Youth Allowance
Single 18–24 — at home
$487.00
per fortnight (typical total)
Base rate $482.40
Total $487.00
Verified 2026-02-25 Next indexation 1 January 2027
Equivalent to approximately $34.79 per day ($487.00 ÷ 14 days).
Young people aged 18–24 living at home receive $487.00 per fortnight ($34.79 per day). At 18 the rate increases from the 16–17 at-home rate, reflecting greater financial responsibilities. Youth Allowance is indexed on 1 January each year — the next increase takes effect 1 January 2027.
Income Test
Different income thresholds apply depending on whether you are looking for work or studying.
Looking for work (job seeker)
| Income free area | $150.00/fn |
| Disqualifying income | $978.34/fn |
Student
| Income free area | $539.00/fn |
| Disqualifying income | $1368.50/fn |
Other Youth Allowance rates
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 .