See how much JobSeeker Payment you'll get in a fortnight after your earnings, using Services Australia's income test from 20 September 2026.
Key facts
- From 20 September 2026 a single person with no children gets up to $824.90 a fortnight of JobSeeker plus $8.80 Energy Supplement.
- You can earn $150.00 a fortnight before JobSeeker reduces.
- Between $150.00 and $256.00 it reduces by 50 cents per dollar; above $256.00, by 60 cents per dollar.
- A single person with no children stops getting JobSeeker at $1,557.17 a fortnight of income.
- Rates change every 20 March and 20 September; the next change is 20 March 2027.
How it's worked out
- Start from the full rate for your situation plus Energy Supplement, and Pharmaceutical Allowance for the situations that get it.
- Take off 50 cents for each dollar of your income between $150.00 and $256.00, and 60 cents for each dollar above $256.00. Single principal carers lose 40 cents for each dollar over $150.00.
- For couples, also take off 60 cents for each dollar of your partner's income over their limit.
JobSeeker by fortnightly earnings
| Your income a fortnight | Single, no children | Partnered | Single, 55+ after 9 months | Single principal carer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | $833.70 | $763.00 | $899.80 | $899.80 |
| $150.00 | $833.70 | $763.00 | $899.80 | $899.80 |
| $200.00 | $808.70 | $738.00 | $874.80 | $879.80 |
| $256.00 | $780.70 | $710.00 | $846.80 | $857.40 |
| $300.00 | $754.30 | $683.60 | $820.40 | $839.80 |
| $400.00 | $694.30 | $623.60 | $760.40 | $799.80 |
| $500.00 | $634.30 | $563.60 | $700.40 | $759.80 |
| $600.00 | $574.30 | $503.60 | $640.40 | $719.80 |
| $800.00 | $454.30 | $383.60 | $520.40 | $639.80 |
| $1,000.00 | $334.30 | $263.60 | $400.40 | $559.80 |
| $1,200.00 | $214.30 | $143.60 | $280.40 | $479.80 |
| $1,400.00 | $94.30 | $23.60 | $160.40 | $399.80 |
JobSeeker with supplements a fortnight; partner income nil. Working credits and Rent Assistance aren't included.
Common questions
How much can I earn on JobSeeker?
$150.00 a fortnight without any reduction. After that JobSeeker reduces gradually and stops at $1,557.17 a fortnight for a single person with no children.
How much does JobSeeker reduce when I work?
By 50 cents for each dollar you earn between $150.00 and $256.00 a fortnight, and 60 cents for each dollar over $256.00.
Does my partner's income affect my JobSeeker?
Yes. If your partner isn't on a pension, your payment reduces by 60 cents for each dollar of their income over $1,440.00 a fortnight (lower limits if they're under 22).
What are working credits?
If you earn less than $48 a fortnight you build up working credits, which are used first in fortnights when you earn more, so you can keep more of your payment. The calculator doesn't include them.
Does the income test differ for single parents?
Yes. A single principal carer of a child under 16 loses 40 cents for each dollar over $150.00 a fortnight, and payment stops at $2,399.50.
See JobSeeker Payment rates and cut-offs and all Centrelink payment rates.
Source: Services Australia, How much JobSeeker Payment you can get, Income test for JobSeeker Payment Energy Supplement rates and Pharmaceutical Allowance. Checked 21 October 2026. An estimate only; Services Australia works out your actual payment.