Aussie Pay Calc

HELP/HECS Student Loan Repayment Calculator

Find out your compulsory HELP repayment amount, see how long it will take to pay off your student loan, and explore how voluntary repayments or income changes affect your timeline.

Your Student Loan

$
$
$
%
%

Using 2026-27 marginal repayment rates (new system).

Repayment Summary

Annual Repayment

$821

1.1% rate

Time to Repay

12 years

total repaid: $31,818

Total Indexation

$6,818

added to your balance

Weekly

$16

Fortnightly

$32

Monthly

$68

Loan Balance Over Time

1
2
4
6
8
10
12
Balance
Indexation

Want to know your take-home pay after HELP repayments? Use our Pay Calculator and tick "HELP/HECS debt" to see the full picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are HELP repayments calculated in 2026-27?
Since 2025-26, HELP repayments use a marginal rate system, and the thresholds are indexed each year. For 2026-27, no repayment is required at or below $69,528. Between $69,529 and $129,717, you pay 15% on income above $69,528. Between $129,718 and $186,050, you pay $9,028 plus 17% on income above $129,717. From $186,051, you pay 10% of your total income. In 2025-26 the equivalent thresholds were $67,000, $125,000 and $179,286.
What is repayment income for HELP?
Repayment income is your taxable income plus any net investment losses, reportable fringe benefits, reportable super contributions, and exempt foreign employment income. It is not just your salary — the ATO uses a broader measure to determine your repayment obligation.
When are HELP repayments deducted?
Your employer withholds compulsory HELP repayments from each pay, similar to income tax. The actual repayment is assessed when you lodge your tax return. If your employer has withheld too much or too little, it is adjusted at tax time.
What is indexation and how does it affect my balance?
Each year on 1 June, the government applies indexation to your HELP balance based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This means your debt grows each year even as you make repayments. The indexation rate varies — it was 7.1% in 2023 and around 3-4% in typical years.
Can I make voluntary repayments to pay off my HELP debt faster?
Yes, you can make voluntary repayments at any time through myGov or by contacting the ATO. Voluntary repayments reduce your balance and therefore reduce the indexation charged. There is no minimum voluntary repayment amount. Note: the government removed the 5% bonus for voluntary repayments of $500+ from 1 January 2022.
What happens to my HELP debt if I go overseas?
If you move overseas, you are still required to make repayments. From 2017-18, Australian residents overseas must lodge a worldwide income return and make repayments based on their total worldwide income. Failure to lodge can result in penalties.

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