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We update these rates at different times each year.
If you are single, a job seeker, principal carer or exempt from mutual obligation, we will update your rates on 20 March and 20 September.
In all other circumstances, we will update your rates on 1 January.
Payment rates
The table is a guide only.
| Your circumstances | Your maximum fortnightly payment |
|---|---|
| Single, no children, younger than 18, and live at your parent’s home | $332.90 |
| Single, no children, younger than 18, living away from your parent’s home to study, train or look for work | $562.80 |
| Single, no children, 18 or older and live at your parent’s home | $389.40 |
| Single, no children, 18 or older and need to live away from your parent’s home | $562.80 |
| Single, with children | $720.40 |
| A couple, with no children | $562.80 |
| A couple, with children | $612.60 |
When you apply for a payment you and your partner will need to provide income and assets details. This will affect how much you can get. If you’re dependent, the parental means test will apply. If your parents or guardians earn too much, you won’t be able to get a payment.
Use our Payment and Service Finder to find out how much you could get. It will be an estimate only and depends on you entering accurate information. You’ll need to enter your partner’s or your parents’ or guardians’ income along with other details. This will include your income details.
If you’re younger than 18 and dependent, your parent or guardian will usually get the payment.
Other rates
Different rates may apply if you’re 22 or older and get an income support payment. You need to have been getting the payment for at least 26 of the last 39 weeks. You also need to have been getting the payment before you started your course or Australian Apprenticeship. You must not have a dependent child. You must also meet one of the following conditions:
- you’re studying a course which will last at least 12 months
- you became an Australian Apprentice after turning 22.
Different rates may also apply if all of the following apply:
- you’re 22 or older
- you don’t have a dependent child
- English is not your first language
- you’re studying an English language course.
| Your circumstances | Your maximum fortnightly payment |
|---|---|
| Single and live at your parent’s home | $465.20 |
| Single and need to live away from home | $671.90 |
| A couple, with no children | $612.60 |
Payment reviews
Sometimes we review your payment.
The amount you get may change if your or a family member’s circumstances change.
If you’re a dependant, we’ll ask for details of your parents’ or guardians’ taxable income in September or October each year.
If you’re a student, we’ll ask for details about your future study intentions. We’ll ask you 4 weeks before your course finishes. You can tell us using your Centrelink online account through myGov or the Express Plus mobile app.