Youth Allowance (job seekers) income test 2026
How much you can earn before Youth Allowance (job seekers) reduces, and how fast it tapers above the free area.
| Fortnightly income | Effect on your payment |
|---|---|
| Up to $150 | No reduction (this is the income free area) |
| $150 to $250 | Reduces by 50c for each dollar over $150 |
| $250 and above | Reduces by 60c for each dollar over $250 |
Source: Services Australia, A guide to Australian Government payments (CO029), 1 July 2026 edition — Personal income test for Youth Allowance job seekers
| Situation | Payment reduces to nil at |
|---|---|
| Single, under 18, at home | $871.34 /fortnight |
| Single, 18 and over, at home | $978.34 /fortnight |
| Single or partnered, away from home | $1,307 /fortnight |
| Partnered, with dependants | $1,401.50 /fortnight |
| Single, with dependants | $1,605.67 /fortnight |
| Single, principal carer, exempt from the activity test | $1,943.84 /fortnight |
| Situation | Partner income free area |
|---|---|
| Partner aged between 22 and Age Pension age | $1,415 /fortnight |
| Partner aged under 22, no children | $1,307 /fortnight |
| Partner aged under 22, with children | $1,402 /fortnight |
Youth Allowance has a personal income free area. You can earn up to that amount each fortnight before your payment reduces. Above the free area, your payment reduces in steps, with a higher taper once your income passes the upper threshold. The exact figures are in the income test table on this page.
If you are under 22 and dependent, a parental means test also applies. Your parents' combined income above a yearly threshold reduces your payment. Both your own income and your parents' income can reduce the same payment.
If you have a partner, their income above the partner income free area can reduce your payment as well. The partner free area is higher if your partner is 22 or over.
More on Youth Allowance (job seekers)
- Youth Allowance (job seekers) overviewRate, tests and calculator
- Full rate tableEvery variant
- CalculatorEstimate your payment
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.