Youth Allowance — Students and Job Seekers Under 25

Youth Allowance is income support for Australians aged 16 to 24 who are studying, looking for work, doing an apprenticeship, or training. There are different rates depending on your situation: living at home, living away from home, having dependent children. Most under-22s also face a parental income test. This guide covers all variations.

Who qualifies for Youth Allowance

• Students aged 16–24 in full-time secondary, tertiary, or vocational study.
• Job seekers aged 16–21 (after 22 you transition to JobSeeker Payment).
• Apprentices and trainees aged 16–24.
• Must meet residence rules and income/asset tests.
• Independence rules: people aged 22+, or those who are partnered, married, have dependent children, or have worked significantly, are 'independent' and not subject to the parental income test.

Payment rates (2026)

• Single, living at home, under 18 — ~$420/fortnight
• Single, living at home, 18+ — ~$500/fortnight
• Single, living away from home — ~$650/fortnight
• Partnered, no children — ~$650/fortnight
• Single with children — ~$870/fortnight
• Additional supplements may apply: Rent Assistance, Pharmaceutical Allowance, Energy Supplement.

Parental income test (for dependent applicants)

• If you're under 22, not partnered, and not independent — your parents' income affects your payment.
• Full rate if parents' combined income below ~$58,000.
• Reduces 20 cents per dollar above the threshold.
• Cuts out entirely when parental income reaches approximately $160,000+ (varies by household size).

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Youth Allowance and Austudy?

Youth Allowance is for under-25s who study; Austudy is for those 25 and over who study. ABSTUDY is for Indigenous students of any age. The rates are similar but eligibility differs.

Can I get Youth Allowance and Rent Assistance?

Yes — if you pay rent (not at your parents' home), you can usually receive Rent Assistance on top of Youth Allowance.

What if I drop out of study mid-year?

Notify Centrelink immediately. You'll need to transition to JobSeeker Payment if 22+, or look at re-establishing study, work, or apprenticeship for continued Youth Allowance.