JobSeeker vs Youth Allowance 2026: Which Pays More?
Compare JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance side by side. See the March 2026 rates, eligibility, income tests, and which payment is right for you.
| JobSeeker Payment | Youth Allowance (Job Seeker) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fortnightly Rate | $762.70/fn (single, no children) | $462.50/fn (single, under 18, at home) |
| Who Is It For | People aged 22 to Age Pension age looking for work, or temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury. | Young people aged 16-21 looking for full-time work, or aged 16-24 if studying full-time or doing an apprenticeship. |
| Age Requirement | 22 to Age Pension age (currently 67) | 16 to 21 (job seeker) or 16 to 24 (student/apprentice) |
| Income Test | $150/fn free area, then 50c/$1 up to $256, then 60c/$1 above that. Partner income over $1,124/fn reduces by 60c/$1. | $150/fn free area, then 50c/$1 up to $256, then 60c/$1 above that. Parental income test may also apply if dependent. |
| Assets Test | Single homeowner: $301,750. Single non-homeowner: $543,750. Couple homeowner: $451,500. Couple non-homeowner: $693,500. | Same as JobSeeker: Single homeowner $301,750, single non-homeowner $543,750. |
| Work Requirement | Must actively look for work and meet mutual obligation requirements (points-based activation system). | Must actively look for work (job seeker stream) or study full-time (student stream). |
| Extras & Supplements | Energy Supplement $14.10/fn. Higher rate of $816.90/fn if aged 55+ (after 9 months) or single with dependent child. | Rates vary significantly by living situation: away from home $625.50/fn, with partner $625.50/fn. Parental income test applies if dependent. |
JobSeeker Payment
- Fortnightly Rate
- $762.70/fn (single, no children)
- Who Is It For
- People aged 22 to Age Pension age looking for work, or temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Age Requirement
- 22 to Age Pension age (currently 67)
- Income Test
- $150/fn free area, then 50c/$1 up to $256, then 60c/$1 above that. Partner income over $1,124/fn reduces by 60c/$1.
- Assets Test
- Single homeowner: $301,750. Single non-homeowner: $543,750. Couple homeowner: $451,500. Couple non-homeowner: $693,500.
- Work Requirement
- Must actively look for work and meet mutual obligation requirements (points-based activation system).
- Extras & Supplements
- Energy Supplement $14.10/fn. Higher rate of $816.90/fn if aged 55+ (after 9 months) or single with dependent child.
Youth Allowance (Job Seeker)
- Fortnightly Rate
- $462.50/fn (single, under 18, at home)
- Who Is It For
- Young people aged 16-21 looking for full-time work, or aged 16-24 if studying full-time or doing an apprenticeship.
- Age Requirement
- 16 to 21 (job seeker) or 16 to 24 (student/apprentice)
- Income Test
- $150/fn free area, then 50c/$1 up to $256, then 60c/$1 above that. Parental income test may also apply if dependent.
- Assets Test
- Same as JobSeeker: Single homeowner $301,750, single non-homeowner $543,750.
- Work Requirement
- Must actively look for work (job seeker stream) or study full-time (student stream).
- Extras & Supplements
- Rates vary significantly by living situation: away from home $625.50/fn, with partner $625.50/fn. Parental income test applies if dependent.
Which one should you choose?
If you are under 22 and looking for work, you will be on Youth Allowance — you do not get to choose. JobSeeker is only available from age 22. The key difference is the rate: JobSeeker pays significantly more ($762.70 vs $462.50–$625.50 depending on circumstances). If you are studying, Youth Allowance (student) may be more appropriate regardless of age up to 24. If you are 22–24 and studying, compare Austudy as well.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with Services Australia.