Student couple - both eligible

Where 2 students are considered a couple for Student Allowance and they are both eligible, they both need to submit an application to determine their eligibility and entitlement to a Student Allowance.

If one student chooses not to apply, receive or applies late for the Student Allowance they are eligible for, the other student is still assessed at a 'both eligible' rate of Student Allowance. This is because a 'both eligible' rate correctly reflects their circumstances and therefore the rate payable.

The rate of Student Allowance payable due to one student choosing not to apply or receive a Student Allowance or applying late for a Student Allowance needs to be made clear to the couple.

For student couples where both students are eligible for and receive a Student Allowance, the following apply:

• each eligible student may earn personal income up to $284.70 gross per week (as at 1 April 2026). In any week this is exceeded, abatement will occur
• if the couple's total combined income is more than $569.40 but less than $1,185.75 gross per week (as at 1 April 2026), each eligible student is paid the applicable rate
• in any week that the couple's total combined income is $1,185.75 gross or more per week (as at 1 April 2026), there is no entitlement to Student Allowance

The personal income abatement reduces the gross weekly rate of Student Allowance by the equivalent amount received by the eligible student over $284.70 gross per week (as at 1 April 2026) until entitlement is nil.

Example if a student gets $290.00 gross per week, their gross Student Allowance will reduce by $5.30 (as at 1 April 2026).

If 2 students who are considered to be a couple for Student Allowance purposes are living apart while studying (but who are not separated), each will be eligible for an Accommodation Benefit at the rate applicable to the area where each is living.

Both partners are required to advise of any income they receive that would affect any entitlement to a Student Allowance.

The 'both eligible' rates are payable to both partners if they are both entitled.

The combined net amount is equal to the net rate payable where only one partner is a student. This payment rate reflects that the couple has committed to full-time study and therefore, they have a limited earning capacity.

Where only one student is entitled and therefore receives payment, the rate reflects the fact that both eligibility and entitlement need to be determined in order to pay the correct rate to a student.