HELP/HECS Debt Calculators
HELP/HECS Debt Calculators
Free HELP/HECS calculators: estimate repayments, see your payoff timeline, check your threshold rate, and compare voluntary repayment vs investing.
Compulsory Repayment
Current marginal thresholds and annual repayment
Open calculatorRepayment Schedule
Year-by-year repayment projection
Open calculatorIncome Threshold
ATO repayment rate lookup
Open calculatorVoluntary vs Invest
Pay off HELP or invest the money
Open calculatorCommon questions
How is HELP debt indexed?
Eligible accumulated HELP debt is indexed on 1 June using the lower of CPI or WPI. The 2026 rate was 2.8%. A voluntary repayment credited before 1 June reduces the balance indexed that year.
When do I have to start repaying HELP?
Compulsory repayments begin when your repayment income exceeds the minimum threshold ($69,528 for 2026-27). From 2025-26 the repayment is marginal — 15% of income above $69,528, rising to 17% above $129,717, and capped at a flat 10% of total income from $186,051.
Should I pay off HELP or invest?
HELP does not charge market interest, but it is indexed at the lower of CPI or WPI. Paying it down gives a certain saving at the applicable indexation rate; investing may return more but adds market, tax and liquidity risk. Prioritise higher-cost debt and an emergency buffer first.