How Much Is JobSeeker Payment (Single Parent / Principal Carer) in 2026?
Current fortnightly rate for a single parent or principal carer, including supplements, income test, and assets test thresholds. Updated for March 2026 indexation.
Per Fortnight
$831.00
Per Week
$415.50
Per Month
$1,800.50
Per Year
$21,606.00
Payment Components
Base rate$816.90
Energy Supplement$14.10
Total per fortnight$831.00
Income Test
Income free area$150.00 per fortnight
Payment cuts out at approx$1,617.00/fn
Between $150 and $256 per fortnight, your payment reduces by 50 cents for every dollar earned. Above $256, it reduces by 60 cents per dollar.
Assets Test Thresholds
| Situation | Homeowner | Non-Homeowner |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $301,750.00 | $543,750.00 |
| Couple (combined) | $451,500.00 | $693,500.00 |
The assets test is a hard cutoff — if your assets exceed the limit, you receive $0. Your home is not counted as an asset.
Supplements Included
- ✓Energy Supplement ($14.10/fn)
Additional Payments You Might Get
- +Rent Assistance (up to $184.80/fn if renting)
- +Pharmaceutical Allowance ($6.60/fn)
- +Family Tax Benefit Part A and Part B
Eligibility Quick-Check
- •Aged 22 to Age Pension age
- •Single parent or principal carer of a dependent child
- •Child aged 8-15 (if younger, Parenting Payment Single may apply)
- •Australian resident
- •Meet mutual obligation requirements (reduced for principal carers)
Want to see your exact payment based on your income and assets?
Use the JobSeeker Payment CalculatorCompare Other Payment Rates
JobSeeker Payment (Single, No Children)JobSeeker Payment (Partnered)Youth Allowance (Single, 18+, Living at Home)Youth Allowance (Single, Away From Home)Age Pension (Single)Age Pension (Couple, Each)Parenting Payment Single (PPS)Parenting Payment Partnered (PPP)Disability Support Pension (Single)Disability Support Pension (Couple, Each)Carer Payment (Single)Carer Payment (Couple, Each)Austudy
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with Services Australia.