How much is Youth Allowance for with children?

Youth Allowance for with children is $668.40/fortnight (single with child) or $604.50/fortnight (partnered with child) (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 with children?

To be eligible for Youth Allowance as with children, you need to: Australian resident or eligible visa holder; Aged 16-24 and studying full-time, OR 16-21 and looking for work; Have at least one dependent child in your care. The parental income test does not apply to you.

How much can I earn on Youth Allowance with children?

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 With Children — How Much & Am I Eligible?

You are a young parent with dependent children, studying or looking for work. Current rates as of March 2026.

Your Payment Rate

$668.40/fortnight (single with child) or $604.50/fortnight (partnered with child)

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

Max Rate

$668.40

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
✓Have at least one dependent child in your care
✓Automatically considered independent (exempt from parental income 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$668.40

Reduction from $600/fn income- $61.30

You receive$607.10

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:

•Having a dependent child automatically makes you independent for Youth Allowance purposes

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.

Compared to JobSeeker

Single parents over 22 may be better off on Parenting Payment Single ($987.70/fn), which has a higher rate and more generous income test. Check if you qualify.

Get a personalised estimate with your exact details

Youth Allowance Calculator

Other Youth Allowance Situations

At Home, Single Away From Home, Single With Partner 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.