JobSeeker Payment Rates 2026
JobSeeker Payment is the main income support payment for people who are between jobs, looking for work, or unable to do their usual work or study due to a temporary illness or injury. From 20 March 2026, the base rate is $808.70 per fortnight for a single person with no children.
Current JobSeeker Payment Rates
| Situation | Per Fortnight | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
Single, no children (22+) Base rate from 20 March 2026. Increased from $762.70. | $808.70 | $21,026 |
Single, with dependent children Higher rate for single parents on JobSeeker. | $866.00 | $22,516 |
Single, 55 or older (after 9 months) Higher rate for long-term recipients aged 55+. | $866.00 | $22,516 |
Partnered (each) Rate for each member of a couple. Effective 20 March 2026. | $740.60 | $19,256 |
Single, principal carer (exempt from mutual obligations) For principal carers who are exempt from mutual obligations. | $866.00 | $22,516 |
Rates effective 20 March 2026. Next indexation: 20 September 2026.
Eligibility
You must be between 22 and 66 years old (under 22 may qualify for Youth Allowance), be an Australian resident, meet the income test, and be actively looking for work or have a valid exemption.
Income Test
Free area (single): $150/fortnight
Payment reduces by 50c per dollar earned between $150–$256/fn, then 60c per dollar above $256/fn. Cuts out at approximately $1,368/fn for singles.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: Between 22 and Age Pension age (67). People aged 16–21 should apply for Youth Allowance instead
- Residency: Must be an Australian resident living in Australia
- Income test: Your income must be below the cut-off threshold
- Actively looking for work OR have a valid exemption (illness, injury, caring responsibilities)
- Must be registered with an employment services provider (if required)
- Must not be in full-time study (full-time students should apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy)
- Must not be receiving another income support payment
Key Facts at a Glance
About JobSeeker Payment
JobSeeker Payment (formerly Newstart Allowance) is Australia's primary unemployment benefit, providing financial support to working-age Australians who are between jobs or temporarily unable to work. Around 800,000 Australians receive JobSeeker at any given time.
Who is JobSeeker for? JobSeeker is for people aged 22 to 66 who are: • Unemployed and actively looking for work • Temporarily unable to work or study due to illness or injury • Affected by a major disaster • Providing care for an ill or injured person (short-term)
People under 22 may be better off applying for Youth Allowance. People aged 67 and over should apply for the Age Pension.
Mutual obligations Most JobSeeker recipients must meet mutual obligation requirements — activities they agree to do in exchange for their payment. These typically include: • Applying for a set number of jobs each month (usually 15–20) • Attending appointments with their employment services provider • Completing activities in their Job Plan (such as training, volunteering or work experience) • Reporting their income and job search activities each fortnight
Exemptions from mutual obligations are available for people who are temporarily ill, have caring responsibilities, are affected by a crisis, or have other valid circumstances.
The two-tier income test JobSeeker has a two-tier income test. Your payment reduces by 50 cents for every dollar you earn between $150 and $256 per fortnight, then by 60 cents for every dollar above $256 per fortnight. This means your payment cuts out completely at around $1,368 per fortnight for a single person with no children.
Waiting periods There are several waiting periods that may apply before you can receive JobSeeker: • Ordinary Waiting Period: 1 week for most new claimants • Income Maintenance Period: if you received a redundancy or leave payout, you may have to wait before payments start • Liquid Assets Waiting Period: if you have more than $5,500 in savings (single) or $11,000 (couple/family), you may have to wait up to 13 weeks • Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period: 4 years for new migrants (with some exceptions)
How to Apply
Apply through myGov. You will need to confirm your identity, provide your tax file number, and report any income. You must also register with an employment services provider.
- Create or log in to your myGov account and link Centrelink
- Select "Make a claim" and choose "JobSeeker Payment"
- Complete the online claim — have your tax file number, bank details and income information ready
- Attend a job seeker registration appointment (Centrelink will book this for you)
- Register with an employment services provider (such as Workforce Australia)
- Set up your fortnightly reporting — you must report your income every fortnight to keep receiving payments
- Apply as soon as possible — payments are generally not backdated
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is JobSeeker Payment in 2026?
From 20 March 2026, JobSeeker Payment is $808.70 per fortnight for a single person with no children aged 22 or over. Single people with dependent children, those aged 55+ after 9 months, and principal carers exempt from mutual obligations receive $866.00 per fortnight. Partnered recipients receive $740.60 per fortnight each.
What are the mutual obligations for JobSeeker?
Most JobSeeker recipients must actively look for work (typically 15–20 jobs per month), attend appointments with their employment services provider, and complete activities in their Job Plan. Exemptions apply for temporary illness or injury, caring for a sick person, domestic violence, natural disasters, and other circumstances. Your specific requirements depend on your situation and are set out in your Job Plan.
Can I work and still receive JobSeeker?
Yes. You can earn up to $150 per fortnight before your payment reduces. Above $150, your payment reduces by 50 cents for every dollar earned up to $256 per fortnight, then by 60 cents for every dollar above that. Your payment cuts out completely at around $1,368 per fortnight for a single person with no children. You must report all income every fortnight.
How long can I receive JobSeeker Payment?
There is no time limit on JobSeeker Payment as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements and mutual obligations. However, you must report your income and job search activities each fortnight. If your circumstances change (for example, you start full-time work or study, or you turn 67), your payment will stop.
What is the difference between JobSeeker and Youth Allowance?
JobSeeker Payment is for people aged 22 to 66 who are unemployed or temporarily unable to work. Youth Allowance (Jobseeker) is for people aged 16 to 21 who are looking for work. Youth Allowance also covers students and apprentices. The rates and income tests are similar, but the eligibility criteria differ.
Are there waiting periods for JobSeeker?
Yes. There is a 1-week Ordinary Waiting Period for most new claimants. If you received a redundancy payment or leave payout, an Income Maintenance Period may apply. If you have more than $5,500 in savings (single) or $11,000 (couple/family), a Liquid Assets Waiting Period of up to 13 weeks may apply. New migrants may face a 4-year Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period.
What happens if I miss a mutual obligation activity?
If you fail to meet a mutual obligation requirement without a reasonable excuse, Centrelink may apply a demerit point to your record. If you accumulate enough demerit points, your payment may be suspended or cancelled. You can avoid demerits by notifying your provider in advance if you cannot attend an appointment or complete an activity.
Can I study while receiving JobSeeker?
You can study part-time while receiving JobSeeker, as long as you are still meeting your mutual obligations (including job searching). If you want to study full-time, you should apply for Youth Allowance (if under 25) or Austudy (if 25 or over) instead, as these payments are specifically designed for students.
What is the JobSeeker income test for couples?
For partnered JobSeeker recipients, both partners' incomes are assessed. Each person has their own income free area of $150 per fortnight. However, if your partner earns above a certain threshold, it can affect your payment. Centrelink assesses the couple's combined income to determine each person's payment.
How do I report my income for JobSeeker?
You must report your income every fortnight through myGov, the Express Plus Centrelink app, or by calling Centrelink. You must report all income earned in the fortnight, including wages, self-employment income, and any other money received. Failing to report accurately can result in overpayments that you will need to repay.
Related Payments
Always verify current rates at the official Services Australia website.
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