Once you’ve lived with your partner for 12 months we’ll consider you independent. Their income may then affect your payment. If you’re already independent for another reason, we’ll consider your partner’s income from when you start living together.
There’s a maximum amount your partner can earn before we start to reduce your payment. This amount will depend on their circumstances. We reduce your payment by 60 cents for each dollar your partner earns over this amount.
Use our Payment Finder to find out how much you could get. It will be an estimate only and depends on you entering accurate information. You’ll need to enter your and your partner’s income along with other details.
If you’re dependent, we won’t assess your partner’s income.
You can call us on the Youth and Students line to talk about your situation.
Contact numbers available on this page.
Youth and students line
Use this line for help with payments for students and trainees of any age, and job seekers under 22.
There are other ways you may want to contact us.