JobSeeker Payment Guides — Rates, Eligibility and Income Test

JobSeeker Payment is the main income support payment for working-age Australians who are unemployed or temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury. It replaced the previous Newstart Allowance in March 2020 and is administered by Services Australia (Centrelink) under the Social Security Act 1991.

JobSeeker provides a fortnightly payment to eligible Australians while they look for work or recover from illness. It is subject to an income test and assets test, and most recipients must meet ongoing mutual obligation requirements to maintain their payment.

Who Is Eligible for JobSeeker

To be eligible for JobSeeker Payment, you must meet all of the following criteria:

Age: Aged 22 or over and below Age Pension age (currently 67). Australians aged 16–21 who are unemployed or looking for work should apply for Youth Allowance instead.

Residency: Be an Australian resident and physically present in Australia. Some temporary visa holders are not eligible.

Employment situation: Be unemployed and looking for work, or temporarily unable to work due to an illness or injury (with a medical certificate).

Income test: Your income (and in some cases your partner’s income) must fall below the threshold at which the payment cuts out.

Assets test: Your assessable assets must fall below the relevant threshold.

Mutual obligation: Unless exempt, you must agree to and fulfil a set of job search and participation activities (mutual obligation requirements).

Exemptions from mutual obligation

Some groups may be temporarily or permanently exempt from mutual obligation requirements:

• People with a partial capacity to work (assessed by a Job Capacity Assessment)
• Principal carers of a child under 6 years old
• People experiencing domestic violence
• People experiencing major personal crisis (bereavement, homelessness, etc.)
• People with a medical certificate indicating temporary incapacity

JobSeeker Fortnightly Rates (FY2025–26)

JobSeeker rates are adjusted twice yearly — in March and September — in line with movements in the Consumer Price Index. The following rates are current as at March 2026:

Always verify current rates at Services Australia as rates change.

The base rate was the subject of significant public debate for many years as advocates argued it was inadequate relative to the cost of living. The rate was increased by $50 per fortnight in April 2021 — the first real increase in approximately 25 years — and a further $92.10 per fortnight increase was implemented in September 2023.

The JobSeeker Income Test

You can earn income from part-time or casual work while receiving JobSeeker, but your payment reduces as your income increases.

How the income test works

Under the income test, there is an “income-free area” — a fortnightly income amount that does not reduce your payment. Above this amount, the payment reduces at a set taper rate.

The payment cuts out entirely once employment income reaches an upper threshold. For a single person with no children, the cut-out point is approximately $1,400–$1,600 per fortnight depending on the payment rate.

Other income that affects JobSeeker

The income test applies to more than just wages:

• Investment income (interest, dividends, rental income)
• Income from a business
• Regular maintenance payments
• Deemed income from financial assets above the deeming threshold

Partner income is also assessed — if you have a partner, their income reduces your payment through a separate taper rate.

Reporting income

All income must be reported fortnightly to Centrelink via the myGov app, Express Plus Centrelink app, or phone. Centrelink matches income data with the ATO, so unreported income is typically detected. Overpayments must be repaid, and deliberate non-disclosure is a criminal offence.

The JobSeeker Assets Test

The assets test applies alongside the income test. If your assessable assets exceed the relevant threshold, your payment may be reduced or stopped.

Assets test thresholds (2026):

Thresholds are indexed and change periodically. Check Services Australia for current figures.

Assets that are assessed include savings accounts, shares, vehicles, managed funds, investment property and most other financial assets.

Assets that are generally exempt include:

• Your principal home (where you live)
• Superannuation of a person who has not yet reached Age Pension age (note: this exemption applies for JobSeeker; super does not count as an asset while below preservation age)
• Funds received as compensation for personal injury (to the extent they are held in a special purpose account)

Mutual Obligation Requirements

Unless exempt, all JobSeeker recipients must meet mutual obligation requirements — a set of activities agreed with an employment services provider that demonstrate active job seeking and participation.

What mutual obligation typically involves

• Job searches — a required number of job applications per month (typically 15 for most recipients). The number can vary based on your circumstances.
• Employment services provider meetings — regular appointments with your Workforce Australia provider or jobactive provider (depending on your situation). These may be in person, online or by phone.
• Approved activities — participation in training courses, work experience, community volunteering, or other approved activities that improve employability.

Compliance and sanctions

Failure to meet mutual obligation requirements — missing appointments, failing to apply for the required number of jobs, or refusing suitable work — can result in:

• A payment reduction for the first breach
• Suspension of payment for subsequent breaches
• Suspension periods increase with repeated non-compliance

Recipients can challenge compliance decisions through Centrelink’s internal review process and, if needed, through the Administrative Review Tribunal (formerly the AAT).

How to Apply for JobSeeker

Applications are made through myGov, linked to a Centrelink account.

Steps to apply:

1. Create a myGov account and link it to Centrelink (or use your existing account)
2. Complete the online claim form — you’ll need details of income, assets, residency, employment history and medical situation if applicable
3. Provide any required supporting documents (payslips, bank statements, medical certificates if claiming due to illness)
4. Wait for a decision — Centrelink aims to process claims within 21 days
5. Set up income reporting on fortnightly basis

Apply as soon as you become unemployed — the payment start date is generally the date of your claim, not the date it’s assessed. If you delay applying, you lose entitlement for the period before you lodged the claim.

JobSeeker and Superannuation

Receiving JobSeeker does not affect your superannuation balance — super is not assessed as an asset for working-age Centrelink payments. You cannot access your superannuation while receiving JobSeeker (except in limited circumstances through the severe financial hardship provisions).

You can apply to access super under severe financial hardship if you have been receiving a Centrelink payment continuously for 26 weeks and cannot meet reasonable and immediate family living expenses. This is a last-resort measure and should only be considered with financial counselling advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work part-time and still receive JobSeeker? Yes. The income test allows you to earn up to $150 per fortnight without any reduction. Above $150, the payment tapers — you don’t lose the whole payment immediately. Many recipients work part-time hours and receive a partial payment.

Does JobSeeker affect my credit score? No. Centrelink payments are not reported to credit bureaus and do not affect your credit score.

Can I receive JobSeeker while studying? Generally not. Full-time students aged 16–24 should apply for Youth Allowance; students aged 25+ should apply for Austudy. JobSeeker is not generally available for full-time students. Part-time students may be eligible depending on their circumstances.

What is the difference between JobSeeker and Youth Allowance (Jobseeker stream)? Youth Allowance has a separate stream for job seekers aged 16–21. The rules and rates are slightly different. JobSeeker is for those aged 22 and over. The application process is similar — both are through myGov.

How long can I receive JobSeeker? There is no maximum duration for JobSeeker Payment. You can receive it for as long as you remain eligible — that is, as long as you are below Age Pension age, meet the income and assets tests, and fulfil your mutual obligation requirements.

Guides in This Section

• JobSeeker Payment — Complete Guide
• JobSeeker Income Test — How Much Can You Earn?

Services Australia can assist with eligibility enquiries. For financial advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser or a free financial counsellor via the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007).

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