JobSeeker Payment Calculator
Estimate your fortnightly Centrelink JobSeeker Payment under the current rates and income test — including partner income and your cut-off point
Your Situation
Employment and other assessable income paid to you in the last 14 days, before tax.
Rates as at 20 March 2026 — indexed every 20 March and 20 September.
Estimate
Estimated JobSeeker Payment
per fortnight (maximum basic rate $808.70)
Your Income Reduction
From your fortnightly income
Income Free Area
Earn this much with no reduction
Your Cut-Off Income
Your fortnightly income at which the basic payment reaches $0
How the reduction was worked out
- • First $150.00/fn of your income: no reduction
- • $150.00–$256.00: 50c per dollar
- • Over $256.00: 60c per dollar
Estimate only. This models the maximum basic rate and income test as at 20 March 2026. It does not model the assets test, waiting periods, the Energy Supplement (~$8.80/fn for singles), Rent Assistance, Working Credit, or partners who receive a pension or are under 22 — so Services Australia's published cut-off points are slightly higher than shown here. Use the official Services Australia payment and service finder for an authoritative figure.
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Frequently asked questions
How does the JobSeeker income test work?
You can earn up to $150 per fortnight with no reduction. Between $150 and $256, your payment reduces by 50 cents for every extra dollar; above $256 it reduces by 60 cents per dollar. Single principal carers of a dependent child under 16 instead lose a flat 40 cents per dollar over $150. You must report your income each fortnight, and the reduction is recalculated every payment period.
When do JobSeeker rates change?
Rates are indexed twice a year, on 20 March and 20 September, in line with movements in the cost of living. This calculator uses the rates that took effect on 20 March 2026 — for example $808.70 per fortnight for a single with no children.
Does my partner’s income affect my payment?
Yes. If your partner is aged 22 to Age Pension age and doesn’t receive a pension, their income over $1,415.00 per fortnight reduces your payment by 60 cents per dollar. Different thresholds apply if your partner is under 22, and combined-income rules apply if they receive a pension.
What else can reduce or stop my JobSeeker Payment?
The assets test can make the payment not payable regardless of income, waiting periods can delay it (such as the liquid assets waiting period or an income maintenance period after a redundancy payout), and failing mutual obligation requirements can suspend it. JobSeeker Payment is also taxable income.
Is this calculator’s result my actual payment?
No — it is an estimate of the maximum basic rate after the income test only. It doesn’t model the assets test, waiting periods, the Energy Supplement, Rent Assistance, or Working Credit. Use Services Australia’s own payment and service finder, or your Centrelink online account, for an authoritative figure.