Australian Taxation Office
20% HELP debt reduction
Student loan debts that existed on 1 June 2025 were cut by 20%, and repayments now come only from income above the threshold.
GovernmentApply or sign upDiscount
Automatic. Every study and training loan debt that existed on 1 June 2025 was reduced by 20%.
The numbers
| Applies to | All study and training support debts that existed on 1 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Repayments from 1 July 2025 | Worked out only on income above the minimum threshold, not on your whole income |
| Minimum repayment income, 2025-26 | $67,000 |
How to claim
- You don't need to apply. Check the change in your loan account through the ATO app or ATO online services in myGov.
Conditions and catches
- If the cut left your loan in credit, the ATO generally refunded it to your nominated bank account, as long as you had no other tax or Commonwealth debts.
- If you paid your loan by card, you may need to contact the ATO for a manual refund.
- If you earn $179,286 or more, your repayments don't change.