HECS / HELP repayment calculator 2026-27
Work out your compulsory HELP repayment (HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and other study loans) for 2026-27 or 2025-26, what your employer withholds from each weekly, fortnightly or monthly pay, and roughly how long it will take to pay off your debt with indexation. It uses the ATO's marginal repayment system that started on 1 July 2025 and matches the ATO's own worked examples to the cent.
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CalculatorWorked examplesThresholdsIndexationFAQ
Worked examples (ATO, 2026-27)
These are the ATO's own examples for 2026-27. The calculator gives the same answers.
- Repayment income $86,380: ($86,380 − $69,528) × 15% = $2,527.80.
- Repayment income $137,064: $9,028 + ($137,064 − $129,717) × 17% = $9,028 + $1,248.99 = $10,276.99.
- Repayment income $254,780: over $186,050, so 10% of the whole amount = $25,478.
2025-26 example: repayment income $80,000. ($80,000 − $67,000) × 15% = $1,950.
Per pay, 2026-27: on $90,000 a year paid fortnightly ($3,461.54) with the tax-free threshold claimed, Schedule 8 adds $118 a fortnight for HELP. That's $3,068 over 26 pays, a little under the $3,070.80 you owe on the year. Your tax return squares it up.
Repayment thresholds
| Repayment income | 2026-27 repayment |
|---|---|
| $0 – $69,528 | Nil |
| $69,529 – $129,717 | 15c for each $1 over $69,528 |
| $129,718 – $186,050 | $9,028 plus 17c for each $1 over $129,717 |
| $186,051 and over | 10% of total repayment income |
| Repayment income | 2025-26 repayment |
|---|---|
| $0 – $67,000 | Nil |
| $67,001 – $125,000 | 15c for each $1 over $67,000 |
| $125,001 – $179,285 | $8,700 plus 17c for each $1 over $125,000 |
| $179,286 and over | 10% of total repayment income |
Repayment income = taxable income + reportable fringe benefits + total net investment loss + reportable super contributions + exempt foreign employment income. Salary sacrificing into super doesn't lower it.
Indexation
On 1 June each year, the ATO indexes any part of your debt that's more than 11 months old, at the lower of CPI and the wage price index. Recent rates: 2.8% (2026), 3.2% (2025), 4.0% (2024) and 3.2% (2023). The payoff estimate takes each year's repayments off first, then applies the indexation rate you choose. It also raises the thresholds by the same rate each year. Future rates aren't known, so treat the result as a rough guide.
The one-off 20% cut to study loan debts was applied in 2025, before that year's indexation. If your balance in myGov already shows it, enter that balance.
FAQ
How much HECS do I repay on $90,000?
For 2026-27, repayment income of $90,000 means a compulsory repayment of ($90,000 − $69,528) × 15% = $3,070.80. For 2025-26 it’s ($90,000 − $67,000) × 15% = $3,450.
What is the HECS repayment threshold for 2026-27?
You start repaying when your repayment income is over $69,528. You pay 15c for each dollar over that up to $129,717, then $9,028 plus 17c for each dollar over $129,717 up to $186,050. Above that, you repay 10% of your whole repayment income.
How much HECS comes out of my fortnightly pay?
Your employer adds an amount worked out with the ATO Schedule 8 formulas. For 2026-27, nothing is added on fortnightly pay under about $2,674 if you claim the tax-free threshold. The calculator shows the weekly, fortnightly and monthly amounts for your income.
Does salary sacrifice reduce my HELP repayment?
No. Reportable super contributions, including salary sacrifice, are added back into your repayment income, along with reportable fringe benefits and net investment losses.
When is HELP debt indexed?
On 1 June each year, on the part of the debt that’s more than 11 months old. The rate is the lower of CPI and the wage price index. It was 2.8% on 1 June 2026 and 3.2% on 1 June 2025.
Should I make voluntary HELP repayments?
Voluntary payments reduce the balance that gets indexed, but HELP charges no real interest beyond indexation. Many people prefer an offset account or super instead. The payoff estimate shows how much time and indexation extra payments save, so you can compare.
Was the 20% HELP debt cut applied?
Yes. Eligible study loan balances were cut by 20% based on the debt at 1 June 2025, applied before that year’s indexation. Your myGov balance should already show it.
Sources (checked 17 Oct 2026): ATO Study and training support loans rates and repayment thresholds; ATO Study and training support loans indexation rates; ATO Schedule 8: statement of formulas for study and training support loans components.
General information, not tax advice. Your actual repayment is worked out by the ATO when you lodge your tax return. Check your balance and details in myGov or with a registered tax agent.