Alsey
Australia’s Youth Allowance for full-time students and jobseekers has been confirmed at $639 per fortnight for those living away from home in 2025.
Established by Services Australia, this support helps young Australians cover education and living costs. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Youth Allowance?
Youth Allowance is a taxable Centrelink payment for
- Students (16–24 years old, full-time study)
- Australian Apprentices
- Jobseekers (16–21 years old)
It supports young Australians with living expenses while they study, train, or look for work.
Who Qualifies for $639 Fortnightly?
To receive the top rate of $639 per fortnight, you must meet all of the following
- Age & circumstance
- 18+ living away from home for study/training
- 16–21 and staying away from home
- Residence: Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Income & assets: Must pass personal/parental income tests
- Study or job-seeking status: Full-time student, apprentice, or active jobseeker
- No dependent children (unless special rate applies)
Payment Amounts by Situation
From 1 January 2025, the maximum fortnightly rates are:
| Situation | Fortnightly Rate |
|---|---|
| Single, 18+, living at home | $472.50 |
| Single, need to live away (student/job) | $639.00 |
| Single with dependent children | $836.60 |
| Couple, no children | $639.00 |
| Couple with children | $718.10 |
Regions beyond age or living situation—like being <18, dependent, or an apprentice—have their own rates.
2025 Payment Increase
A $19.80 fortnightly increase was implemented in January 2025, boosting the away-from-home rate from $619.50 to $639.
Payment Schedule & Frequency
- Fortnightly payments, typically every two weeks
- Students (non-jobseekers): payments on 1 Jan 2025 rate
- Jobseekers: updated on 20 March & 20 September each year
Stay informed via myGov or the Centrelink app.
How to Apply or Update
New Applicants
- Log into myGov linked with Centrelink
- Select Youth Allowance under “Payments”
- Complete the online application
- Attach identity, study/job info, income data
- Submit and wait for notification
Existing Recipients
- Update any status changes (income, study, living) via myGov or app
- Report changes fortnightly as required
Why It Matters
- Essential living support for young Australians
- Helps make education and training accessible
- Adjustments account for living-away-from-home costs
- In line with inflation indexing, ensuring up-to-date support
Eligibility Snapshot
- Age: 16–24 (students/apprentices) or 16–21 (jobseekers)
- Full-time study/training or active job search
- Eligible residency and income/assets
- May require parental info if dependent
Australia’s $639 Youth Allowance supports young people living independently in 2025, with fair indexation. Ensure you meet eligibility, apply via myGov, and keep your records updated to receive payments on time. This vital support enables education and training amid rising living costs.
FAQs
1. Am I eligible if I’m working part-time?
Yes—if you remain a full-time student or active jobseeker and meet the income tests.
2. Does Youth Allowance affect other benefits?
It’s independent, but income or parental support may affect the amount via Centrelink income/asset tests.
3. How often do payment rates change?
Rates update on 1 January for students/apprentices and 20 March & 20 September for jobseekers each year.