JobSeeker: rates and income tests

From 20 September 2026, maximum base fortnightly rates are $824.90 for a single person without children, $883.30 for a single person with children or a single person aged 55 or over after 9 continuous months on income support, and $755.10 for a partnered person. Supplements and special categories can change payments.

How earnings affect the estimate

For most recipients the first $150 per fortnight is income-free. Earnings from $150 to $256 reduce the payment by 50 cents per dollar; earnings above $256 reduce it by 60 cents. A single principal carer of a child under 16 generally has a 40-cent taper above $150 instead. The calculator’s single-with-children option assumes this principal-carer category.

A single recipient without children earning $350 per fortnight has a reduction of $53 + ($350 − $256) × 60% = $109.40. The estimated base payment is $715.50, excluding supplements and Working Credit.

Partner income and waiting periods

The model assumes a non-pensioner partner aged 22 to Age Pension age. Partner income over $1,440 per fortnight reduces the estimate by 60 cents per dollar. Different partner categories use different rules.

A liquid-assets waiting period may start at $5,500 for a single person without dependants, or $11,000 for a couple or single person with dependants. The period can be 1–13 weeks; exemptions may apply. Assets, residence, other waiting periods, Working Credit, Rent Assistance and Energy Supplement are not assessed here.

Consult Services Australia rates, income tests and waiting periods. Use the JobSeeker calculator for an estimate under these assumptions.