JobSeeker Payment
Principal carer, mutual obligation exemption
Equivalent to approximately $74.26 per day ($1039.70 ÷ 14 days).
Principal carers with a mutual obligation exemption receive $1,039.70 per fortnight ($74.26 per day) — one of the highest JobSeeker rates. This rate applies when your caring responsibilities are assessed as making it unreasonable to look for work. JobSeeker is indexed twice a year — the next increase takes effect 20 March 2026.
Income Test
You can earn up to $150.00/fn before your payment reduces. The high disqualifying income of $2766.75/fn reflects the elevated rate for this circumstance.
| Income free area | $150.00/fn |
| Taper rate ($150.00–$256.00/fn) | 50¢ per $1 |
| Taper rate (above $256.00/fn) | 60¢ per $1 |
| Payment stops at | $2766.75/fn |
Other JobSeeker rates
Rates verified against the DSS A Guide to Australian Government Payments and Services Australia . Last verified: 2026-02-25. View DSS rate schedule →
General guidance only. Verify your entitlements with Services Australia on 132 300 or at servicesaustralia.gov.au .