HECS-HELP Repayment Calculator
Estimate how long it could take to pay off your HECS-HELP debt, based on your salary, expected indexation, and any extra voluntary repayments.
Your details
Estimated time to pay off your HECS-HELP debt
15 years
Starting debt
$24,000
Total repayments
$35,778
Total indexation added
$11,778
Repayment thresholds and rates shown are indicative figures based on recent ATO HECS-HELP schedules and are not updated automatically. They change each financial year, so confirm current thresholds at ato.gov.au. This calculator gives an estimate only and is not financial or tax advice.
How to use this calculator
- 1. Enter your current HECS-HELP debt balance and your current annual salary before tax.
- 2. Enter the salary growth and indexation rates you expect, and any extra voluntary repayments you plan to make.
- 3. The calculator applies each year's indexation and compulsory repayment (based on ATO income thresholds) to project when your debt could be paid off.
FAQ
How is my compulsory HECS-HELP repayment calculated?
Since the 2025–26 income year, HELP repayments are calculated on a marginal basis: nothing is owed below the minimum threshold, then set rates apply only to the portion of your income above it, with a cap so your total repayment never exceeds 10% of your income. This replaced the older system, which applied a single rate to your entire income once a threshold was crossed. This calculator uses recent indicative thresholds, so always check ato.gov.au for the current year's figures.
What is indexation, and why does my debt grow?
HECS-HELP debt is indexed each year, generally in line with either inflation or wage growth (whichever is lower, under rules introduced in 2023). This means your remaining balance can increase even while you're making repayments, especially early on when your debt is large.
Does making voluntary repayments help?
Yes. Voluntary repayments reduce your debt directly, which means less of it is exposed to indexation the following year. This calculator lets you add a voluntary amount per year to see the effect on your payoff timeline.
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Disclaimer
Repayment thresholds, rates and indexation figures used in this calculator are indicative and based on recent published ATO schedules. They are updated by the government each financial year and may not reflect the current year. This tool provides estimates only and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Confirm current thresholds at ato.gov.au or speak with a registered tax agent.