How much is Youth Allowance for away from home, single?

Youth Allowance for away from home, single is $604.50/fortnight (18+) or $462.50/fortnight (under 18) (March 2026 rates). This is the maximum base rate before the income test. If you earn income, the payment may be reduced.

Am I eligible for Youth Allowance as away from home, single?

To be eligible for Youth Allowance as away from home, single, you need to: Australian resident or eligible visa holder; Aged 16-24 and studying full-time, OR 16-21 and looking for work; Living away from parents' home. The parental income test does not apply to you.

How much can I earn on Youth Allowance away from home, single?

You can earn up to $480/fortnight before your Youth Allowance is reduced. Between $480 and $587, it reduces by 50c per dollar. Above $587, it reduces by 60c per dollar. The Student Income Bank lets you accumulate up to $12,000 in unused income credits.

Youth Allowance Away From Home, Single — How Much & Am I Eligible?

You are single and living away from your parents' home, either because you need to relocate for study or you meet independence criteria. Current rates as of March 2026.

Your Payment Rate

$604.50/fortnight (18+) or $462.50/fortnight (under 18)

Maximum base rate before the income test. Actual payment depends on your personal income.

Max Rate

$604.50

per fortnight

Income Free Area

$480/fn

earn before reduction

Parental Test

Not assessed

Income Bank

Yes

Up to $12,000

Eligibility Criteria

Age: 16-24 (students/apprentices) or 16-21 (job seekers)

✓Australian resident or eligible visa holder
✓Aged 16-24 and studying full-time, OR 16-21 and looking for work
✓Living away from parents' home
✓Single with no dependent children
✓Meeting away-from-home criteria OR independence criteria

Personal Income Test

Earn up to $480/fortnight with no reduction (income free area)

Between $480 and $587/fn — payment reduces by 50c per dollar

Above $587/fn — payment reduces by 60c per dollar

Example: Earning $600/fortnight

Max payment$604.50

Reduction from $600/fn income- $61.30

You receive$543.20

No Parental Income Test

Because you are assessed as independent, your parents' income is not considered. Only your personal income (and your partner's income, if applicable) affects your payment.

Independence Criteria

You are assessed as independent because you meet one or more of these criteria:

•Worked at least 30 hours per week for 18 months in a 2-year period
•Supported yourself for at least 18 months through earnings
•Unable to live at home due to extreme circumstances
•In State care or an orphan
•Married, in a de facto relationship, or have a dependent child
•Aged 22 or over (automatically independent for student YA)

Away From Home Rate

To get the away-from-home rate, you generally need to: (1) need to live away from home to study because your parents' home is too far from your educational institution, OR (2) meet independence criteria. The institution must be at least 90 minutes travel time from your parents' home. If approved, you are exempt from the parental income test and receive the higher rate.

Student Income Bank

As a student or apprentice, you have access to the Student Income Bank. Each fortnight where you earn less than $480, the unused amount is credited to your Income Bank.

You can accumulate up to $12,000 in credits. When you earn more than $480 in a fortnight, the excess is first offset against your Income Bank balance before reducing your payment.

Example: If you have $3,000 in your Income Bank and earn $1,000 in one fortnight, the $520 over the free area ($1,000 - $480) is deducted from your Income Bank instead of reducing your payment.

Turning 25? Consider Austudy

If you are 25 or older, apply for Austudy instead. The Austudy single rate ($762.70/fn) is higher than the Youth Allowance away-from-home rate ($604.50/fn).

Get a personalised estimate with your exact details

Youth Allowance Calculator

Other Youth Allowance Situations

At Home, Single With Partner With Children Apprentice Job Seeker (Under 18)Job Seeker (18-21)Student (Under 18)Student (18-24)Independent

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