Student couple earning not more than $569.40 per week

When 2 people are considered a couple for Student Allowance purposes and one of them is:

• not a student themselves or
• is a student enrolled in half or less than half of a full-time course and
• their combined income not more than $569.40 gross per week (as at 1 April 2026)

The student will receive Student Allowance paid at the applicable rate and an Accommodation Benefit.

The partner may be eligible for an Accommodation Supplement payable as a non-beneficiary.

The 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.

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

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

The partner does not have to live with the student to be considered a partner.

Both the student and their partner are required to advise of any income they get that would affect any entitlement to Student Allowance.