The Australian government in October 2025 raised payments of Youth Allowance and this will offer much needed financial assistance to students, apprentices, job seekers between the ages of 16 and 24. The new maximum amount of payment is 1,011.50 per fortnight with another 16.20 Energy Supplement given to eligible recipients. The aim of this increase is to enable young Australians to manage the increase in the cost of living in terms of rent, food, transport and utilities.
Who Is Eligible?
– Students who are at full-time education institutions.
– Apprentices that are pursuing recognized programs of apprenticeship.
– Those who are seeking employment and still making efforts to do so or are completing approved requirements of an activity.
– The applicants have to satisfy income and asset tests, and the residency requirements.
How to Claim
– Applications should be done through the portal Centrelink myGov.
– Documents of enrollment or training are obligatory.
– The recipients who are already in place will receive the increased payment automatically without having to reapply.
– The payments are received after every two weeks through direct deposit.
What the Payment Covers
The Youth Allowance is that which helps with the basic costs of living to enable young people to study or to find employment. Rent assistance and relocation loans may be added as a supplement to it, to individuals residing outside the home.
Table of Payments Breakdown (Fortnightly Payments as of October 2025)
| Recipient Type | Base Payment ($) | Energy Supplement ($) | Total Payment ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single student/apprentice/job seeker | 1,011.50 | 16.20 | 1,027.70 |
| Single no children, living at home | 410.30 | 0 | 410.30 |
| Single no children, living away | 663.30 | 0 | 663.30 |
| Single with children | 836.60 | 0 | 836.60 |
| Couple, no children | 663.30 | 0 | 663.30 |
| Couple with children | 718.10 | 0 | 718.10 |
FAQs
Q1: Should I reclaim the higher Youth Allowance?
No, the automatic receipt of the updated payment will be given to eligible recipients.
Q2: Youth Allowance may be used in combination with other payments, either with or without the latter.
Yes there might be Rent Assistance and other supplements, which might be applied depending on the circumstances.
Q3: How often are payments made?
The payment is made on a biweekly basis through direct deposit.
