How much is Youth Allowance for independent?

Youth Allowance for independent is $604.50/fortnight (single, no children) or $668.40/fortnight (single with children) (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 independent?

To be eligible for Youth Allowance as independent, you need to: Australian resident or eligible visa holder; Meeting one of the independence criteria below; Studying full-time, doing an apprenticeship, or looking for work (age dependent). The parental income test does not apply to you.

How much can I earn on Youth Allowance independent?

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 Independent — How Much & Am I Eligible?

You have been assessed as independent by Centrelink, meaning your parents' income is not considered. Current rates as of March 2026.

Your Payment Rate

$604.50/fortnight (single, no children) or $668.40/fortnight (single with children)

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
✓Meeting one of the independence criteria below
✓Studying full-time, doing an apprenticeship, or looking for work (age dependent)
✓Meeting personal income and assets tests only (no parental means test)

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:

•Aged 22 or over (automatically independent for student/apprentice YA)
•Worked at least 30 hours per week for 18 months within a 2-year period
•Earned at least 75% of Wage Level A of the National Training Wage Award in an 18-month period
•Unable to live at home due to extreme circumstances (family breakdown, abuse)
•In or formerly in State care, or an orphan
•Married or in a registered de facto relationship for at least 12 months
•Have or have had a dependent child in your care
•A refugee without parents in Australia
•Above the age of consent and self-supporting since last leaving secondary school

Away From Home Rate

Independent students automatically receive the away-from-home rate regardless of where they live. This is significantly higher than the at-home rate ($604.50/fn vs $415.50/fn for 18+).

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 and studying, you apply for Austudy instead of Youth Allowance. Austudy pays $762.70/fn for a single person.

Get a personalised estimate with your exact details

Youth Allowance Calculator

Other Youth Allowance Situations

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

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