Australia · Independent guide
Which government payment fits your situation?
Australian payments are grouped by life situation: looking for work, studying, raising children, caring, retirement and housing costs. Use the table to find the category, then read that payment's guide — each has its own income, assets and residence rules.
A short questionnaire that suggests which payments to read about. It does not calculate amounts.
1. Have you reached Age Pension age (67)?
2. Are you studying full-time?
3. Are you 25 or older?
4. Are you looking for work?
5. Do you care for dependent children?
6. Do you provide constant care to someone with a disability, illness or frailty?
7. Do you rent privately?
Answer every question to see the result.
Payments by situation
| Situation | Payment to check | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Looking for work, 22 to pension age | JobSeeker Payment | Mutual obligations apply |
| Student or job seeker 16–24 | Youth Allowance | Parental income test unless independent |
| Full-time student 25+ | Austudy | Own and partner's income tested |
| Principal carer of a young child | Parenting Payment | Child age limits differ single vs partnered |
| Raising children | Family Tax Benefit A and B | Family income tested |
| Caring full-time for someone | Carer Payment | Care needs assessed |
| Reached Age Pension age | Age Pension | Income and assets tests |
| Paying private rent | Rent Assistance | Added to another payment |