Centrelink Youth Allowance 2025 – Students to Receive a $16.20 Payment Increase
Centrelink will increase Youth Allowance by $16.20 per fortnight for eligible students, apprentices and young job seekers from late 2025. The uplift helps recipients cope with rising living costs and supports participation in education, training and work.
What is Youth Allowance in 2025?
Youth Allowance provides income support to full‑time students, Australian apprentices and some young job seekers (typically aged 16–24). Payments are taxable and are assessed based on age, living situation, and income/assets (including parental income tests for dependent recipients).
Details of the $16.20 increase
The rate increase is applied automatically to existing recipients from around October–November 2025 — no re‑application is required. Indicative maximum fortnightly rates (after the increase) include:
| Category | Fortnightly payment (Nov 2025) |
|---|---|
| Single, under 18, living at home | $410.30 |
| Single, 18+, living at home | $472.50 |
| Single, living away from home | $663.30 |
| Increase applied | $16.20 per fortnight |
Eligibility and reporting
- Age: generally 16–24 (and under 25 for some circumstances).
- Residency: Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Activity: enrolled in approved full‑time study or apprenticeship, or meeting job seeker requirements.
- Means tests: income and assets (and parental income for dependents) affect payment amounts.
- Reporting: recipients must report fortnightly income and any changes of circumstance via myGov/Centrelink to keep payments correct.
Impact of the increase
The $16.20 boost helps young Australians cover essentials such as rent, food, transport and study costs. The increase is part of wider indexation and targeted support measures announced in 2025.
Summary: Youth Allowance at a glance
| Item | Details (Nov 2025) |
|---|---|
| Increase amount | $16.20 per fortnight |
| Typical fortnightly rates | $410.30–$663.30 depending on age and living situation |
| Effective | Late 2025 (around Oct–Nov) |
| Action required | None — increase applied automatically; keep myGov details up to date |
FAQs
1. Who benefits from the Youth Allowance increase?
Eligible students, apprentices and young job seekers aged 16–24 (and under 25 in some cases) who meet residency and means‑test requirements.
2. Do I need to apply again to receive the increase?
No. Services Australia applies the increase automatically to existing recipients. Ensure your myGov/Centrelink details are current so you receive the correct payment.
3. How often must I report income?
Report income (and changes in circumstances) every fortnight via myGov/Centrelink to ensure payments are accurate and to avoid overpayments.
Final notes
The Youth Allowance increase of $16.20 from late 2025 is designed to give young Australians greater financial support while studying or training. If in doubt about your eligibility or payment rate, check your myGov account or contact Services Australia.
