25/05/2026
Should you clear your child’s HECS-HELP debt before June 1st?
With the upcoming 2.8% indexation deadline fast approaching, many Australian parents are weighing whether to make a voluntary repayment on behalf of their children.
While the psychological win of helping your child enter adulthood debt-free is a powerful motivator, the math doesn't always make it the obvious choice.
On one hand, dropping cash into their HECS balance before June 1st wipes out that portion of the debt before the annual indexation hits. It can also significantly boost their borrowing capacity if they are looking to step onto the property ladder soon, as lenders heavily factor HECS liabilities into mortgage serviceability.
On the other hand, HECS remains a highly flexible, income-contingent debt. The opportunity cost of using that cash could be substantial. If you have a mortgage offset account saving you a much higher interest rate, or if you could redirect those funds into long-term wealth creation, the money might work significantly harder for your family elsewhere.
Ultimately, it isn't about whether HECS is good or bad debt—it’s about aligning the move with your broader family cash flow and investment strategy.
Are you looking to help your kids clear their student loans before June, or are you prioritising other assets right now? Let’s discuss in the comments.