Services Australia
Youth Allowance
Fortnightly income support for young full-time students and apprentices.
GovernmentApply or sign upMoney to you
Being rechecked. Something on the source changed or couldn't be confirmed, so treat the details with care.
Up to $482.40 a fortnight
Up to $482.40 a fortnight if you're 18 or over and live at home, or $677.20 if you live away from home (single, no children).
Who can get it
- Full-time students aged 18 to 24.
- Full-time Australian Apprentices aged 16 to 24.
- 16 and 17 year olds only if they are independent or need to live away from home to study.
- If you already get it, you can keep going after you turn 25 until your course or apprenticeship ends.
The numbers
| Single, 18 or over, at home | $482.40 a fortnight (maximum basic rate) |
|---|---|
| Single, living away from home | $677.20 a fortnight (maximum basic rate) |
| Parental income test | Applies if you're under 22 and not independent. Payment drops by 20 cents for each $1 of parental income over the free area. |
How to claim
- Claim online through Services Australia. The official page walks you through who can get it and how to claim.
Conditions and catches
- Under 22 you're usually treated as dependent, so your parents' income can reduce or stop your payment. You're independent from 22, or earlier if you meet a criterion such as supporting yourself through work or being unable to live at home.
- Rates shown are maximum basic rates. They're indexed each 1 January.
- Residence rules apply. Check them on the official page.
What the source says
Exact words quoted from the official page when we checked it. Last checked 14 Oct 2026.
$0.20 for every $1.00 over the parental income test free area
considered independent from their 22nd birthday
Single, 18+, living at home: $482.40 per fortnight; 16 years or more, living away from home: $677.20 per fortnight
16 to 17 and independent or needing to live away from home to study