JobSeeker Payment income test 2026
How much you can earn before JobSeeker Payment reduces, and how fast it tapers above the free area.
| 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), 1 July 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 | $1,530.17 /fortnight |
| Single — With dependent children | $1,626.84 /fortnight |
| Single — Principal carer of a dependent child | $2,356.25 /fortnight |
| Single — Principal carer of a dependent child, exempt from the activity test | $2,815.75 /fortnight |
| Single — Aged 55 or over — After 9 months on payment | $1,638.50 /fortnight |
| Single — Partial capacity to work 0-14 hours | $1,638.50 /fortnight |
| Partnered (each) | $1,414.67 /fortnight |
| Couple — Single income | $2,662 /fortnight |
| Situation | Partner income free area |
|---|---|
| Partner aged between 22 and Age Pension age | $1,415 /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 $1,530.17. Cut-offs for other situations are shown in the income test table on this page.
More on JobSeeker Payment
- JobSeeker Payment overviewRate, tests and calculator
- Full rate tableEvery variant
- CalculatorEstimate your payment
- Assets testLimits and free areas
Estimates and general information only — not financial advice. Check Services Australia for your circumstances.
Rates current as of 20 March 2026. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 17 July 2026.