Homelessness Australia calls for increased support for young people in federal budget

How far can anyone stretch $13 in a single day? Key points: A new study has found youth support incomes have increased by 10 per cent over the past two years, while rents have soared by 24 per cent on average The Australian Council of Social Services has called on the government to increase income support payments for young people to at least $73 a day Nearly 40,000 children and young Australians receive homeless services on an annual basis without an adult present That is what renters on youth allowance and the Commonwealth rental payment are forced to contemplate every day, according to new analysis from Homelessness Australia. Calls for higher youth payments A Homelessness Australia study found youth support incomes have increased by 10 per cent over the past two years, while rents have soared by 24 per cent on average for a two-bedroom flat. The Australian Council of Social Services has called on the government to increase income support payments for young people to at least $73 a day, nearly double the current rate of $40. "When young people can't control where they are living due to unaffordable rents, we see them ending up in really dangerous situations where they might have to couch surf or sleep rough," she says.