HECS-HELP Repayment Calculator
Work out your compulsory HELP repayment and how long the debt takes to clear. Since 2025-26 repayments are marginal - calculated only on income above the threshold - which is far gentler than the old system where crossing a threshold applied a rate to your whole income.
Your details
Rates and thresholds change every 1 July.
Indexed each 1 June to the lower of CPI and WPI.
Repayment income
Salary sacrifice counts towards HELP repayment income.
| Taxable income | $90,000 |
| Reportable fringe benefits | — |
| Reportable super contributions | — |
| Repayment income | $90,000 |
| Compulsory repayment | $3,071 |
| As a share of income | 3.41% |
| Repayment per fortnight | $118.11 |
| Current balance | $25,000 |
| Total indexation over the life | $4,435 |
| Total repaid | $29,435 |
| Year | Indexation added | Repayment | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $800 | $3,071 | $22,729 |
| Year 2 | $727 | $3,071 | $20,386 |
| Year 3 | $652 | $3,071 | $17,967 |
| Year 4 | $575 | $3,071 | $15,471 |
| Year 5 | $495 | $3,071 | $12,896 |
| Year 6 | $413 | $3,071 | $10,238 |
| Year 7 | $328 | $3,071 | $7,494 |
| Year 8 | $240 | $3,071 | $4,663 |
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Frequently asked questions
Why is my repayment income higher than my taxable income?
Repayment income adds back reportable fringe benefits, reportable employer super contributions, total net investment losses and exempt foreign income. This is why salary sacrificing into super does not reduce a HELP repayment - it comes straight back into the calculation.
Is it worth making voluntary repayments?
HELP is interest-free, so it only grows by indexation - currently well below most loan rates. Paying it off early is effectively earning a return equal to the indexation rate. If you have a mortgage or credit card charging more than that, those come first. The one real consideration is borrowing capacity: lenders treat the compulsory repayment as a commitment, so clearing it can improve what you can borrow.
What changed with marginal repayments?
Under the old system, crossing a threshold applied a single percentage to your entire income, so a $1 pay rise could cost hundreds. From 2025-26 the repayment applies only to income above the threshold, removing that cliff. The top band is still a flat percentage of total income, so one cliff remains at the very top.
General advice warning: This calculator provides general information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not personal credit or financial advice.
Results are estimates based on the inputs and assumptions shown. Any interest rate used is an example and is not an offer of credit. Speak to a licensed credit representative before acting on these figures.