JobSeeker Income Test — How Much Can You Earn on JobSeeker? (2026)

The JobSeeker income test reduces your payment as you earn more from work. Understanding how it works helps you plan your work hours and know exactly how much you will receive when you combine JobSeeker with employment income.

How the Income Test Works

JobSeeker uses a two-rate taper:

This means that for every dollar you earn above $150/fortnight, your JobSeeker reduces — but you still come out ahead by working more. You never “lose” money by working.

Worked Examples

Example 1 — Low casual income

Maximum JobSeeker (single, under 60): ~$776/fortnight Casual earnings: $200/fortnight

Example 2 — Part-time work

Maximum JobSeeker (single): ~$776/fortnight Part-time earnings: $500/fortnight

Income Cut-Off

JobSeeker reduces to nil when fortnightly income reaches approximately $1,368 (single, no children). Above this, you are not entitled to a payment for that fortnight — but you remain enrolled in JobSeeker and can receive payment again in a future fortnight if income drops.

Note: the exact cut-off depends on your personal circumstances — partnered status, dependants, and other factors.

What Counts as Income

The following are counted in the income test:

• Gross wages from employment (before tax)
• Self-employment income (net of allowable business expenses)
• Income from casual, part-time, or contract work
• Some other regular income

Not counted:

• Child support received
• Family Tax Benefit
• Certain scholarships
• Payments from this claim (JobSeeker itself)

The Employment Income Nil Rate Period

If your income exceeds the cut-off in a given fortnight, your payment is reduced to zero for that fortnight — but you are not cancelled. This is called the Employment Income Nil Rate Period.

This is important because:

• You can keep your concession cards for up to 2 fortnights during the nil rate period
• If your income drops again in subsequent fortnights, you can receive payment without re-applying
• You must still report your income every fortnight even when receiving nothing

How to Report Your Income

You must report your fortnightly income to Services Australia, even if you earned nothing. Options:

1. myGov online — via the Centrelink section
2. Express Plus Centrelink app (mobile app)
3. Reporting line: 133 276 (automated phone service)

Your report is due by your reporting day — the day shown in your Centrelink letter. Late or missing reports can delay payment.

Partnered Recipients

If you have a partner, their income also affects your JobSeeker payment. The combined income test applies a different free area and taper rate to the couple’s combined income. Even if your partner is working full-time, you may still be eligible for a reduced JobSeeker payment if your partner’s income is below the cut-off threshold.

FAQ

Does it pay to work more while on JobSeeker? Yes — you always receive more total income by working more. The income test reduces your JobSeeker but you keep at least 40 cents of every dollar earned above the lower threshold (once the higher taper applies). Working more hours always increases your total income.

How does JobSeeker interact with casual or variable income? You report actual income each fortnight based on what was paid to you in that period. Variable income can cause your JobSeeker to fluctuate. You should report even if your income was zero.

Can I receive JobSeeker while self-employed? Yes — if your net business income (revenue minus allowable expenses) falls below the income test threshold. Self-employment can be complex to assess; contact Services Australia for a formal assessment.

See also: JobSeeker Payment Guide | Centrelink Payments Overview

For advice or help with Centrelink assessments, contact a social worker or the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007 — free).