Youth Allowance provides income support for young Australians. There are two main categories: Youth Allowance (Student) for those in full-time study or training, and Youth Allowance (Job Seeker) for those looking for work. This guide covers 2026 rates and eligibility.
Current Youth Allowance Rates (2026)
Fortnightly rates depend on your living situation and whether you are single or partnered:
Youth Allowance for Students & Apprentices
| Situation | Maximum Fortnightly Rate |
|---|---|
| Single, living at home | $425.80 |
| Single, living away from home (18+) | $623.50 |
| Single, with dependent child | $789.50 |
| Partnered (each) | $658.20 |
Youth Allowance for Job Seekers
| Situation | Maximum Fortnightly Rate |
|---|---|
| Single, under 18, living at home | $425.80 |
| Single, under 18, away from home | $623.50 |
| Single, 18+, living at home | $425.80 |
| Single, 18+, living away from home | $623.50 |
| Single, with dependent child | $789.50 |
| Partnered (each) | $658.20 |
Eligibility Criteria
Age Requirements
- Students: 16–24 years old
- Job seekers: 16–21 years old (if 22+, claim JobSeeker Payment instead)
- Apprentices: any age, but must be a full-time Australian Apprentice
Study or Work Requirements
- Students: must be undertaking full-time study (or approved part-time with a disability) at an approved institution
- Australian Apprentices: must be in a full-time apprenticeship or traineeship
- Job seekers: must meet mutual obligation requirements
Parental Means Test
If you are under 22 and studying, your parents' income and assets are assessed through the Parental Means Test. This test considers:
- Combined parental income (taxable income, reportable fringe benefits, and total net investment losses)
- Parental assets (excluding the family home)
- The number of dependent children in the family
Note: You may be independent of your parents if you have worked at least 30 hours per week for 18 months (or equivalent), are a single parent, or are in an approved state care arrangement.
Personal Income Test
- You can earn up to $230 per fortnight (if 18+ and looking for work) before your payment reduces
- Student income bank: you can earn up to $307 per fortnight before your payment is affected, and unused amounts accumulate up to $13,880
- Payments reduce by 50 cents per dollar earned over the threshold
How to Claim Youth Allowance
- Log into myGov and link Centrelink
- Select "Make a claim" then "Youth Allowance"
- Complete the online questionnaire about your study, work, and living situation
- Provide supporting documents (proof of enrolment, identity, and if independent — proof of work hours)
- Submit the claim and track progress in your Centrelink online account
Relocation Scholarship
If you need to move away from home to study, you may also be eligible for a Relocation Scholarship of up to $5,463 per year to help with accommodation and travel costs.
This guide is updated for 2026. Check Services Australia website for latest rates.