JobSeeker Payment rates 2026
JobSeeker Payment · Single, no dependent children
Basic rate per fortnight · $21,447.40 ≈ per year (×26 fortnights)
- Basic Rate
- $824.90
- Energy Supplement
- $8.80
- Total per fortnight
- $833.70
$833.70 total with Energy Supplement (paid automatically with this payment).
Effective 20 September 2026 · Source: DSS / Services Australia · What changed on 20 September 2026
JobSeeker Payment is income support for people who are looking for work, or who are temporarily unable to work because of an illness or injury. It is for people aged 22 up to Age Pension age. It is paid by Services Australia through Centrelink.
Most people check this page to see how much JobSeeker pays and how much they can earn before it reduces. The figures here are the rates effective 20 September 2026. They change at indexation, and the next change is on 20 March 2027.
Full JobSeeker Payment rate table
| Variant | Base rate | Supplements | Total /fortnight | ≈ per year (×26) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no dependent children | $824.90 | $8.80 | $833.70 | $21,676.20 |
| Single, with dependent children | $883.30 | $9.50 | $892.80 | $23,212.80 |
| Single, principal carer of a dependent child | $883.30 | $16.50 | $899.80 | $23,394.80 |
| Single, principal carer, exempt from the activity test | $1,068.20 | $19.00 | $1,087.20 | $28,267.20 |
| Single, aged 55 or over (after 9 months on payment) | $883.30 | $16.50 | $899.80 | $23,394.80 |
| Single, partial capacity to work (0–14 hours) | $883.30 | $16.50 | $899.80 | $23,394.80 |
| Partnered (each) | $755.10 | $7.90 | $763.00 | $19,838 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — No dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — With dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Principal carer of a dependent child · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Principal carer of a dependent child, exempt from the activity test due to foster caring, non‑parent relative caring under a court order, home schooling, distance education or large family · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Aged 55 or over — After 9 months on payment · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Partial capacity to work 0-14 hours · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Partnered (each)
The table below shows every JobSeeker rate. There is a different basic rate depending on your situation: single with no children, single with a dependent child, a single principal carer, single and aged 55 or over after nine months on payment, or partnered. A single parent who is the principal carer is paid more than a single person with no children.
Each total includes an Energy Supplement, and single principal carers also receive a small Pharmaceutical Allowance. The Energy Supplement is paid automatically with JobSeeker, so you do not claim it separately. It is shown as its own line because it works differently from the basic rate: it has been frozen at the same amount since it was introduced, so it does not rise at indexation.
What changed on 20 September 2026
| Rate | Before 20 September 2026 | From 20 September 2026 | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no dependent children | $817.50 | $833.70 | +$16.20 | +1.98% |
| Single, with dependent children | $875.50 | $892.80 | +$17.30 | +1.98% |
| Single, principal carer of a dependent child | $882.50 | $899.80 | +$17.30 | +1.96% |
| Single, principal carer, exempt from the activity test | $1,066.30 | $1,087.20 | +$20.90 | +1.96% |
| Single, aged 55 or over (after 9 months on payment) | $882.50 | $899.80 | +$17.30 | +1.96% |
| Single, partial capacity to work (0–14 hours) | $882.50 | $899.80 | +$17.30 | +1.96% |
| Partnered (each) | $748.20 | $763.00 | +$14.80 | +1.98% |
- On 20 September 2026, JobSeeker Payment, single, no dependent children, rose $16.20, or 1.98%, from $817.50 to $833.70.
- Across the 7 rates in the table, the rise ranged from 1.96% to 1.98%.
- JobSeeker Payment, single, no dependent children, pays up to $833.70 a fortnight, $404.00 (32.64%) less than the single Age Pension at $1,237.70.
JobSeeker Payment in 2026
| Rate | Before | 1 January 2026 | 20 March 2026 | 1 July 2026 | 20 September 2026 | 2026 change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no dependent children | $802.40 | — | $817.50 | — | $833.70 | +$31.30 (+3.90%) |
| Single, with dependent children | $859.40 | — | $875.50 | — | $892.80 | +$33.40 (+3.89%) |
| Single, principal carer of a dependent child | $866.40 | — | $882.50 | — | $899.80 | +$33.40 (+3.86%) |
| Single, principal carer, exempt from the activity test | $1,046.70 | — | $1,066.30 | — | $1,087.20 | +$40.50 (+3.87%) |
| Single, aged 55 or over (after 9 months on payment) | $866.40 | — | $882.50 | — | $899.80 | +$33.40 (+3.86%) |
| Single, partial capacity to work (0–14 hours) | $866.40 | — | $882.50 | — | $899.80 | +$33.40 (+3.86%) |
| Partnered (each) | $734.40 | — | $748.20 | — | $763.00 | +$28.60 (+3.89%) |
- JobSeeker Payment, single, no dependent children, rose $31.30 (3.90%) across 2026, from $802.40 to $833.70: $15.10 on 20 March 2026 and $16.20 on 20 September 2026.
How much JobSeeker Payment pays
The maximum JobSeeker rate for a single person with no children is shown in the data block above, effective 20 September 2026. It is paid every two weeks.
That figure is the maximum before any income test reduction. If you or your partner earn income over the free area, your payment is lower. The next increase is on 20 March 2027.
| Situation | Income a fortnight | Rent a fortnight | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no children, no other income | $0 | — | $833.70 a fortnight |
| Single, no children, with income | $300 | — | $754.30 a fortnight |
| Single, no children, renting (includes Rent Assistance) | $0 | $450 | $1,052.85 a fortnight |
| Partnered, no income (each) | $0 | — | $763.00 a fortnight |
| Partnered, with own income | $300 | — | $683.60 a fortnight |
| Partnered, own income nil, partner earns $2,000 | $0 | — | $427.00 a fortnight |
Assets under the limit. Incomes are per fortnight. Rent Assistance uses the single, no-children rate.
- Earning $300 a fortnight cuts the single rate to $754.30, $79.40 less than the maximum of $833.70.
- A partner earning $2,000 a fortnight reduces a partnered rate of $763.00 to $427.00, $336.00 less than with no partner income.
JobSeeker Payment income test
| Fortnightly income | Effect on your payment |
|---|---|
| Up to $150 | No reduction (this is the income free area) |
| $150 to $256 | Reduces by 50c for each dollar over $150 |
| $256 and above | Reduces by 60c for each dollar over $256 |
Source: Services Australia, A guide to Australian Government payments (CO029), 20 September 2026 edition — Income test for JobSeeker Payment (free area and taper bands)
| Applies to | Free area | Reduction above the free area |
|---|---|---|
| Single principal carers | $150 | 40c per dollar |
| Situation | Payment reduces to nil at |
|---|---|
| Single — No dependent children | $1,557.17 /fortnight |
| Single — With dependent children | $1,655.67 /fortnight |
| Single — Principal carer of a dependent child | $2,399.50 /fortnight |
| Single — Principal carer of a dependent child, exempt from the activity test | $2,868 /fortnight |
| Single — Aged 55 or over — After 9 months on payment | $1,667.34 /fortnight |
| Single — Partial capacity to work 0-14 hours | $1,667.34 /fortnight |
| Couple — Single income | $2,711.67 /fortnight |
| Partnered (each) | $1,439.34 /fortnight |
| Situation | Partner income free area |
|---|---|
| Partner aged between 22 and Age Pension age | $1,440 /fortnight |
| Partner aged under 22 — No dependent children | $1,307 /fortnight |
| Partner aged under 22 — With dependent children | $1,402 /fortnight |
The income test has a fortnightly income free area of $150. You can earn up to that amount and still get the full rate. Above the free area, your payment reduces in two steps: 50 cents for each dollar in the first band, then 60 cents for each dollar above the higher point. The 50 cent rate only applies to the slice inside the first band, never to your whole income.
Single principal carers have a gentler income test. Their payment reduces by 40 cents for each dollar over the free area, with no second band.
Job seekers can build up a Working Credit when their income is low. The credit lets you keep more of your payment when you later earn more, up to your credit balance. If you have a partner, their income can also reduce your payment once it passes the partner income free area.
For a single person with no children, the payment reduces to zero once fortnightly income reaches $1,557.17. Cut-offs for other situations are shown in the income test table on this page.
Where JobSeeker Payment stops
| Situation | Income free area | Payment reaches $0 at | DSS figure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no dependent children | $150 | $1,557.17 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Single, with dependent children | $150 | $1,655.67 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Single, principal carer of a dependent child | $150 | $2,399.50 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Single, principal carer, exempt from the activity test | $150 | $2,868.00 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Single, aged 55 or over (after 9 months on payment) | $150 | $1,667.34 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Single, partial capacity to work (0–14 hours) | $150 | $1,667.34 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Partnered (each) | $150 | $1,439.34 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
| Partnered: partner's income, own income nil | $1,440 | $2,711.67 a fortnight | Matches the DSS limit |
Rounded up to the cent, as DSS rounds its limits.
- Single, no dependent children: the payment reaches $0 at $1,557.17 a fortnight of income, $1,407.17 more than the $150.00 income free area.
- The cut-out for partnered (each), $1,439.34, is $117.83 lower than for single, no dependent children, $1,557.17.
JobSeeker Payment assets test
| Situation | Assets free area |
|---|---|
| Single — Homeowner | $333,000 |
| Couple (combined) — Homeowner | $499,000 |
| Single — Non-homeowner | $600,000 |
| Couple (combined) — Non-homeowner | $766,000 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 July 2026 — Allowances (JobSeeker Payment, Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance, Austudy) — Assets limits
Allowance payments are not paid at a reduced rate under the assets test — payment is nil once assets exceed the limit.
| Situation | Assets limit |
|---|---|
| Single — Homeowner | $333,000 |
| Couple (combined) — Homeowner | $499,000 |
| Single — Non-homeowner | $600,000 |
| Couple (combined) — Non-homeowner | $766,000 |
JobSeeker also has an assets test, but it works as a hard limit rather than a gradual reduction. If your assets are under the limit you can be paid, subject to the income test. If your assets are over the limit, you are not paid, no matter how low your income is.
The home you live in is not counted, and the limit is higher for non-homeowners than for homeowners. The asset limits are shown on this page.
- The single homeowner limit of $333,000 is $267,000 lower than the non-homeowner limit of $600,000; over the limit the payment is nil.
Estimate your JobSeeker Payment
Before tax, per fortnight.
Estimated JobSeeker payment
$833.70per fortnight
- ≈ per year (×26 fortnights) $21,676.20
How this is worked out
What this means
JobSeeker is paid every two weeks. The total you see is the maximum for your situation. The totals include an Energy Supplement, and single principal carers also get a small Pharmaceutical Allowance, so the total for a parent is higher than the basic rate alone.
The Energy Supplement comes with the payment automatically; there is nothing extra to claim. It is frozen, though: it has stayed at the same amount since it was introduced, so when JobSeeker is indexed, only the basic rate rises and the Energy Supplement line stays the same.
JobSeeker is a working-age allowance. Allowances are adjusted once or twice a year by the Consumer Price Index only. Pensions use a different method that also checks wages, which is why pensions have risen faster than JobSeeker over time.
The next indexation is on 20 March 2027. On that date the basic rates change and this page updates to match.
Who can get JobSeeker Payment
Services Australia assesses JobSeeker on your age, your residence status, your income and assets, and whether you meet the activity or mutual obligation rules, such as looking for work or taking part in an approved activity. People who are temporarily unable to work because of a medical condition may qualify under different rules.
This page reports the rates and the test rules. It does not decide your claim. For the eligibility rules that apply to your own situation, check the official JobSeeker page linked at the top and bottom of this page.
Related
- JobSeeker Payment vs Age PensionSide by side at three incomes
- JobSeeker Payment vs Youth Allowance (job seekers)Side by side at three incomes
- JobSeeker Payment vs Parenting Payment (single)Side by side at three incomes
- JobSeeker Payment vs Disability Support PensionSide by side at three incomes
- 20 September 2026 indexationEvery payment, old against new
- Payment dates 2026Cycles and public holidays
JobSeeker Payment: common questions
- How much is JobSeeker per fortnight?
- The maximum JobSeeker rate for a single person with no children is $833.70 a fortnight, effective 20 September 2026. Single parents, single principal carers and people aged 55 or over after nine months on payment are paid more. Partnered people are paid a lower rate each. The full table on this page lists every rate.
- How much can I earn before JobSeeker reduces?
- You can earn up to $150 a fortnight before your payment starts to reduce. Above that, it reduces by 50 cents in the dollar in the first band, then 60 cents in the dollar higher up. For a single person with no children, JobSeeker reduces to zero once income reaches $1,557.17 a fortnight.
- When does JobSeeker go up next?
- JobSeeker is indexed on 20 March and 20 September each year. The next increase is on 20 March 2027. New rates are published just before each date, and this page updates to match.
- Does JobSeeker include the Energy Supplement?
- Yes. The Energy Supplement is paid automatically with JobSeeker and is included in the totals shown on this page. It appears as a separate line from the basic rate because it is frozen: it has stayed at the same amount since it was introduced, so it does not rise at indexation.
- What is the Working Credit on JobSeeker?
- Working Credit builds up when your income is low and lets you keep more of your payment when you later earn more, up to your credit balance. It is meant to make it easier to take on short-term or casual work without losing your whole payment straight away. Services Australia tracks your Working Credit balance for you.
- Is JobSeeker taxable?
- Yes, JobSeeker Payment is taxable income and is included in your tax return. Whether you actually pay tax depends on your total income for the year. You can ask Services Australia to take tax out of your payments if you want to.
Estimates and general information only — not financial advice. Check Services Australia for your circumstances.
Rates effective 20 September 2026 · next scheduled indexation 20 March 2027. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 23 September 2026.