HECS/HELP Calculator Australia — Repayment, Thresholds & Strategy
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Your HELP debt
Set your current HELP balance and study status.
HELP balance$30,000
$1,000$200,000
Study status
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is HELP debt different from a regular loan?
- HELP debt has no interest rate. Instead, the balance is indexed annually by CPI (Consumer Price Index). Repayments are compulsory and based on a percentage of your income, not a fixed monthly amount.
- When do I start repaying my HELP debt?
- Compulsory repayments begin once your income exceeds the minimum repayment threshold, which is $54,435 for 2024-25. The repayment is collected through the tax system.
- Should I make voluntary HELP repayments?
- Since 2017, there is no bonus or discount for voluntary repayments. Whether to pay voluntarily depends on comparing the CPI indexation rate against potential investment returns.