How much is Youth Allowance (Single, Away From Home) per fortnight in 2026?

Youth Allowance for a single person living away from home is $610.10 per fortnight ($604.50 base + $5.60 Energy Supplement) from March 2026. That is $305.05 per week or $15,862.60 per year.

What is the income limit for Youth Allowance?

For students, you can earn up to $480 per fortnight before Youth Allowance is reduced. For job seekers, the free area is $150 per fortnight. The Student Income Bank lets unused credits accumulate.

Can I work and still get Youth Allowance?

Yes, you can work part-time and keep your Youth Allowance. Students get a $480/fn income free area, which is much higher than for job seekers ($150/fn).

How Much Is Youth Allowance (Single, Away From Home) in 2026?

Current fortnightly rate for a single person living away from home, including supplements, income test, and assets test thresholds. Updated for March 2026 indexation.

Per Fortnight

$610.10

Per Week

$305.05

Per Month

$1,321.88

Per Year

$15,862.60

Payment Components

Base rate$604.50

Energy Supplement$5.60

Total per fortnight$610.10

Income Test

Income free area$480.00 per fortnight (students/apprentices) or $150/fn (job seekers)

Payment cuts out at approx$1,495.00/fn

For students: between $480 and $587, payment reduces by 50c per dollar. Above $587, by 60c per dollar. For job seekers: between $150 and $256, 50c taper; above $256, 60c taper.

Assets Test Thresholds

Situation	Homeowner	Non-Homeowner
Single	$301,750.00	$543,750.00
Couple (combined)	$451,500.00	$693,500.00

The assets test is a hard cutoff. You must also meet independence criteria or have parents in a designated area.

Supplements Included

✓Energy Supplement ($5.60/fn)

Additional Payments You Might Get

+Rent Assistance (up to $184.80/fn)
+Pharmaceutical Allowance ($6.60/fn)
+Student Income Bank (accumulate up to $12,000 in unused income credits)

Eligibility Quick-Check

•Aged 16-24 (students) or 16-21 (job seekers)
•Full-time student, Australian Apprentice, or looking for work
•Living away from the parental home
•Australian resident
•May need to meet independence criteria

Want to see your exact payment based on your income and assets?

Use the Youth Allowance Calculator

Compare Other Payment Rates

JobSeeker Payment (Single, No Children)JobSeeker Payment (Partnered)JobSeeker Payment (Single Parent / Principal Carer)Youth Allowance (Single, 18+, Living at Home)Age Pension (Single)Age Pension (Couple, Each)Parenting Payment Single (PPS)Parenting Payment Partnered (PPP)Disability Support Pension (Single)Disability Support Pension (Couple, Each)Carer Payment (Single)Carer Payment (Couple, Each)Austudy

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with Services Australia.