Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) income test 2026
How much you can earn before Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) 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 — Personal income test for students and Australian Apprentices; thresholds from DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026
| Situation | Payment reduces to nil at |
|---|---|
| Single, under 18, at home | $1,261.50 /fortnight |
| Single, 18 and over, at home | $1,368.50 /fortnight |
| Single or partnered, away from home | $1,697.17 /fortnight |
| Partnered, with dependants | $1,791.67 /fortnight |
| Single, with dependants | $1,995.84 /fortnight |
| Special rate — Single, living at home | $1,512.17 /fortnight |
| Special rate — Single, living away from home | $1,904 /fortnight |
| Special rate — Partnered, no children | $1,791.67 /fortnight |
| Situation | Partner income free area |
|---|---|
| Partner aged between 22 and Age Pension age | $1,415 /fortnight |
| Partner aged under 22, no children | $1,307 /fortnight |
| Partner aged under 22, with children | $1,402 /fortnight |
Youth Allowance has a personal income free area. You can earn up to that amount each fortnight before your payment reduces. Above the free area, your payment reduces in steps, with a higher taper once your income passes the upper threshold. The exact figures are in the income test table on this page.
Students also have an Income Bank. Unused free area builds up as a credit that offsets income above the free area in later fortnights. This is why a student who works a lot over the summer break may keep more of their payment than the plain income test would suggest.
If you are under 22 and dependent, a parental means test reduces your payment once your parents' income passes a yearly threshold. If you have a partner, their income above the partner free area can also reduce your payment.
More on Youth Allowance (students and apprentices)
- Youth Allowance (students and apprentices) overviewRate, tests and calculator
- Full rate tableEvery variant
- CalculatorEstimate your payment
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.