JobSeeker vs Parenting Payment
JobSeeker and Parenting Payment can both support a parent, but they are not the same. Parenting Payment is for principal carers of a young child. JobSeeker is the general working-age payment, and a single parent on JobSeeker is paid the with-children or principal carer rate.
For a single parent, the difference matters, because the single Parenting Payment is paid at a higher rate and has a gentler income test than JobSeeker. This page explains the comparison.
| Payment | Maximum a fortnight, incl. supplements | Basic rate | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| JobSeeker PaymentSingle, no dependent children | $833.70 | $824.90 | 20 September 2026 |
| Parenting Payment (single)Single principal carer | $1,087.20 | $1,037.50 | 20 September 2026 |
At three incomes
| Income | JobSeeker Payment | Parenting Payment (single) | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250 | $783.70 | $1,080.24 | −$296.54 |
| $500 | $634.30 | $980.24 | −$345.94 |
| $1,000 | $334.30 | $780.24 | −$445.94 |
- Parenting Payment (single) pays $1,080.24 at $250 of income, $296.54 more than JobSeeker Payment ($783.70).
- Parenting Payment (single) pays $980.24 at $500 of income, $345.94 more than JobSeeker Payment ($634.30).
- Parenting Payment (single) pays $780.24 at $1,000 of income, $445.94 more than JobSeeker Payment ($334.30).
- JobSeeker Payment stops at $1,557.17 a fortnight of income, $1,393.43 lower than the $2,950.60 at which Parenting Payment (single) stops.
The key differences
Who it is for: Parenting Payment is for principal carers of a young child; JobSeeker is the general working-age payment.
Rate: the single Parenting Payment is paid at a higher, pension-style rate; JobSeeker, even at the with-children rate, is lower.
Income test: the single Parenting Payment has a higher free area and a gentler 40 cent taper; JobSeeker reduces by 50 then 60 cents in the dollar.
Child age: Parenting Payment is only paid while your youngest child is under the age set by the rules; after that you may move to JobSeeker.
Partnered version: Parenting Payment partnered is paid at the allowance rate, the same as partnered JobSeeker, so the advantage is mainly for single parents.
Index dates: both the single Parenting Payment and JobSeeker change on 20 March and 20 September.
Who gets more
For a single parent, Parenting Payment single pays more than JobSeeker. It has a higher base rate, it adds a Pension Supplement basic amount and a Pharmaceutical Allowance, and its income test lets you keep more of your payment while you work part time. The rate table on this page shows both totals, with their effective dates.
For a partnered parent, the picture is different. Parenting Payment partnered is paid at the same allowance rate as partnered JobSeeker, so there is little rate difference. The main advantage of Parenting Payment is for single principal carers.
See each payment in full
Common questions
- Is Parenting Payment more than JobSeeker for a single parent?
- Yes. Parenting Payment single is paid at a higher, pension-style rate with extra supplements, and it has a gentler income test than JobSeeker. A single parent generally gets more on Parenting Payment single than on JobSeeker. The rate table on this page shows both.
- What happens when my youngest child gets older?
- Parenting Payment is only paid while your youngest child is under the age set by the rules. When your child reaches that age, you may move to another payment such as JobSeeker, usually at the principal carer or with-children rate. Check the official pages for the child-age limits that apply to you.
Figures include every indexation up to 20 September 2026; each shows the date it took effect. Next scheduled indexation 20 March 2027. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 23 September 2026.