JobSeeker Payment 2026: Rates, Eligibility, and How the Income Test Works

JobSeeker Payment is the main income support payment for working-age Australians who are unemployed or unable to work due to illness or injury. As of March 2026, the rates are:

Single, no children: $762.70 per fortnight. Single, aged 55+ with 9+ months on payment: $816.90 per fortnight. Single, with a dependent child: $816.90 per fortnight. Partnered: $697.50 per fortnight each. Single principal carer (single parent whose youngest child is over 8): $816.90 per fortnight.

These rates are indexed every March and September. On top of the base rate, you may also receive the Energy Supplement ($9.30/fortnight for singles), Pharmaceutical Allowance ($6.40/fortnight for singles), and potentially Commonwealth Rent Assistance of up to $188.20/fortnight if you're renting privately. Use our JobSeeker Calculator to estimate your total entitlement.

To receive JobSeeker Payment you must: be aged 22 or over (under 22, you'd claim Youth Allowance); be under Age Pension age (currently 67); be an Australian resident; not be studying full-time; be unemployed or temporarily unable to work due to a medical condition; and satisfy the income and assets tests. For the medical stream (Provisional JobSeeker), you need to have a medical certificate from a GP confirming a temporary incapacity of up to 13 weeks.

You don't need to have worked previously — there's no employment history requirement. New arrivals may face a waiting period (the Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period of up to 4 years), though humanitarian visa holders and certain other categories are exempt. If you've recently left a job voluntarily or were dismissed for misconduct, you may face a 4-week Unemployment Non-Payment Period.

The JobSeeker income test allows you to earn some income while still receiving a reduced payment. The key thresholds as of March 2026 are:

You can earn up to $150 per fortnight without any reduction. Between $150 and $256 per fortnight, your payment reduces by 50 cents per dollar of income over $150. Above $256 per fortnight, your payment reduces by 60 cents per dollar. The payment cuts out entirely at approximately $1,381 per fortnight for a single person with no children.

You must report your income to Centrelink every fortnight, even if it's zero. Failure to report on time can result in payment suspension. Report via the Express Plus Centrelink app or the self-service phone line on 133 276. Working while on JobSeeker is always financially beneficial — the taper rate means you always keep at least 40 cents of every additional dollar earned.

JobSeeker recipients must meet 'mutual obligations' — activities that demonstrate you're actively looking for work or working toward employment. Under the Points Based Activation System (PBAS), you must earn 100 points per month. Applying for a job earns 5 points, attending a job interview earns 10 points, and completing training earns points proportional to the hours. At least 20 points must come from job applications.

You'll be connected with Workforce Australia (for most job seekers) or a specialist employment services provider. Your Job Plan outlines your specific obligations. After 12 months, requirements may increase, potentially including Work for the Dole (15–25 hours/week for eligible cohorts). Reasonable excuses for non-compliance include illness, caring responsibilities, or family emergencies — always notify your provider and Centrelink as soon as possible if you can't meet an obligation.

How long can I receive JobSeeker? There's no time limit on JobSeeker Payment as long as you remain eligible and meet your obligations. Some waiting periods apply at the start (Liquid Assets Waiting Period, unemployment non-payment period), but ongoing payment continues until you find work, become ineligible, or reach pension age.

Can I get JobSeeker if I'm self-employed? Yes. Self-employment income is assessed under the income test. You must still meet mutual obligations. Centrelink assesses net business income (revenue minus allowable business expenses) rather than gross revenue.

What is the assets test for JobSeeker? For a single homeowner, assets must be below $301,750. For a single non-homeowner, below $543,750. For couples (homeowner combined), below $451,500. Your family home is not counted as an asset.

Can my partner's income affect my JobSeeker? Yes. If you have a partner, their income is included in the assessment. If your partner earns above about $1,176 per fortnight, your payment may be reduced or cease. Use our Centrelink Partner Income Test calculator.

What happens if I lose my job tomorrow — how quickly can I get JobSeeker? Apply on the day you lose your job or the day after. Processing takes 2–6 weeks. A Liquid Assets Waiting Period applies if you have savings above $5,500 (single). Your start date is generally the day you claim, not the day your application is processed.