How much is Youth Allowance for job seeker (18-21)?

Youth Allowance for job seeker (18-21) is $415.50/fortnight (at home) or $604.50/fortnight (away from home / independent) (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 job seeker (18-21)?

To be eligible for Youth Allowance as job seeker (18-21), you need to: Australian resident or eligible visa holder; Aged 18 to 21; Not in full-time study. Your parents' combined income is also assessed with a free area of $58,108/year.

How much can I earn on Youth Allowance job seeker (18-21)?

You can earn up to $150/fortnight before your Youth Allowance is reduced. Between $150 and $256, it reduces by 50c per dollar. Above $256, it reduces by 60c per dollar.

Youth Allowance Job Seeker (18-21) — How Much & Am I Eligible?

You are aged 18-21, not studying full-time, and looking for work. Current rates as of March 2026.

Your Payment Rate

$415.50/fortnight (at home) or $604.50/fortnight (away from home / independent)

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

Max Rate

$415.50

per fortnight

Income Free Area

$150/fn

earn before reduction

Parental Test

Yes

$58,108/yr threshold

Income Bank

Not available

Eligibility Criteria

Age: 18-21

✓Australian resident or eligible visa holder
✓Aged 18 to 21
✓Not in full-time study
✓Looking for full-time work or doing approved activities
✓Registered with an employment services provider
✓Meeting mutual obligation requirements

Personal Income Test

Earn up to $150/fortnight with no reduction (income free area)

Between $150 and $256/fn — payment reduces by 50c per dollar

Above $256/fn — payment reduces by 60c per dollar

Example: Earning $600/fortnight

Max payment$415.50

Reduction from $600/fn income- $259.40

You receive$156.10

Parental Income Test

As a dependent young person, your parents' combined income is also assessed. The parental income free area is $58,108/year.

Above this threshold, your Youth Allowance reduces by 20c for every dollar of parental income over $58,108, up to a combined parental income of about $108,000/year. Above $108,000, the taper increases to 30c per dollar.

Siblings matter: If you have siblings in the parental income test family pool, the threshold increases by approximately $6,810 per additional child in the pool.

The parental income test and personal income test are applied separately. Your payment is the lower of the two results.

Independence Criteria

You are currently assessed as dependent. You can become independent if you meet any 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

Compared to JobSeeker

At age 22, you transition from Youth Allowance to JobSeeker Payment. JobSeeker pays $762.70/fn (single, no children), which is significantly higher than the YA at-home rate of $415.50/fn. If you are close to 22, it may be worth knowing the higher rate is coming.

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)Student (Under 18)Student (18-24)Independent

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