How much is Youth Allowance (job seekers) in 2026?
Youth Allowance (job seekers) · Single, principal carer, exempt from the activity test
Basic rate per fortnight · $27,229.80 ≈ per year (×26 fortnights)
- Basic Rate
- $1,047.30
- Energy Supplement
- $12
- Pharmaceutical Allowance
- $7
- Total per fortnight
- $1,066.30
$1,066.30 total with Energy Supplement (paid automatically with this payment).
Effective 20 March 2026 · Source: DSS / Services Australia
The Youth Allowance rate for your situation is shown in the data block and table above, effective for the current year. It is paid every two weeks.
That figure is the maximum before any test reduces it. If you are under 22 and dependent, your parents' income can reduce it. If you earn your own income over the free area, that reduces it too. The next scheduled change for this payment is on 20 September 2026.
Youth Allowance (job seekers) rates in full
| Variant | Base rate | Supplements | Total /fortnight | ≈ per year (×26) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, principal carer, exempt from the activity test | $1,047.30 | $19 | $1,066.30 | $27,723.80 |
| Under 18, living at home | — | $418.90 | $418.90 | $10,891.40 |
| Under 18, living away from home | — | $677.20 | $677.20 | $17,607.20 |
| 18 or over, living away from home | — | $677.20 | $677.20 | $17,607.20 |
| 18 or over, living at home | — | $482.40 | $482.40 | $12,542.40 |
| Single, with children | — | $854.20 | $854.20 | $22,209.20 |
| Partnered, no children | — | $677.20 | $677.20 | $17,607.20 |
| Partnered, with children | — | $733.20 | $733.20 | $19,063.20 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — Youth Allowance — Single — Principal carer (exempt from the activity test) · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026 — Youth Allowance — Maximum basic rate
More on Youth Allowance (job seekers)
- Youth Allowance (job seekers) overviewRate, tests and calculator
- Full rate tableEvery variant
- CalculatorEstimate your payment
How much is Youth Allowance (job seekers): common questions
- How much is Youth Allowance for job seekers per fortnight?
- There is no single rate. It depends on your age, whether you live at home or away from home, and whether you have a partner or children. The table at the top of this page shows the maximum basic rate for each situation. Your own payment can be lower after the income test and, if you are under 22 and dependent, the parental means test.
- When does Youth Allowance go up next?
- Most Youth Allowance rates change once a year, on 1 January, though a small number of variants also move at the March and September indexation. The next scheduled change for this payment is on 20 September 2026. New rates are published just before each date, and this page updates to match.
- Does my parents' income affect my Youth Allowance?
- If you are under 22 and treated as dependent, yes. A parental means test reduces your payment once your parents' combined income passes a yearly threshold. If you are assessed as independent, the parental means test does not apply. See our parental means test page for how it works.
- How much can I earn before Youth Allowance reduces?
- You can earn up to the personal income free area each fortnight before your payment reduces. Above that, it reduces in steps, faster once you pass the upper threshold. The exact free area and cut-off are shown in the income test table on this page.
- Is Youth Allowance taxable?
- Yes, Youth Allowance is taxable income and is included in your tax return. Whether you actually pay tax depends on your total income for the year. Many young people on Youth Allowance earn under the tax-free threshold and pay no tax, but you should check your own situation with the Australian Taxation Office.
Estimates and general information only — not financial advice. Check Services Australia for your circumstances.
Rates current as of 20 March 2026. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 17 July 2026.