The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

4.10.1.40 Historical student income dependency limits since 1975

Student dependency limits from 1975 to 1995

Secondary students, aged 16 or 17, are considered dependent if their income does not exceed the limits shown in dollars per annum in the following table. The limits are changed annually by ad hoc decision.

Year Living at home ($ p.a.) Living away from home ($ p.a.)
1975 1,600.00 2,200.00
1979 1,800.00 2,600.00
1983 2,500.00 3,600.00
1984 2,600.00 3,750.00
1985 2,820.00 4,080.00
1986 2,950.00 4,300.00
1987 3,000.00 4,750.00
1988 3,150.00 4,750.00
1989 3,400.00 5,100.00
1990 3,650.00 5,500.00
1991 3,900.00 5,900.00
1992 4,050.00 6,150.00
1993 4,100.00 6,200.00
1994 4,200.00 6,300.00
1995 6,073.60 6,500.00

Act reference: SSAct section 8(1)-'income'

Student dependency limits since 1996

The following table gives information relating to income limit per annum for dependent students aged 16 to 21.

Year Income limit ($ p.a.)
1996 6,691.00
1997 6,898.40
1998 6,919.10
1999 6,967.55
2000 7,044.20
2001 7,269.60
2002 7,706.20
2003 7,921.95
2004 8,135.85
2005 8,339.25
2006 8,547.75
2007 8,889.65
2008 9,076.30
2009 9,484.80
2010 9,627.05
2011 9,925.50
2012 10,282.80
2013 10,406.20
2014 10,655.95
2015 10,975.65
2016 11,140.30
2017 11,251.70
2018 11,465.50
2019 11,706.30
2020 11,893.60
2021 11,893.60
2022 12,309.90

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