Income test

Young people can earn up to $284.70 gross per week before it will affect their benefit.

Income is charged weekly as it is earned and at the following rates:

For a single client:

• $1.00 is taken from the benefit for each $1.00 of income over $284.70 (before tax) a week until they earn $334.70 (as at 1 April 2026)

For clients who are married, in a civil union or de facto relationship and both are getting Youth Payment then the rate is:

• 50 cents is taken from each of their benefits for each $1.00 of the combined income of the young person and their partner over $284.70 (before tax) a week until they earn $384.70 (as at 1 April 2026)

For a client who is married, in a civil union or in a de facto relationship where their partner is not getting Youth Payment then the rate is:

• $1.00 is taken from the benefit for each $1.00 of combined income of the client and their partner over $284.70 (before tax) a week until they earn $384.70 (as at 1 April 2026)