Youth Allowance

Principal carer — exemption

$1046.70

per fortnight (typical total)

Base rate $1027.70

Total $1046.70

Verified 2026-02-25 Next indexation 1 January 2027

Equivalent to approximately $74.76 per day ($1046.70 ÷ 14 days).

Principal carers with a mutual obligation exemption receive $1,046.70 per fortnight ($74.76 per day) — the highest Youth Allowance rate. This applies when your caring responsibilities make it impractical to look for work or study. Youth Allowance is indexed on 1 January each year — the next increase takes effect 1 January 2027.

Income Test

Income free area	$150.00/fn
Disqualifying income	$1911.17/fn

Other Youth Allowance rates

Single 16–17 — at home
Single 16–17 — away from home
Single 18–24 — at home
Single 18–24 — away from home
Single — with children
Partnered — no children
Partnered — with children
Special — single at home
Special — single away from home
Special — partnered

Rates verified against the DSS A Guide to Australian Government Payments and Services Australia . Last verified: 2026-02-25. View DSS rate schedule →

General guidance only. Verify your entitlements with Services Australia on 132 300 or at servicesaustralia.gov.au .