Centrelink Youth Allowance for Students and Australian Apprentices

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What is Centrelink Youth Allowance?

The centrelink Youth Allowance is a regular payment from Centrelink (part of Services Australia) that helps young Australians who are studying, training, or starting out in the workforce. It’s designed to ease financial pressure while you complete a full-time course or Australian Apprenticeship, or in some cases, while you look for work.

Youth Allowance is available for people aged 16 to 24 who meet the Australian residence rules and who are studying full-time, doing a full-time apprenticeship or traineeship, or are temporarily unable to work or study for an approved reason. If you’re 25 or older, you may instead qualify for Austudy.

This payment helps with day to day living expenses, rent, and study costs so young people can stay focused on their future goals rather than financial stress.

Financial support for young students and apprentices

The Centrelink Youth Allowance provides ongoing fortnightly financial support to eligible students and apprentices. How much you receive depends on your age, whether you live at home or away, your income and assets, and if you’re under 22, your parents’ or guardians’ income.

In most cases, the payment starts from a base rate and may increase if you live away from home, have children, or qualify for additional assistance such as Rent Assistance or the Energy Supplement.

If you’re doing an Australian Apprenticeship or traineeship, the Youth Allowance helps cover the cost of travel, tools, and essential training expenses so you can concentrate on learning your trade.

Key features and benefits

• Regular fortnightly payments: Provides a steady income while studying or training full-time.
• Support for both students and apprentices: Applies to university, TAFE, secondary school students, and registered apprentices or trainees.
• Living-away-from-home rate: Higher payment if you need to move away from your family to study or work.
• Extra help available: Eligible recipients may also get Rent Assistance, Fares Allowance, or a one-off advance payment.
• Flexible options: Payments can continue for short study breaks or approved travel, and you can update your circumstances anytime through myGov.

The Youth Allowance is more than just a payment, it’s a support system that helps young Australians build skills, complete education, and move confidently toward employment and independence.

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Who Can Get It?

The payment known as the Youth Allowance (for students and Australian Apprentices) through Services Australia and Centrelink is designed to help young people who are studying or working in apprenticeships. Below is a breakdown of who qualifies and what rules apply, written in plain language with the latest official information.

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify for Centrelink Youth Allowance if you meet all of the following conditions:

• You are studying full time or doing a full-time Australian Apprenticeship.
• You live in Australia and meet the residency rules.
• You pass the income and assets tests.
• You fit the age and study requirements for students or apprentices.

In general, you can get Youth Allowance if you are:

• 18 to 24 years old and studying full time, or
• 16 to 24 years old and doing a full-time Australian Apprenticeship, or
• 16 to 17 years old, studying full time and either independent or needing to live away from home to study, or
• 16 to 17 years old and have completed Year 12 or an equivalent qualification.

Students Who Can’t Study Full Time

Normally, Youth Allowance is for people studying or training full time, but some exceptions apply.
If you can’t maintain a full study load because of illness, disability, or another approved reason, you may still qualify. You’ll need to provide supporting evidence such as a medical certificate and get approval to continue receiving payments while studying part time.

Your education provider must confirm your reduced load, and Centrelink will assess your case individually. The key point is that you must remain enrolled and progressing in your course to keep your payments active.

Age and Study Requirements

Age and study level play a major role in eligibility:

• Students aged 18 to 24 can usually receive Youth Allowance if enrolled full time in an approved course.
• Apprentices and trainees aged 16 to 24 can qualify while working and training full time.
• Students aged 16 or 17 may qualify if they’ve completed Year 12, are independent, or must live away from home to study.
• If you turn 25 while already receiving Youth Allowance, you may keep getting it until your course or apprenticeship ends.

If you are 25 or older and starting a new course, you’ll usually apply for Austudy instead.

Residency and Enrollment Rules

To receive Youth Allowance, you must meet both residency and enrollment conditions.

• Residency: You need to be living in Australia and considered an Australian resident for social security purposes. This includes citizens and most permanent residents who meet the residency period rules.
• Enrolment: You must be enrolled in an approved education or training course or registered as a full-time Australian Apprentice.
• Online or distance study: You can still qualify if your course is officially approved and your study load is full time.

Maintaining your enrolment and updating Centrelink if your study situation changes is essential to keep your payments going.

Youth Allowance Eligibility Criteria (2025 Update)

To qualify for the Centrelink Youth Allowance, students and apprentices must meet specific age, study, and residency requirements. Below is the official breakdown as per Services Australia’s October 2025 updates.

🎓 Age Requirement

You must be between 16 and 24 years old and either studying full-time, completing an Australian apprenticeship, or training for employment.

📚 Study or Apprenticeship

You must be enrolled in an approved course or apprenticeship that is full-time and recognised by Services Australia.

🧭 Residency

You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder and normally live in Australia during your study or training.

💰 Parental Income Test

If you’re dependent, your parents’ or guardians’ income is assessed to determine how much Youth Allowance you can receive.

📈 Personal Income & Assets

You must meet the latest Centrelink income and assets limits, which are reviewed annually by Services Australia.

⚖️ Students Who Can’t Study Full-Time

If you cannot study full-time due to medical or exceptional circumstances, you may still qualify with special approval from Centrelink.

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Income and Asset Tests

The amount you receive through the Youth Allowance (for students and apprentices) doesn’t just depend on your age and enrolment. It also depends on how much you, and if you’re dependent, how much your parents/guardians, earn or own. Services Australia uses income and assets tests to ensure the payment is targeted to those who genuinely need financial support.

1: What are income and asset tests

Income and asset tests are rules that check how much money (income) and wealth (assets) you or your family have.

• Income test: Looks at your earnings (for example, from casual or part-time work), and if you’re dependent, your parents’ income may also be considered. If your income goes above a certain threshold, your Youth Allowance payment will be reduced.
• Assets test: Reviews the value of things you own (such as cash savings, investments, vehicles) that are counted under the test. If your assets are too high, you may get a reduced rate or be ineligible.
  The payment rate is determined by whichever test gives the lower payment for your situation.

2: Parental means test and income rules

If you’re under 22 years old and classified as a dependent student/apprentice, Services Australia will apply a parental means test. This means your parents’ or guardians’ taxable income (and in some cases other income-like fringe benefits) is assessed to determine how much Youth Allowance you are eligible for.
For example: for the 2025 assessment, parental income from the 2023-24 tax year is used. The rate starts to reduce once their combined income goes above the “income free area”.
Also, the test uses a concept called a family pool, which aggregates dependent children and other relevant persons in the household for assessment of the parental income test.

3: How your parents’ or guardians’ income affects your payment

Here’s how it works:

• If your parents’ or guardians’ combined taxable income is below the income free area (for example about $65,189 in the 2023-24 tax year), then their income doesn’t reduce your Youth Allowance.
• If their income is above that threshold, then your payment may be reduced by a set rate (for instance 20 c for each dollar over the threshold) until the payment is fully phased out for your family situation.
• The higher the parental income, the lower your Youth Allowance until it may reach zero.
• Your parents’ assets are not used in the parental means test for Youth Allowance (though they may be relevant in other payments).
• If your family pool includes siblings or other dependent children, that may increase or change what you get, because available income is shared across the pool.

4: Maintenance income test

In addition to the regular parental income assessment, there is a maintenance income test that may apply if your parents or guardians receive child support or maintenance payments for you.

• Child support or other maintenance payments received by the parent/guardian may count towards their parental income when calculating your Youth Allowance rate.
• However, there is a defined “maintenance income free area” so that some of this maintenance is not counted before your payment begins to reduce.
• If your parents’ maintenance income or child support payments change, you must report this so Services Australia can reassess your rate.

Income free areas and family pool rules

• The income free area is the level of parental/guardian taxable income you can have without your Youth Allowance being reduced under the parental income test.
• For example: in the 2023-24 tax year the free area was about $65,189.
• Once combined parental income is above that amount, reduction begins at a defined rate (e.g., 20 c per dollar).
• The family pool concept means that if your parents have more than one dependent child (e.g., you and a sibling both under the Youth Allowance scheme etc.), then the parental income and its effect is shared across those children in that pool. This means your Youth Allowance rate may differ depending on how many other dependents the parents have and the total income.
• The family pool rules mean it’s important to keep Services Australia informed of siblings, changes in your dependency status, and parental income each year.

When income or maintenance income changes

• Your Youth Allowance rate may change if your own income, or your parents’/guardians’ income or maintenance payments change.
• Services Australia reassesses parental income every year, usually using the tax year that ended the previous year (for example, 2023-24 income for 2025 payments).
• If a parent’s income drops significantly, Services Australia may use the more recent year if it’s likely the lower income will continue.
• It is your responsibility (or your parents’) to report any changes as soon as possible, for example: a change of job, a bonus, new child support payments or ending one. Failure to report can result in over payments, debts or cancellation of your Youth Allowance.
• If your income (or your parents’/guardians’) goes up, your Youth Allowance will reduce accordingly; if it goes down, you may become eligible for a higher rate again (subject to the annual review).

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Payment Rates and What You Can Get

How Much Youth Allowance You Can Receive

For eligible students and apprentices, the Services Australia publishes maximum fortnightly payment rates that apply from 1 January 2025. These are the top amounts you could receive before income and asset tests reduce them. Examples:

• Single, no children, under 18 & living at home: $410.30 per fortnight.
• Single, no children, under 18 & living away from home for study: $663.30 per fortnight.
• Single, no children, 18 or older, living at home: $472.50 per fortnight.
• Single, no children, 18 or older & living away from home: $663.30 per fortnight.
• Single, with children: $836.60 per fortnight.
• A couple with no children: $663.30 each per fortnight (i.e., same rate as single away from home).
  These are maximums; how much you actually receive depends on your personal outcome of tests and circumstances.

Factors that Affect Your Rate (age, living situation, study load)

Several factors affect how much of the Youth Allowance you actually get:

• Age: Your exact age puts you into different rate bands (e.g., under 18, 18+).
• Living situation: If you live with your parents or at home, your rate is lower; if you must live away from home for study/training, the higher “away-from-home” rate may apply.
• Study load and status: Being a full-time student or in a full-time apprenticeship is required for the top rate. If you reduce study load or shift to part-time (unless approved due to special circumstances) your payment may drop.
• Dependents and relationship status: If you have children or a partner, different rates apply. The presence of dependents increases the maximum rate.
• Income and assets: Your personal work earnings, asset holdings, and if dependent, parental income, will reduce your payment through the relevant tests.
  So while the table above gives “maximums”, in practice the rate you get will reflect your specific situation.

Additional Payments and Supplements

In addition to the core Youth Allowance payment, you may qualify for additional supplements or allowances depending on your circumstances. These help with specific costs. Key ones include:

Fares Allowance

This is travel-support help if you need to live away from home to study, train or take up an apprenticeship, especially if you move away from your family home. It helps cover the cost of travel (public transport or fuel) where the distance is considerable.

Rent Assistance

If you receive Youth Allowance and you pay rent in privately rented accommodation, you may also get Rent Assistance. This is not automatic for all Youth Allowance recipients, you must qualify for the assistance by meeting the rent and tenancy eligibility rules.

Pensioner Education Supplement

While this is more commonly for students already receiving certain income-support payments, the PES may be relevant if your situation overlaps with other payments and you’re studying. It helps with study-related costs.

Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC)

If you live in a remote or isolated area and must live away from home to attend an approved course or school, the AIC scheme may apply. It supports the additional living/transport costs of living away from home due to remoteness.

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A

If you are a dependent student (under 24, full-time), your family may still be eligible for FTB Part A. While this isn’t directly part of your Youth Allowance payment, it interacts: family income and dependent status matter for both Youth Allowance and FTB. So awareness of /FTB is helpful for the holistic financial situation.

How to Claim Youth Allowance?

Step 1 – Get ready to apply

Before starting your claim, make sure you have everything prepared:

• Check that you meet all the eligibility rules, including age, study or apprenticeship status, and residency.
• Gather your Tax File Number, bank account details, and proof of identity (such as passport or driver’s licence).
• Prepare your enrolment confirmation or apprenticeship agreement showing you’re studying or training full-time.
• If you’re dependent, you’ll need details about your parents’ or guardians’ income.
• You can lodge your claim up to 13 weeks before your course or apprenticeship begins, doing it early helps avoid delays.

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Step 2 – Make your application

If you can apply online

• Sign in to your myGov account and make sure it’s linked to Centrelink.
• Select “Make a claim”, then choose Youth Allowance for students and Australian apprentices.
• Complete the claim form carefully and upload your required documents.
• When finished, you’ll receive a claim reference number and can track its progress online.

If you don’t have a myGov account

• Go to my.gov.au and create a new myGov account using a valid email address.
• Link your new account to Centrelink using your Customer Reference Number (CRN) or by verifying your identity online.
• Once linked, you can start your claim digitally from your myGov dashboard.

If you can’t apply online

• If you don’t have reliable internet access or can’t use myGov, you can call the Youth and Students line or visit a Service Centre in person.
• Bring all your required documents (identity, study confirmation, and income details).

Step 3 – After you apply

Waiting for your claim to be processed

• Once your claim is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation receipt or reference number.
• Centrelink will review your information and may contact you for additional details or documents.
• When your claim is approved, you’ll get a letter or message confirming your payment start date and amount.

Check other things online

• Keep a record of your submissions and messages for future reference.
• You can log in to your Centrelink account via myGov to:
• Upload more documents
• Report any income or study changes
• Check payment dates and claim status
• Always update your details promptly if your living situation, income, or study load changes.

Advance and Special Payments

What an advance payment is

An advance payment is a short-term, early access to part of your future Youth Allowance payment. In effect, you receive a lump sum sooner than the normal payment schedule, and then that amount is repaid automatically from your fortnightly Youth Allowance payments over the following weeks. It’s designed to help you cover an unexpected cost (for example: moving house, paying bond or upfront study-related costs) when you already meet the Youth Allowance eligibility and need a cash boost before your regular payments begin or continue.

Who can apply

You can apply for an advance payment if you are already receiving Youth Allowance for students/apprentices, or you’ve been approved for it and meet the “regular payment” requirements. In general:

• You must have been receiving the payment (or be approved) for a minimum period (often 3 months) before the advance is granted.
• You must not owe a repayment of a previous advance that is still outstanding that would prevent a new one.
• You must be able to repay the advance from your future Youth Allowance payments without causing undue financial hardship.
• You may make a new application when you have a genuine urgent financial need and the purpose of the advance is acceptable to the payment authority.

When you’re not eligible

You will not be eligible for an advance payment if:

• You are not yet approved for Youth Allowance or you haven’t been receiving it for the required period.
• You already have an outstanding advance debt that has not been repaid.
• Your circumstances indicate you cannot repay the advance through your future Youth Allowance payments (e.g., payment will end soon or you will cease to meet eligibility).
• The reason for the advance is not considered allowable (for example: covering non-essential luxury costs may be disallowed).

Special Employment Advance

A Special Employment Advance is a type of advance tailored for youth allowance recipients who are making the transition into paid work. If you are preparing to accept an employment offer (after having been supported by Youth Allowance) and face upfront costs (for example tools, work-clothing, relocation costs) you may qualify for this type of advance. Repayments occur once you are in paid employment and still receiving Youth Allowance or another income support payment.

Mobility Allowance Advance

The Mobility Allowance Advance is designed for eligible recipients who have a disability or specific support need and require upward-front costs associated with travel or transport related to work or study. If you’re on Youth Allowance (students/apprentices) and meet the mobility requirements, you can apply for this specialized advance to help with transport or relocation expenses. Again, repayment is made via deductions from your ongoing Youth Allowance or related payment.

Farm Household Allowance

The Farm Household Allowance is a separate government payment that supports farming families in financial hardship it is not strictly part of the Youth Allowance payment scheme, but it intersects with youth payment provisions in some rural or remote contexts. In certain cases, young people supporting farm households or living in rural areas may need to consider how Farm Household Allowance affects or interacts with Youth Allowance eligibility. Be aware: if you receive Farm Household Allowance you may not be eligible for certain youth payment advances or the regular Youth Allowance in the same way.

Repayments and Financial Obligations

How to pay the money back

If you receive an advance payment or special payment under the Youth Allowance system, you have obligations to repay the money. Repayments are normally handled automatically, but you still need to understand the schedule, what happens if your payment stops, and what to do if you face hardship.

Repayment amount and schedule

When you receive an advance (for example a lump sum early access to part of your Youth Allowance), the amount will be repaid over a set number of future payments. The repayment is deducted from your ongoing fortnightly Youth Allowance payments until the advance is cleared. The exact number of deductions depends on how large the advance amount is and your payment rate.

If you’re already repaying an advance

If you are already repaying a previous advance (or debt repayment) then you won’t generally be eligible to receive another advance until your outstanding debt is repaid or arrangements are in place. Making consistent repayments helps keep you in good standing for any future requests.

If you stop getting a payment

If you cease to receive Youth Allowance, for example you finish your course, stop studying full-time, or no longer meet eligibility rules, you must still deal with any outstanding repayment obligations. If you stop getting the regular payment but owe money, you’ll need to contact Services Australia to arrange direct repayment or reconsider your repayment plan.

If you can’t pay

If you find yourself unable to make repayments (for example your Youth Allowance is reduced, you lose eligibility, or your financial situation changes), you should contact Services Australia as soon as possible. They may provide options such as revised repayment arrangements, temporary relief, or other hardship assistance. Don’t leave it unaddressed, unpaid debt can accumulate and affect future payments or your entitlements.

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Help and Support

Contacting Centrelink or the Youth and Students Line

If you need help with your claim, payment, changes in your circumstances or repayment obligations, you can contact the Centrelink “Youth & Students” line by phone or visit a local Service Centre. Having your Customer Reference Number (CRN), tax file number, and relevant documentation handy will speed up assistance.

Help in your language

Services Australia offers interpreter support and multilingual assistance for non-English speakers. If English isn’t your first language, you can ask for translators when you call or visit, and you can access fact sheets and guides in many languages.

Assistance tools and resources

There are a number of tools and self-service resources to support you:

• Online portals via myGov where you can lodge claims, upload documents, track your payment, and update your circumstances.
• Payment Estimators or “Payment Finder” tools to check likely Youth Allowance rates.
• Fact sheets, how-to guides, FAQs available online or in print.
• Support for students/apprentices with disabilities or caring responsibilities.

How to provide feedback

You have the right to provide feedback, compliments or complaints about the service you receive. This can be done through the Services Australia website, by phone, or in person at a Service Centre. Your input helps improve the support available to students and apprentices.

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Translations and Additional Information

Travel outside Australia

If you are receiving Youth Allowance and plan to travel or live outside Australia for a period, you must notify Services Australia in advance. Your payment may stop if you leave the country unless you’re travelling for an approved reason (such as continuing overseas study that counts towards your Australian course, medical treatment or family emergency). Short-term travel may be allowed under certain conditions, but if you leave permanently your Youth Allowance entitlement generally ends.

Information in other languages

The information and guides about Youth Allowance are available in many languages to support Australia’s multicultural population. You can access translated fact sheets, online pages and interpreter services to ensure you understand your rights, obligations and how to apply.

FAQs: Centrelink Youth Allowance Australia

Disclaimer

The information on AssistInfoAU.com is provided for general guidance and educational purposes only. We make every effort to keep content accurate and up to date, but payment rates, eligibility rules and thresholds may change at any time. For official, current information please visit Services Australia or obtain printed fact sheets from your nearest Service Centre. Always check the publication or last-updated date of any article before relying on the details provided.