On this page
The repayment works in slices
Between $69,528 and $129,717, the repayment is 15% of the amount above $69,528. Above $129,717, an extra 17% applies to the next slice, until the repayment reaches 10% of total repayment income. The calculator applies the cap rather than leaving the bands to overlap.
The threshold and bands are indexed. Use the year selector if you are checking 2025-26 rather than the current 2026-27 year.
| Repayment income | How the repayment is worked out |
|---|---|
| Up to $69,528 | No compulsory repayment |
| $69,529 to $129,717 | 15% of the amount above $69,528 |
| Above $129,717 | First slice plus 17% of the next slice, capped at 10% of repayment income |
Salary is not always the repayment income
Repayment income can include taxable income, reportable fringe benefits, reportable super contributions, net investment losses and exempt foreign employment income. That is why reducing taxable salary does not always reduce your HELP bill.
Salary sacrificed into super is normally added back for HELP. A novated lease can also create a reportable benefit even if the benefit itself is exempt from fringe benefits tax. Enter the reported amount rather than assuming the lease payment is the add-back.
A family reduction can change the answer
Your repayment income can be above the HELP threshold and still have no compulsory repayment if you qualify for the low-income family Medicare levy reduction. The HELP law provides this exception. A Medicare exemption for another reason does not automatically have the same effect.
The family check uses your taxable income plus your partner's taxable income, along with eligible children. Enter partner taxable income separately from the partner income used for the surcharge test. The calculator assumes the family and child eligibility conditions are met for the full year.
For example, take an $80,000 salary, three eligible children and no partner income in 2026-27. With the standard work deduction, repayment income is $79,000 and HELP is $1,420.80. Sacrificing $5,000 into super keeps repayment income at $79,000 but lowers taxable income enough for the family Medicare reduction, so compulsory HELP becomes $0. This example uses the latest legislated Medicare thresholds and sufficient remaining study debt.
Check the final year of your loan
If your remaining debt is below the calculated annual repayment, enter the balance to cap the estimate. Keep the balance current and allow for indexation or other adjustments. This tool does not calculate loan indexation or voluntary repayment timing.
The extra tax your employer withholds for HELP is not itself a loan repayment credited on each payday. Your compulsory repayment is worked out through the tax return. A second job, bonus or investment income can make the final amount different from the payroll estimate.
Common questions
Does salary sacrifice to super reduce HELP repayments?
Usually it does not. Reportable salary sacrifice contributions are added back when repayment income is worked out, even though they reduce taxable income.
Why does my payslip HELP amount look different?
Payroll withholding is collected during the year. The final compulsory repayment uses full-year repayment income and is assessed at tax time. Bonuses, multiple jobs and other income can change it.
Sources you can check
Sources checked for this page on 2 October 2026. Statistics keep their own measurement dates.
- ATO: study and training loan repayment thresholds
- Higher Education Support Act: family HELP repayment exception
- ATO: Medicare levy reduction for low-income earners
- ATO: salary sacrificing super
- ATO: Australian resident income tax rates
- ATO: Medicare levy surcharge thresholds and rates
- Tax Reform Act 2026: standard work deduction
- Official 2026 indexed HELP repayment amounts