Youth Allowance: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if you qualify for Youth Allowance to help cover your living and study costs while you study or look for work.
Youth Allowance is a fortnightly payment designed to help you manage the financial pressures of living and studying.
Who it's for
This scheme is available to two specific groups of people. If you are a student, you must be between the ages of 16 and 24 to qualify. If you are currently looking for work rather than studying, you must be between the ages of 16 and 21 to be eligible for this support.
What you get
When you are approved, you receive a payment every fortnight. This money is intended to help you cover your essential daily living costs and the various expenses that come with being a student, such as books or course materials.
What it costs you
While there is no direct fee to apply, your eligibility depends heavily on a strict parental income test. This means the government will look at how much your parents earn to determine if you are eligible for the payment and how much you might receive.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand is how "independent" status works. It is very difficult to be officially recognized as an independent person under this scheme before you reach the age of 22. Because of this, most younger applicants will be assessed based on their parents' financial situation rather than their own.
How to apply
- Prepare your personal identification and details regarding your current study or job-seeking status.
- Collect the necessary financial information regarding your parents' income to satisfy the income test.
- Submit your application through the official government portal.