# response.md

**Minimum repayment income threshold (2025–26): $67,000**

This is the minimum repayment income (MRI) threshold below which no compulsory HELP/student loan repayment is required. From this threshold, the new marginal repayment system applies repayment rates only to the portion of repayment income that exceeds $67,000, rather than applying a single percentage to the whole of repayment income.

**Controlling authority: The Higher Education Support Act 2003 (Cth)**

The Higher Education Support Act 2003, administered by the Australian Taxation Office (in conjunction with the Department of Education), is the legislative authority governing the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), including HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, and the associated compulsory repayment thresholds and rates.