Youth Allowance Rates (from March 2026)
| Situation | Max Rate (per fortnight) |
|---|---|
| Under 18, living at home | $418.90 |
| Under 18, living away from home | $677.20 |
| 18+, living at home | $482.40 |
| 18+, living away from home | $677.20 |
| Single, with children | $854.20 |
| Couple, no children | $677.20 |
| Couple, with children | $733.20 |
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 a set income free area each fortnight before your payment reduces — the free area is different for students/apprentices (who also bank unused amounts through the Income Bank) and job seekers. Check the current figures on the Services Australia income test page. 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 the parental income free area starts reducing your payment — check the current threshold on Services Australia, as it's indexed each year.
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.