The figures below are drawn from the most recent ANZ/Westpac family money surveys combined with the long-standing $1-per-year-of-age benchmark. They represent a reasonable middle ground — not what the highest-paying families give, not the minimum.
Pocket money chart by age (2025)
| Age | Low end | Suggested | High end | Monthly equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | $2/wk | $4/wk | $5/wk | ~$17 |
| 6 | $3/wk | $5/wk | $7/wk | ~$22 |
| 7 | $4/wk | $6/wk | $8/wk | ~$26 |
| 8 | $5/wk | $7/wk | $9/wk | ~$30 |
| 9 | $6/wk | $9/wk | $12/wk | ~$39 |
| 10 | $8/wk | $10/wk | $15/wk | ~$43 |
| 11 | $8/wk | $12/wk | $18/wk | ~$52 |
| 12 | $10/wk | $13/wk | $20/wk | ~$56 |
| 13 | $12/wk | $15/wk | $25/wk | ~$65 |
| 14 | $15/wk | $20/wk | $30/wk | ~$87 |
Notes on the chart
These are weekly figures. Some families pay fortnightly or monthly — just multiply accordingly.
The "Suggested" column is the midpoint between typical Australian family surveys and the $1/year rule. It's a sensible default.
"High end" doesn't mean wrong. Some families in higher-cost cities (Sydney, Melbourne) or with higher household incomes pay toward the top of the range. If the amount doesn't create real spending decisions, it's too high.
These don't account for what the money covers. A $10/week allowance that includes school canteen is different from $10/week of pure fun money. If your pocket money covers some regular expenses, scale up accordingly.
By age group — what changes
5–7: Learning the concept
Small amounts, paid consistently, with one or two pockets at most. The goal isn't to build a savings habit yet — it's to understand that money is finite and choices have consequences.
8–10: Building habits
Enough money to create genuine choices. Two pockets (spending and saving) with a short-term savings goal. Some families introduce a "giving" pocket here.
11–14: Approaching independence
Pocket money may start covering previously-parent-paid items: school outings, clothing, transport. This is intentional — expanding responsibility increases engagement with money management.
How often should you review?
Once a year — birthday is a natural moment since the age steps up anyway.
When something changes — new school year, new city, new expenses the child is expected to cover.
After a sustained period of inflation — if you haven't adjusted since 2022, your child's pocket money has lost around 15–18% of its purchasing power.
Pocket money calculator
Rather than using a fixed chart, some families set pocket money as a percentage of their weekly grocery budget (typically 1–2%). This naturally adjusts for cost of living without needing a manual review.
For a family spending $300/week on groceries:
- 1% = $3 per child
- 1.5% = $4.50 per child
It's an unconventional approach, but it creates an automatic cost-of-living adjustment.
Track every pocket with one free app.
Happy Pocket lets you set amounts, schedule weekly payments, and let kids see their balance — no bank account needed.
Get started — it's free →Printable chart
Save or screenshot the table above for the fridge. The key numbers to remember:
- Under 8: $3–$7/week
- 8–10: $7–$12/week
- 11–14: $12–$20/week
These are guides. The right amount for your child is the one that creates genuine financial decisions without creating financial stress.