How much is JobSeeker Payment in 2026?
JobSeeker Payment · Single, no dependent children
Basic rate per fortnight · $21,026.20 ≈ per year (×26 fortnights)
- Basic Rate
- $808.70
- Energy Supplement
- $8.80
- Total per fortnight
- $817.50
$817.50 total with Energy Supplement (paid automatically with this payment).
Effective 20 March 2026 · Source: DSS / Services Australia
The current maximum JobSeeker rate for a single person with no children is shown in the data block above, effective 20 March 2026. It is paid every two weeks.
That figure is the maximum before any income test reduction. If you or your partner earn income over the free area, your payment is lower. The next increase is on 20 September 2026.
JobSeeker Payment rates in full
| Variant | Base rate | Supplements | Total /fortnight | ≈ per year (×26) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no dependent children | $808.70 | $8.80 | $817.50 | $21,255 |
| Single, with dependent children | $866 | $9.50 | $875.50 | $22,763 |
| Single, principal carer of a dependent child | $866 | $16.50 | $882.50 | $22,945 |
| Single, principal carer, exempt from the activity test | $1,047.30 | $19 | $1,066.30 | $27,723.80 |
| Single, aged 55 or over (after 9 months on payment) | $866 | $16.50 | $882.50 | $22,945 |
| Single, partial capacity to work (0–14 hours) | $866 | $16.50 | $882.50 | $22,945 |
| Partnered (each) | $740.30 | $7.90 | $748.20 | $19,453.20 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — No dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — With dependent children · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Principal carer of a dependent child · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Principal carer of a dependent child, exempt from the activity test due to foster caring, non‑parent relative caring under a court order, home schooling, distance education or large family · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Aged 55 or over — After 9 months on payment · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Single — Partial capacity to work 0-14 hours · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — JobSeeker Payment — Partnered (each)
More on JobSeeker Payment
- JobSeeker Payment overviewRate, tests and calculator
- Full rate tableEvery variant
- CalculatorEstimate your payment
How much is JobSeeker Payment: common questions
- How much is JobSeeker per fortnight?
- The maximum JobSeeker rate for a single person with no children is $817.50 a fortnight, effective 20 March 2026. Single parents, single principal carers and people aged 55 or over after nine months on payment are paid more. Partnered people are paid a lower rate each. The full table on this page lists every rate.
- How much can I earn before JobSeeker reduces?
- You can earn up to $150 a fortnight before your payment starts to reduce. Above that, it reduces by 50 cents in the dollar in the first band, then 60 cents in the dollar higher up. For a single person with no children, JobSeeker reduces to zero once income reaches $1,530.17 a fortnight.
- When does JobSeeker go up next?
- JobSeeker is indexed on 20 March and 20 September each year. The next increase is on 20 September 2026. New rates are published just before each date, and this page updates to match.
- Does JobSeeker include the Energy Supplement?
- Yes. The Energy Supplement is paid automatically with JobSeeker and is included in the totals shown on this page. It appears as a separate line from the basic rate because it is frozen: it has stayed at the same amount since it was introduced, so it does not rise at indexation.
- What is the Working Credit on JobSeeker?
- Working Credit builds up when your income is low and lets you keep more of your payment when you later earn more, up to your credit balance. It is meant to make it easier to take on short-term or casual work without losing your whole payment straight away. Services Australia tracks your Working Credit balance for you.
- Is JobSeeker taxable?
- Yes, JobSeeker Payment is taxable income and is included in your tax return. Whether you actually pay tax depends on your total income for the year. You can ask Services Australia to take tax out of your payments if you want to.
Estimates and general information only — not financial advice. Check Services Australia for your circumstances.
Rates current as of 20 March 2026. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 17 July 2026.