More than a million Australians will receive a cash boost in less than a month.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek announced that following a new round of indexation, social security payments will increase for recipients of Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, Youth Disability Pension, and Carer Allowance.
The changes will take effect from January 1, 2026.
A single adult living away from home with no dependents who receives Youth Allowance will see their maximum fortnightly payment rise to $684.20.
Income thresholds for student payments, as well as the parental income test thresholds for Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY, will also increase.
Around 680,000 people receiving the Carer Allowance will see their payments increase to $162.60 per fortnight, in addition to carer supplement payments and other social security support.
Minister Plibersek said, “Thanks to indexation, more than one million Aussies balancing study or caring responsibilities will receive a boost to their payments.”
The full list of payment rates being indexed on January 1, 2026, is available on the Department of Social Services website.
