JobSeeker Payment
JobSeeker Payment is the main Australian government income support payment for working-age people who are unemployed or temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury. It is paid fortnightly by Services Australia.
To receive JobSeeker you must be aged 22 or over, satisfy a residence test, and pass both an income test and an assets test. Most recipients also have mutual obligation requirements — regular job search activities, appointments, or approved training. The fortnightly rate you receive depends on your personal circumstances.
Current rates by circumstance
Which rate applies to you?
Single, no children
The standard rate for single people without dependent children. This is the most common JobSeeker circumstance.
Single, with children / Principal carer
A higher rate applies if you have a dependent child. Single, with children covers situations where you share care. Principal carer applies when you are the primary carer — your mutual obligation requirements are reduced to part-time activities.
Principal carer, mutual obligation exemption
The highest JobSeeker rate. Applies to principal carers who have a temporary exemption from mutual obligation requirements — for example, because their youngest child is under school age or they are experiencing a personal crisis.
Single, 55 or older
The same fortnightly rate as single with children, but with a higher income cut-off before the payment stops. Recipients aged 55 and over also have more flexibility in how they meet mutual obligations.
Partial capacity to work or temporary incapacity
Applies if a medical condition limits your ability to work. Centrelink assesses your work capacity — if you can work between 15 and 29 hours per week, you receive this rate with reduced mutual obligation requirements.
Partnered
A lower rate applies when you have a partner. Centrelink takes both partners' income into account when assessing eligibility — your partner's earnings may reduce or cancel your payment even if you have none of your own.
Income test
JobSeeker uses a two-tier income taper. You can earn a small amount each fortnight before your payment reduces. Once you pass the upper threshold, your payment reduces more steeply and eventually cuts out entirely. The exact thresholds vary by circumstance — see the rate page for your situation, or use the calculator to enter your income and see your estimated payment.
Source: DSS A Guide to Australian Government Payments, verified February 2026. Next update: 20 March 2026.