Youth Allowance (job seekers) rate table 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
Every Youth Allowance (job seekers) variant
| 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
The table below lists every Youth Allowance rate for job seekers. Rates are grouped by age band and living situation, because someone under 18 living with their parents needs less than someone 18 or over living away from home. There are also higher rates for people who have a partner or dependent children.
The rate shown is the maximum basic rate. Your actual payment can be lower once the income test, and for many young people the parental means test, is applied.
More on Youth Allowance (job seekers)
- Youth Allowance (job seekers) overviewRate, tests and calculator
- How much in 2026?The headline answer
- Income testHow earnings change it
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.