As of 2025, Youth Allowance provides a maximum payment of approximately $354 per fortnight, granted to eligible young Australians undertaking study, traineeships, or employment. Eligibility is mainly granted to individuals aged 16 to 24 who fulfil an educational or apprenticeship, residence, and income/assets thresholds. Payments are released based on the lodgement of the claim and the academic calendars.
Who’s Eligible for Youth Allowance in 2025?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Age & Status Requirements | – 18 to 24 years old enrolled in full-time study – 16 to 24 years old in full-time Australian Apprenticeship – 16 to 17 years old and independent, living away to study or holding Year 12/equivalent |
| Maximum Payment (18+) | $472.50 fortnightly |
| Maximum Payment (Students Living Away) | $663.30 fortnightly |
The Youth Allowance figure of $354 could be interpreted as a standard or a modified payment that has undergone a review of a certain income and assets test, perhaps a simplified scenario, or a universal payment. However, actual payments will vary due to individual circumstances and the adjustments by Services Australia.
When Will You Be Paid Youth Allowance?
Payments usually begin on the date the claim is submitted or the date of the course if the claim is submitted preemptively without a waiting period. Youth Allowance payments commence on a fortnightly basis after the initial payment. Term students on break resetting the clock are considered early returners. Continuing students, however, will begin payments after the claim date, provided all conditions are met. For those claiming during the late year, payments, submitted in November or December, will start on the 1st of January the following year.
Claiming Procedures
Claiming can be done through the Centrelink and myGov accounts. Users without a myGov account will need to create one first. For those unable to claim online, a telephone option is also available. To initiate payment, some documents along with a detailed study plan need to be processed. To summarize, the Youth Allowance, in the year 2025, assist eligible young Australians seeking to study or undertake an apprenticeship with payments issued approximately every two weeks, depending on individual circumstances, and pegged at a maximum of $354 at the mid-range.
