Income test for JobSeeker Payment

Your income can reduce how much we pay you.

How your income changes your payment

We use your and your partner’s fortnightly income to work out your payment.

If you get JobSeeker payment, and you don’t report it to us you may end up with an overpayment. You could get a debt.

If you’re single and not a principal carer

These are the income rules if you’re single and not a principal carer of a dependent child younger than 16.

Your income per fortnight Amount your payment reduces
Up to $150 $0
Over $150 50 cents for each dollar over $150 and $256 and 60 cents for each dollar over $256

If you’re single and a principal carer

These are the income rules if you’re single and a principal carer of at least one dependent child younger than 16.

Your income per fortnight Amount your payment reduces
Up to $150 $0
Over $150 40 cents for each dollar over $150

If you have a partner who gets a pension payment from us

Half of your combined income per fortnight Amount your payment reduces
Up to $150 $0
Over $150 50 cents for each dollar over $150 and $256 and 60 cents for each dollar over $256

If you have a partner who doesn't get a pension payment from us

How your income reduces your payment

Your income per fortnight Amount your payment reduces
Up to $150 $0
Over $150 50 cents for each dollar over $150 and $256 and 60 cents for each dollar over $256

How your partner's income reduces your payment

Your payment will generally reduce by 60 cents for each dollar of income your partner has over $1,124 per fortnight.

The point at which your payment reduces may be different depending on if your partner is either:

What the cut-off points are

If your income in a fortnight goes over specific cut-off points, we won’t pay you for that fortnight.

Your cut-off point may be higher if you get the Pharmaceutical Allowance or Rent Assistance.

Cut-off points per fortnight if you're single

Your situation The income cut off point
Single, no children. $1,217.00
Single, 60 or older, on a payment from us for at least 9 months continuously. $1,306.34
Single, principal carer of a dependent child younger than 16. $1,858.00
Single, principal carer of a dependent child younger than 16, no mutual obligation requirements. $2,321.00
Single, with a dependent child younger than 16, but not the principal carer. $1,296.00

Cut off points per fortnight if you’re partnered

Your situation The income cut off point

You have a partner who doesn’t get a pension.

$1,123.17 – your income

You have a partner who doesn’t get a pension and your income is less than $150.

$2,079.50 – your partner’s income

You have a partner who gets a pension.

$2,246.34 – combined income

Page last updated: 1 April 2021