JobSeeker Payment Australia — Rates, Eligibility and Income Test (2026)
This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed financial adviser. Learn more.
Contents
JobSeeker Payment is the main income support payment for Australians of working age who are looking for work or unable to work temporarily due to illness or injury. It is administered by Services Australia.
Key Takeaways
- Eligibility age: 22 to Age Pension age (67) — people aged 16–21 may be eligible for Youth Allowance
- Rate (FY2025–26): approximately $776/fortnight (single, under 60, no children)
- You must satisfy mutual obligation requirements — job search activities, reporting, and potential “work for the dole”
- Subject to both an income test and an assets test
- People aged 55–59 and 60+ who have been on JobSeeker for 9+ months have reduced mutual obligation requirements
JobSeeker Payment Rates (FY2025–26)
Rates are indexed in March and September. As of March 2026:
| Status | Fortnightly rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Single, no children, under 60 | ~$776 |
| Single, no children, 60+ (after 9 months) | ~$830 |
| Single, with dependent children | ~$840 |
| Single, 22–25 (living at home) | ~$593 |
| Partnered (each person) | ~$703 |
These are maximum rates — your payment may be reduced under the income test. Always check current rates at servicesaustralia.gov.au.
Eligibility
To receive JobSeeker Payment, you must:
- Be aged 22 to 67 (pension age) — 16–21 year olds may be eligible for Youth Allowance
- Meet Australian residence requirements (Australian citizen or permanent resident, living in Australia)
- Be unemployed, or unable to work or study temporarily due to illness, or undertaking approved activities
- Meet the income and assets tests
- Satisfy mutual obligation requirements
You may also be eligible if you are self-employed but your business income is below the threshold.
Income Test
JobSeeker reduces by different rates depending on your fortnightly income:
| Fortnightly income | Effect on payment |
|---|---|
| $0 – ~$150 (free area) | No reduction |
| ~$150 – $256 | Reduces by $0.50 per dollar |
| Above ~$256 | Reduces by $0.60 per dollar |
| Above cut-off (~$1,368) | No payment |
Note: thresholds vary based on your family situation. Check servicesaustralia.gov.au for the most current figures.
Assets Test
| Status | Asset limit |
|---|---|
| Single (non-homeowner) | ~$318,000 |
| Single (homeowner) | ~$268,000 |
| Couple (non-homeowner, combined) | ~$432,000 |
| Couple (homeowner, combined) | ~$382,000 |
Assets above these limits make you ineligible for JobSeeker.
Assets counted include: bank accounts, shares, investment properties, vehicles, and real estate. Your primary home is exempt.
Mutual Obligation Requirements
To receive JobSeeker, you must meet mutual obligation requirements — actively engaging in job search and other approved activities.
Standard requirements (under 55, job seeker)
- Apply for a certain number of jobs per month (typically 10–15 per month, varies by region and provider)
- Attend appointments with your employment services provider
- Complete any approved activities assigned to you
- Report earnings and changes in circumstances fortnightly
Providers
Centrelink connects job seekers with Workforce Australia providers (formerly jobactive). These are private or not-for-profit organisations that help you find work.
Work for the Dole
Depending on your age, time on payment, and local labour market, you may be required to participate in Work for the Dole — unpaid community-based activities to maintain work skills and habits.
Reduced requirements
| Group | Reduced obligation |
|---|---|
| Aged 55–59, 9+ months on payment | Volunteer or part-time work/study accepted |
| Aged 60+, 9+ months on payment | Further reduced; community service accepted |
| Temporary illness or injury | Reduced or suspended during incapacity |
| Carer responsibilities | Modifications to requirements |
Waiting Periods
There are several waiting periods that may delay your first payment:
- Ordinary Waiting Period: 1 week for most people
- Liquid Assets Waiting Period: if you have readily available savings above $5,500 (single) or $11,000 (couple), you may need to wait before payment starts — up to 13 weeks
- Income Maintenance Period: if you have received a redundancy payout or termination payment, this is taken into account and can delay payment
- Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period: 4 years for recent migrants (some exceptions apply)
How to Apply
- Log in to myGov (my.gov.au) → Centrelink → Apply for payment
- Select JobSeeker Payment and follow the online claim process
- You will be asked to provide ID, bank account details, and information about your income and assets
- Services Australia will advise you of any waiting periods
- You will be referred to an employment services provider
You can also call Services Australia on 132 850.
FAQ
Can I get JobSeeker if I quit my job voluntarily? Generally, yes — but you may face an 8-week non-payment period (the “voluntary unemployment penalty”) if Services Australia determines you left work without a valid reason. Valid reasons include domestic violence, workplace harassment, or unreasonable working conditions.
Can I receive JobSeeker and work casually? Yes. JobSeeker allows you to work some hours — your payment reduces under the income test as you earn more. Once your income exceeds the cut-off, no payment is made for that fortnight.
How long can I receive JobSeeker? There is no time limit on JobSeeker in Australia — you can receive it as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and mutual obligation requirements.
What if I become ill while on JobSeeker? If you are temporarily ill or injured and unable to meet your mutual obligation requirements, you may be able to have those requirements suspended. For longer-term conditions, you may need to move to a different payment such as the Disability Support Pension.
See also: Centrelink Payments Guide | Disability Support Pension | Youth Allowance
For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a social worker or financial counsellor. Free help is available via the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007).