1,919.34 /fortnight |
| Single — Aged 22 or over — With dependent children | $2,016 /fortnight |
| Single — Aged 55 or over | $2,027.67 /fortnight |
| Partnered (each) | $1,803.84 /fortnight |
| Situation | Partner income free area |
|---|---|
| Partner aged 22 and over, no dependent children | $1,392 /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.
More on ABSTUDY Living Allowance
Estimates and general information only — not financial advice. Check Services Australia for your circumstances.
Rates current as of 20 March 2026. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 17 July 2026.