JobSeeker Income Test Calculator
Calculate how your income affects your JobSeeker payment.
How the Income Test Works
JobSeeker payments are subject to an income test. This means your payment may be reduced based on how much you earn from work or other income sources.
Current Income Test Thresholds (Updated September 2025)
🎉 UPDATED: JobSeeker base rates increased September 20, 2025. Calculator reflects latest payment rates!
Fortnightly Income Limits
- $150 - You can earn up to this amount per fortnight without affecting your payment
- Above $150 - Your payment reduces by 50 cents for every dollar earned
- Above $256 - Your payment reduces by 60 cents for every dollar earned
New JobSeeker Base Rates (September 20, 2025)
- Single (22+): $793.60/fortnight (+$12.50 increase)
- Single with children: $849.90/fortnight (+$13.40 increase)
- Partnered: $726.50/fortnight each (+$11.40 increase)
- Principal Carer: $1,027.70/fortnight (+$16.20 increase)
Partner Income Test
If you have a partner, their income may also affect your payment:
- Partner can earn up to $1,194 per fortnight before it affects your payment (updated)
- Above this amount, your payment reduces
Interactive Calculator
JobSeeker Payment Estimator
Your Estimated Payment
Additional Support Available:
- • Rent Assistance: Up to $389.40/fortnight
- • Health Care Card: Free/discounted healthcare
- • Energy Supplement: $14.10/fortnight
* Estimates based on maximum payment rates as of August 2025
* Actual payments depend on individual circumstances
* Income and partner income tests apply
For official calculations: Use the Payment and Service Finder or call Services Australia on 132 850
Important Information
What Counts as Income
- Wages and salary
- Self-employment income
- Investment income
- Other Centrelink payments
- Foreign pensions
- Compensation payments
What Doesn’t Count
- Some exempt lump sum payments
- Some family assistance payments
- Certain compensation payments
Getting Help
For personalized advice about your JobSeeker payment:
- Services Australia: 132 850
- Online account: myGov
- Local service center: Find your nearest center online
JobSeeker Payment FAQ
Common questions about JobSeeker payment calculations and income testing
How to Calculate Your JobSeeker Payment
Step-by-step guide to calculating your estimated JobSeeker payment using income test rules
What You'll Need
- Your fortnightly income amount
- Partner's income (if applicable)
- Current JobSeeker rates
Tools Required
- JobSeeker calculator
- Calculator or notepad
Step-by-Step Instructions
Determine your base payment rate
Find your base JobSeeker rate based on your age and relationship status. Single (22+): $793.60, Single with children: $849.90, Partnered: $726.50 each.
Calculate your income reduction
If you earn over $150/fortnight: subtract $150 from your income, multiply by 0.5 for amounts up to $256, then multiply excess by 0.6.
Apply partner income test
If partnered and partner earns over $1,194/fortnight, additional reductions may apply to your payment.
Calculate final payment
Subtract income reductions from your base rate to get your estimated fortnightly JobSeeker payment.
Consider additional supplements
Add any eligible supplements like Rent Assistance or Energy Supplement to your final payment amount.
You've successfully completed this guide. If you need additional help, check our other resources or contact support.
Payment rates current as of September 20, 2025. This calculator provides estimates only. For official calculations, contact Services Australia on 132 850 or use the Payment and Service Finder on their website.