- Published on
JobSeeker Payment Rates & Income Test Taper Guide (2026–27)
- Authors
- Name
- Charlotte Smith
- https://x.com/CharlotteSmithAU
JobSeeker Payment Rates & Income Test Taper Guide (2026–27)
The JobSeeker Payment is the primary financial safety net for Australians aged 22 to Age Pension qualification age who are looking for work, undertaking approved training, or temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury.
Administered by Services Australia through Centrelink, JobSeeker payments are indexed twice yearly (in March and September) to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and living costs.
This guide provides an up-to-date breakdown of 2026–27 payment rates, how extra employment income reduces your fortnightly payment (income test tapers), assets test limits, and the Working Credit system.
1. Maximum JobSeeker Payment Rates (Per Fortnight)
JobSeeker payment amounts depend on your relationship status, whether you have dependent children, and your living arrangements:
| Circumstance / Living Situation | Maximum Fortnightly Payment (incl. Energy Supplement) |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | Up to ~$771.50 per fortnight |
| Single, with dependent child(ren) | Up to ~$833.20 per fortnight |
| Single, aged 55+ (after 9 continuous months on payment) | Up to ~$833.20 per fortnight |
| Partnered (each member of couple) | Up to ~$704.70 per fortnight |
| Single, principal carer exempt from mutual obligations | Up to ~$987.70 per fortnight |
Eligible recipients may also receive Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA), boosting total fortnightly support by up to ~$188.20 for singles living in private rental housing.
2. The Income Test & Taper Rates
You can work part-time or casual shifts while receiving JobSeeker. However, income earned above the Income Free Area reduces your payment according to the statutory taper rates:
Income Taper Rules for Single JobSeekers:
- Income up to $150 per fortnight: $0 reduction (Income Free Area). You keep 100% of your JobSeeker payment.
- Income between $150 and $256 per fortnight: Your payment reduces by 50 cents for each dollar over $150.
- Income above $256 per fortnight: Your payment reduces by 60 cents for each dollar over $256.
- Cut-Off Point: For a single person with no children, your JobSeeker payment reaches $0 when your gross income exceeds ~$1,440 per fortnight (~37,440/yr).
Partner Income Test:
If you have a partner who works, their gross income also affects your payment. Generally, your payment begins reducing once your partner's fortnightly income exceeds ~$1,270.
3. The Working Credit Scheme
To encourage job seekers to take on casual or seasonal work without immediately losing their payment, Centrelink provides a Working Credit bank:
- You accumulate 1 credit for every dollar your income is below $150 per fortnight (up to a maximum balance of 1,000 Working Credits).
- When you start working, each Working Credit offsets $1 of employment income before the standard income test applies.
- Having 1,000 Working Credits allows you to earn an extra $1,000 in wages without your JobSeeker payment being reduced by a single cent!
4. The Assets Test Thresholds (2026–27)
To qualify for JobSeeker, the total value of your personal assets (excluding your primary residence/home) must be below statutory limits:
- Single Homeowner: Assets up to ~$301,750
- Single Non-Homeowner: Assets up to ~$543,750
- Couple Homeowners (combined): Assets up to ~$451,500
- Couple Non-Homeowners (combined): Assets up to ~$693,500
5. Calculate Your JobSeeker Payment & Eligibility
Check your eligibility, test part-time work tapers, and model your net income using our free tools:
- JobSeeker Payment Calculator — Calculate your exact payment after part-time casual wages.
- Centrelink Eligibility Checker — Check qualifying rules across Australian safety net programs.
- Cost of Living Calculator — Model essential household budgets across Australian cities.