More than a million Australians are set to receive a cash boost this week.
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, the youth disability pension, and the carer allowance. The changes will take effect from 1st of January 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 will also increase, along with the parental income test threshold for Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY.
About 680,000 people receiving the carer allowance will see their payments rise to $162.60 a fortnight. This increase is in addition to the carer supplement and other social security support that carers may be eligible for.
The full list of payment rates being indexed from 1st of January 2026, is available on the Department of Social Services website.
“Thanks to indexation, more than one million Aussies balancing study or caring responsibilities will receive a boost to their payments,” Minister Plibersek said.
