Youth Allowance Rates (from March 2026)
| Situation | Max Rate (per fortnight) |
|---|---|
| Under 18, living at home | ~$345 |
| 18+, living at home | ~$490 |
| 18+, living away from home | ~$630 |
| With a dependent child | ~$732 |
Who's Eligible
- Job seekers: Aged 16–21 (22+ moves to JobSeeker)
- Students: Aged 16–24, full-time in an approved course (25+ moves to Austudy)
- Apprentices: Full-time Australian apprentices aged 16–24
You must also meet the income test (your income and your parents' income, if you're dependent) and the activity test.
Independence
Your rate depends on whether you're classified as "independent" or "dependent". You're independent if you're:
- 22 or older, or
- Married or in a de facto relationship, or
- Have a dependent child, or
- Have worked full-time for at least 18 months in a 2-year period, or
- Can't live at home due to extreme circumstances
If you're dependent, your parents' income is tested — which can reduce or eliminate your payment even if your own income is zero.
Rent Assistance
If you pay rent and live away from home, you may get Rent Assistance on top of Youth Allowance — up to ~$219/fortnight for singles. This can make a significant difference to your total support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work and get Youth Allowance?
Yes. You can earn up to $150/fortnight without any reduction. Above that, your payment reduces gradually. The income bank lets you build up credits in low-earning fortnights.
Do my parents' income affect my payment?
If you're classified as dependent (under 22, not independent), yes. Your parents' combined income above about $60,000 starts reducing your payment.
What happens when I turn 22?
If you're a job seeker, you move to JobSeeker Payment. If you're a student, you can stay on Youth Allowance until 24, then move to Austudy at 25.