JobSeeker Payment rate table 2026
JobSeeker Payment · Single, no dependent children
Basic rate per fortnight · $21,026.20 ≈ per year (×26 fortnights)
- Basic Rate
- $808.70
- Energy Supplement
- $8.80
- Total per fortnight
- $817.50
$817.50 total with Energy Supplement (paid automatically with this payment).
Effective 20 March 2026 · Source: DSS / Services Australia
Every JobSeeker Payment variant
| Variant | Base rate | Supplements | Total /fortnight | ≈ per year (×26) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no dependent children | $808.70 | $8.80 | $817.50 | $21,255 |
| Single, with dependent children | $866 | $9.50 | $875.50 | $22,763 |
| Single, principal carer of a dependent child | $866 | $16.50 | $882.50 | $22,945 |
| Single, principal carer, exempt from the activity test | $1,047.30 | $19 | $1,066.30 | $27,723.80 |
| Single, aged 55 or over (after 9 months on payment) | $866 | $16.50 | $882.50 | $22,945 |
| Single, partial capacity to work (0–14 hours) | $866 | $16.50 | $882.50 | $22,945 |
| Partnered (each) | $740.30 | $7.90 | $748.20 | $19,453.20 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — No dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — With dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Principal carer of a dependent child · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 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 March 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Aged 55 or over — After 9 months on payment · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Partial capacity to work 0-14 hours · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 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.
More on JobSeeker Payment
- JobSeeker Payment overviewRate, tests and calculator
- How much in 2026?The headline answer
- Income testHow earnings change it
- 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.