How much is Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) in 2026?
Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) · Under 18, living at home
Basic rate per fortnight · $10,891.40 ≈ per year (×26 fortnights)
- Maximum basic rate
- $418.90
- Total per fortnight
- $418.90
Effective 1 January 2026 · Source: DSS / Services Australia
The Youth 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. If you are under 22 and dependent, your parents' income can reduce it. If you earn your own income over the free area, that reduces it too, though the student Income Bank can soften the effect. The rates change on 1 January 2027.
Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) rates in full
| Variant | Base rate | Supplements | Total /fortnight | ≈ per year (×26) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18, living at home | — | $418.90 | $418.90 | $10,891.40 |
| Under 18, living away from home | — | $677.20 | $677.20 | $17,607.20 |
| 18 or over, living away from home | — | $677.20 | $677.20 | $17,607.20 |
| 18 or over, living at home | — | $482.40 | $482.40 | $12,542.40 |
| Single, with children | — | $854.20 | $854.20 | $22,209.20 |
| Partnered, no children | — | $677.20 | $677.20 | $17,607.20 |
| Partnered, with children | — | $733.20 | $733.20 | $19,063.20 |
| Special rate — Single, living at home | — | $567.50 | $567.50 | $14,755 |
| Special rate — Single, living away from home | — | $799.70 | $799.70 | $20,792.20 |
| Special rate — Partnered, no children | — | $733.20 | $733.20 | $19,063.20 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026 — Youth Allowance — Maximum basic rate · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026 — Youth Allowance — Special rate (long-term unemployed or migrant English students aged 22 or over commencing full-time study)
More on Youth Allowance (students and apprentices)
- Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) overviewRate, tests and calculator
- Full rate tableEvery variant
- CalculatorEstimate your payment
How much is Youth Allowance (students and apprentices): common questions
- How much is Youth Allowance for students per fortnight?
- There is no single rate. It depends on your age, whether you live at home or away from home, and whether you have a partner or children. For example, a single student aged 18 or over living away from home can get up to $677.20 a fortnight. The table at the top of this page shows every situation. Your payment can be lower after the income test and, if you are under 22 and dependent, the parental means test.
- What is the student Income Bank?
- The Income Bank lets students store unused income free area as a credit. When you later earn more than the free area, you can draw on the credit so less of your income counts. It is designed to help students who work more during holidays keep more of their payment. Services Australia tracks your Income Bank balance.
- When does Youth Allowance go up next?
- Youth Allowance for students is indexed once a year, on 1 January. The next increase is on 1 January 2027. New rates are published just before that date, and this page updates to match.
- Does my parents' income affect my Youth Allowance?
- If you are under 22 and treated as dependent, yes. A parental means test reduces your payment once your parents' combined income passes a yearly threshold. If you are assessed as independent, it does not apply. See our parental means test page for more.
- Is Youth Allowance for students taxable?
- Yes, Youth Allowance is taxable income and goes in your tax return. Whether you actually pay tax depends on your total income for the year. Many students earn under the tax-free threshold and pay no tax, but check your own situation with the Australian Taxation Office.
Estimates and general information only — not financial advice. Check Services Australia for your circumstances.
Rates current as of 1 January 2026. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 17 July 2026.